What should a toddler eat in a day?
From 1 year, your child can eat the same food as the family — just softer, cut small and with less salt and spice. Toddlers have small tummies, so they do best with 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. Milk becomes a drink with meals rather than the main food.
| Age |
Energy (approx.) |
Milk |
Portion guide |
| 12–23 months |
700–1,000 kcal |
300–400 ml (max 500 ml) |
1–2 tablespoons of each food per meal |
| 2–3 years |
1,000–1,400 kcal |
About 2 cups dairy a day |
2–3 tablespoons of each food per meal |
Appetite changes from day to day — that is normal. Offer food, and let your child decide how much to eat.
Sample day: Indian vegetarian toddler (18 months)
| Time |
Food |
| Breakfast |
Ragi porridge made with milk + mashed banana |
| Mid-morning |
Soft papaya or pear pieces |
| Lunch |
Dal-rice khichdi with ghee and mashed vegetables |
| Evening |
Homemade curd with fruit |
| Dinner |
Soft roti pieces soaked in dal |
Choking safety
- No whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn or hard raw carrot until at least 4–5 years — grind nuts into powder and cut grapes into quarters.
- Always sit your child down to eat and stay with them.
- Cut round foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes) lengthwise.
Too much milk?
More than about 500 ml of milk a day fills toddlers up and is a common cause of iron-deficiency anaemia. Offer milk after meals, in a cup rather than a bottle.
Younger than 1? Use our baby food chart. Older than 3? See the kids diet chart.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 1 year old eat?
About 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day, each a few tablespoons of different foods, plus around 300–400 ml of milk. Let appetite guide the amount.
My toddler is a picky eater — what should I do?
Keep offering a variety without pressure. Children may need to try a food 10–15 times before they accept it. Eat together and avoid replacing refused meals with snacks or milk.
Can toddlers eat spicy food?
Mild spices like jeera, haldi and a little ginger are fine. Keep chilli and salt low and increase gradually.
Sources: AAP HealthyChildren: Feeding toddlers · NHS: What to feed young children
Reviewed for accuracy against the sources above. This page is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about your own needs.
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