Toddlers under two years old have really can’t eat large amounts of food all at once, so small meals with healthy snacks in between are required. The toddler needs to eat a variety of foods from the following four groups:
dairy foods
bread, potatoes and other cereals - including rice, pasta, maize, breakfast cereals
fruit and vegetables
meat, fish and alternatives (one or two portions a day) – including poultry, eggs, beans, lentils and nuts (but not whole nuts for children under five)
processed foods,containg fats and sugars should only be given in limited amounts
Boys can be given 4portions of oily fish a week as opposed to gilrs being given two
If a child is reared on a vegeatarian or vegan diet ,ensure they are given 2 or 3 portions of vegetables or nuts a day so protein and iron dificiency does not occur
Milk
Milk is vital for children of this young ageas it is a good source of vitamin A . You can continue to breastfeed after the age of one if you want to, but also give your child full-fat cow’s milk.

Continue to use full-fat milk and dairy products (cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais etc) until your child is two, as up to this age they need the extra fat and vitamins. Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced from two years of age, provided your child is a good eater and is growing well.Skimmed milk should not be given to kids under the age of five

Wholegrain foods
Wholegrain foods such as wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta and brown rice can be introduced gradually, so that by the time your child is five they will be used to a healthy and varied adult diet.
fruit and vegetables
Many children don’t like cooked vegetables so you could puree some together to put into a sauce. Make sure you show that you like eating vegetables, All children under five should be given vitamin drops (see below), to make sure they are getting everything they need. Here are some ideas on how to work more fruit and vegetables into your child’s diet:
top pizza with vegetables or canned pineapple
give carrot sticks, slices of pepper and peeled apple for snacks
mix chopped or mashed vegetables with rice, mashed potatoes, meat sources or dhal
mix fruit with fromage frais for a tasty dessert
chop prunes or dried apricots into cereal or yoghurt, or add to a stew
iron
Lack of iron leads to anaemia, which can hold back your child’s physical and mental development. It’s also a good idea to give foods or drink that are high in vitamin C at mealtimes, as it helps the absorption of iron from non-meat sources.
Vitamins and Healthy Start
Children under five years who are breastfeeding should be given vitamin drops A, C and D (children who are drinking 500ml of infant formula a day do not need these as they are already added).
home and school
Getting children to eat healthier options at home will be consistent with what they get at school and help them towards healthier eating habits. Try these suggestions
make the meal a family affair
switch the television off when you are eating
eat a balanced choice of healthy foods yourself and be positive about them
try new foods
encourage and praise ‘good eating’ instead of complaining
involve children in food preparation