Toddler to preschool

Children are likely to adopt the same eating patterns and lifestyle habits as their parents, so it is important the whole family adopts a healthy lifestyle. Young children go through a rapid period of growth and development, which requires a range of nutrients from protein-rich foods, as well as different vegetables and fruits.

It is normal for young children to go through a period of rejecting new foods. It may be necessary to keep introducing new foods to young children repeatedly before they acquire a liking and a taste for eating them.

To protect the teeth, it is important to limit the number of times a day that young children consume sugary foods and drinks and, if possible, keep them to mealtimes. The risk of developing tooth decay increases as the amount and frequency of sugar intake rises. Soft drinks, such as carbonated drinks, squashes and fruit juices, can be high in free sugars, which can be harmful to teeth. These should be avoided where possible in very young children, or reduced-sugar versions and diluted fruit juices offered instead.