What’s on the Plate: Fats

Why are fats so crucial at this age?

Fat is vital for a child’s growth and development, particularly for their developing brain. 30-40 percent of their total calories should come from fat. To give you an idea of quantity, if your toddler consumes the recommended 16 ounces of whole milk per day, this will cover about half of the recommended daily fat intake for children ages 1 to 3 years.

Your toddler should get their fats from different sources, such as dairy products, including butter & eggs, fatty fish (salmon, sardines, trout), avocado, peanut butter, and other nut butters. You can also use oils in your cooking and as dressings. Some healthier options are avocado oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil.