Your child may be ready for that first mouthful of birthday cake now that they are a toddler. However, try to avoid giving them extra added sugars. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests waiting until they are 2 years old if at all feasible, however honey is acceptable now that they are older than 1 year. Cow’s milk can now be given in place of formula. As long as nursing is successful for both of you, breast milk can still be a part of your 1-year-old’s diet. However, you can start to drop a feeding and continue on a more restricted schedule right away if that’s best.
Since the kid is already 12 months old, solid meals will receive greater attention. (You could provide breastmilk just twice to four times a day rather than four to six—whatever suits you and your partner the best.) We offer advice on how to make extended breastfeeding a reality if that is a goal you’re aiming for. The AAP recommends prolonging breastfeeding at least until age 2, based on the health advantages for both mama and baby.For infants younger than 12 months, the AAP and La Leche League (LLL) advise the following feeding schedule and dosages:
Solids: provided three times daily or during family mealtimes.
8 ounces or more of breast milk every four to five hours.
Formula: seven to eight ounces every five to six hours
Solid foods shouldn’t be unfamiliar to your 12-month-old. The suggested serving sizes for a baby that is 12 months old are as follows:
Don’t forget to include fats when filling your little one’s plate: AAP recommends babies and toddlers have a consistent diet of fats, such as those found in avocado, olives and olive oil, fatty fish, nut butters, and whole-milk dairy. Fats are crucial for brain and nerve development, hormone support and continued growth.
Try incorporating a few of the following healthy fat options:
Avocado cubes with lemon
Sweet potato, steamed or roasted and drizzled with olive oil
Peanut or almond butter on toast
Baked salmon
Whole milk yogurt with mashed banana or berries
Similarly, incorporating enough fiber in your child’s diet is key to aiding digestion and promoting regular bowel movements.
