Healthy Eating
Healthy Eating 12 ‑ 36 Months
When your toddler is 12‑24 months old, offer a variety of food three to four times per day, plus one to two snacks. When your toddler is 24‑36 months old, follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
Daily Food Suggestions for 12‑24 Months
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Milk and Alternatives
- Breast milk.
- Give about 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk if your toddler is no longer breastfeeding.
- Offer milk products (yogurt, cottage cheese, pasteurized cheese, etc.).
Suggested portions:
- 25–50 g (1–2 oz.) of pasteurized cheese.
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) of cottage cheese.
- 75–175 g (1/3–3/4 cup) of yogurt.
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Grain Products
- Choose 100% whole‑grain products.
- Offer five to six times each day.
Suggested portions:
- 1/2 to 1 slice bread, bannock, tortilla, roti.
- 125–250 ml (1/2–1 cup) whole‑grain cereal.
- 75–125 ml (1/3–1/2 cup) of hot cereal, cooked pasta, rice, congee.
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Vegetables and Fruit
- Choose at least 1 dark green and 1 orange vegetable.
- Offer five or more times each day.
Suggested portions:
- 1/2 to 1 medium‑sized vegetable or fresh fruit.
- 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp.) fresh, cooked or mashed fruit.
- 60–125 ml (1/4–1/2 cup) of cooked vegetables.
- 60–125 ml (1/4–1/2 cup) of raw vegetables.
- Juice is not necessary for your toddler. If you decide to give juice, choose 100% unsweetened juice and offer it in a cup as part of a meal or snack. Limit to no more than 125–175 ml (1/2–3/4 cup) per day.
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Meat and Alternatives
- Offer two to three times each day.
Suggested portions:
- 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp.) of well‑cooked, ground, chopped, or cubed lean meat, fish, or poultry.
- 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp.) of mashed legumes.
- 1 whole egg.
- 50–100 g (3–6 tbsp.) tofu or tempeh.
- 15 g (1 tbsp.) peanut or nut butter.
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Recommended Daily Food Guide Servings for Toddlers 24‑36 months
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Vegetables and Fruit |
4 servings |
Grain Products |
3 servings |
Milk and Alternatives |
2 servings |
Meat and Alternatives |
1 serving |
