For Children Under 12 Months of Age
Children should be exclusively breast or formula fed until four to six months old, at which point complimentary foods can be introduced depending on their developmental abilities. Introduce one new food every three to four days to make sure there is no allergic reaction. Do not give honey or cow milk to infants under 12 months old.
For Children Over 12 Months Old
| Food Groups and Number of Daily Servings | Age 12- 23 Months | Age 2-4 Years | Age 4-6 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Milk and Milk Products 4 Servings |
4-6 ounces whole milk and milk products including yogurt | 4-6 ounces whole or low fat milk and milk products including yogurt | 4-8 ounces low fat milk and milk products |
| Meat and Other Protein Foods 2 Servings Includes beef, chicken, pork, poultry, eggs, peanut butter and legumes |
½- 1 ounce meat or egg; ¼ cup legumes | ½- 1 ½ ounces meat or egg; ¼ cup legumes; 1 tablespoon peanut butter | 1-2 ounces meat or egg, ¼ – ½ cup legumes, 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter |
| Breads, Cereals and Starches 4 or More Servings Includes whole grain breads, infant and cooked cereals, rice, pasta, ready to eat cereal |
½- 1 slice bread, ¼- ½ cup cereals, rice and pasta | ¾ – 1 slice bread, 1/3 – ¾ cup cereals, rice, and pasta | 1-2 slices bread, ½ – 1 cup cereals, rice, and pasta |
| Fruits and Vegetables 4 or More Servings Includes one source of Vitamin C daily (citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, berries) and Vitamin A every other day (dark green and yellow fruits and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and melons) |
3 ounces juice (limit to one serving) and 1-2 tablespoons fruits &/or vegetables | 3-4 ounces juice (limit to one serving) and about 2-4 tablespoons fruits &/or vegetables | 4 ounces juice (limit to one serving) or 4 or more tablespoons fruits &/or vegetables |
| Fats and Oils 3 servings |
Do not limit unless otherwise advised | 1-3 teaspoons | 1-3 teaspoons |
| Miscellaneous Use sparingly Includes jams, jellies, soft drinks, candy and sweets |
Use sparingly | Use sparingly | Use sparingly |