Dietary Advice for children 2-5 years of age

 

1. Balanced Daily Diet

A child’s plate should include all food groups:

• Grains & cereals: roti, rice, oats, dalia

• Proteins: dal, beans, paneer, egg, curd

• Fruits & vegetables: seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables

• Dairy: milk, curd, cheese

• Healthy fats: ghee, butter (small amounts)

👉 Aim for 3 main meals + 2 healthy snacks daily

🥛 2. Milk & Dairy

• Milk: 400–500 ml/day

• Avoid excessive milk (can reduce appetite & cause anemia)

• Prefer curd, paneer over flavored milk.

  🍎 3. Fruits & Vegetables

  • At least 2 fruits + 2 vegetables daily

  • Offer in different colors (banana, apple, papaya, carrot, spinach)

  • Cut into small pieces to avoid choking

  🍳 4. Protein Is Essential

  
  

  Daily protein sources:

  • Dal, rajma, chole

  • Egg (if non-vegetarian)

  • Paneer, curd

  • Nut powder (ground peanuts/almonds – age appropriate)

    🍪 5. Snacks – Choose Wisely

    
    

    ✔️ Healthy snacks:

    • Fruit, boiled corn

    • Roasted chana

    • Poha, upma

    • Homemade sandwiches

    ❌ Avoid:

    • Chips, biscuits, chocolates

    • Packaged juices

    • Soft drinks.

      🧂 6. Limit Salt & Sugar

      • No extra salt or sugar

      • Avoid junk food and fast food

      • Do not add sugar to milk or juices

      💧 7. Fluids

      • Plenty of water

      • Coconut water, thin buttermilk

      • Avoid bottled juices

        
        

        ⏰ 8. Feeding Tips for Parents

        • Fixed meal timings

        • No mobile/TV during meals

        • Encourage self-feeding

        • Do not force feed

        • New foods may need 10–15 attempts

        ⚠️ Warning Signs – Consult a Doctor If:

        • Poor weight gain

        • Refuses most foods

        • Frequent illness

        • Excessive milk intake

        • Signs of anemia or vitamin deficiency

          
          

          🌟 Key Messages for Parents.

          Healthy eating habits that are built in the formulative years last a lifetime.Please remember that variety,balance and patience are more important than quantity.