18–24 months · Doing it myself
Feeding your 18–24 month old
- Meals
- 3 meals + 2 snacks
- Milk
- Breast milk can continue. Plain whole cow's milk from a cup, about 16 oz (480 ml) a day (AAP), or at least 350 ml (12 oz) of whole or semi-skimmed milk or 2 dairy servings (NHS)
- Water
- The main drink between meals, about 8–32 oz (240–950 ml) a day
At this age
Toddlers want to feed themselves now. By 18 months most drink from an open cup (with some spills), eat with their fingers and try a spoon, and by 2 many eat with a spoon: let them practice, mess and all. Keep to 3 meals and 2 snacks, with milk in a cup at meals or snacks and water in between.
The AAP suggests whole milk until age 2, about 16 oz (480 ml) a day; the NHS suggests at least 350 ml (12 oz) of whole or semi-skimmed milk a day, or 2 servings of full-fat dairy foods such as cheese or yogurt. The AAP suggests being off bottles by 18 months.
Appetite changes from day to day, and picky eating is common: you decide what to offer, and your child decides whether and how much to eat. A new food can take 10 or more tastes before it's accepted, so keep offering it without pressure or bribes (AAP).
Serve the family's meals cooked without added salt and cut into small, soft pieces. US guidelines say to prioritize fiber-rich whole grains, while the NHS says not to give only wholegrain foods before age 2, as they can fill your child up before they've had enough energy. Keep quartering grapes and cherry tomatoes lengthwise, serve raw carrot and apple only grated or cooked soft, skip whole nuts, popcorn and chunks of meat or cheese, and have your child sit down to eat with an adult watching.
Vitamins: the NHS recommends a daily supplement with vitamins A, C and D for all children from 6 months to 5 years, with 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day for ages 1 to 4. In the US, the AAP says children over 1 need 600 IU of vitamin D a day: ask your pediatrician whether your child needs drops. Give one supplement at a time, at the dose on the label. Avoid added sugar, including honey and syrups, until age 4.
Foods to try
Pizza
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Burger
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Waffles
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Bagel
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Refried beans
From 6 months
Choking riskLow
Egg noodles
From 6 months
Choking riskLow
Quinoa
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Tempeh
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
White beans
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Kale
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Cantaloupe
From 6 months
Choking riskMedium
Trout
From 6 months
Choking riskLow
Toddler guides
- Calcium for toddlers: how much and the best sources
- Cooking with toddlers: safe ways to get them involved
- Eating out with a baby or toddler
- Fiber for toddlers: how much and how to add it
- First birthday cake: sugar, honey and safe decorations
- Food jags: when your toddler only wants one food
- Healthy toddler snacks
- Packing lunches for toddlers
- Picky eating in toddlers
- Screens at mealtimes
- Toddler meal schedule
- Toddler mealtime behavior: calm limits that work
- Toddler portion sizes
- Vegetarian and vegan toddlers: a balanced plate
Free printable: The First 100 Foods checklist
Tick off foods as your baby tries them. Print it or save it as a PDF, no sign-up needed.
Sources
- AAP: Feeding and nutrition tips: your 1-year-old
- AAP: Feeding and nutrition tips: your 2-year-old
- AAP: Recommended drinks for children age 5 and younger
- AAP: From bottle to cup: helping your child make a healthy transition
- AAP: 10 tips for parents of picky eaters
- CDC: Milestones by 18 months
- CDC: Milestones by 2 years
- CDC: Choking hazards
- NHS: What to feed young children
- NHS: Drinks and cups for babies and young children
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- NHS: Vitamins for children
- HHS: Fact sheet on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030