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What is a Good Meal Schedule for My Toddler?

A healthy meal schedule for a toddler can play a crucial role in helping them develop good eating habits, maintain a healthy weight, and get the nutrients they need for growth and development. However, coming up with a meal schedule that works for your child can be challenging, especially with their ever-changing tastes and preferences.


Children have very small stomachs and need to eat more frequently than adults. As a general rule, offer 5-6 meals/snacks per day, with 2-3 hours between each offering. Here is an example of a meal schedule for a toddler that you can use as a guide:


  1. Breakfast at 7:30am. A balanced breakfast should include a source of protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables. Examples of breakfast meals could include scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and berries, oatmeal with banana and milk, or yogurt with granola and fruit.

  2. Morning snack at 10:00am. This is a good time to offer a nutritious snack that will tide your toddler over until lunchtime. Good options could include cheese and crackers, veggies and hummus, or apple slices with peanut butter.

  3. Lunch at 12:30pm. For lunch, aim to include a protein source (such as meat, beans, or tofu), a whole grain (such as bread, rice, or pasta), and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are all great options for lunch.

  4. Afternoon snack at 3:00pm. An afternoon snack can help keep energy levels up and prevent overeating at dinner. Again, try to include a balance of protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables. Some examples could be fruit and cheese, whole wheat crackers with peanut butter or yogurt with granola and berries.

  5. Dinner at 5:30pm. Dinner should be a balanced meal that includes a protein source, a whole grain, and fruits or vegetables. Grilled chicken with brown rice and steamed vegetables, spaghetti with meat sauce and a salad, or fish with quinoa and roasted veggies are all great options.

  6. Bedtime snack (if needed) at 7:30pm. If your child is still hungry before bed, it's okay to offer a small snack. Try to avoid sugary or high-fat foods, and instead opt for something that will help fill them up and provide them with energy for the night. Milk, cheese and crackers, or yogurt with fruit are all good options.


It's important to keep in mind that every child is different and may have different schedules and needs. So, this meal schedule is just a guide and should be tailored to your child's needs and eating habits. Offer healthy options at meals and snacks and always respect their hunger cues. You choose when to offer meals, and your child chooses how much (or if) they will eat.


If your child is not eating much at one meal or snack, let them know when the next meal or snack will be offered and try again in a few hours; try not to offer another snack in between. The most important thing is to create a positive mealtime atmosphere, free from distractions and pressure, where the focus is on enjoying the food and the company.

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