The toddler years (12–36 months) are a period of changing nutritional requirements
and food intake. As a time of considerable growth and development, they are
crucial not only to the health of the toddler, but also to his or her later health.
Toddlers need a relatively energy-dense diet to meet their needs for growth and
activity, but also adequate micronutrients to guard against iron deficiency, rickets
and growth faltering. Healthy eating habits in toddlerhood can be the basis for
lifelong healthy eating, including the prevention of obesity, diabetes and dental
caries. Parents and carers need clear and consistent advice, and healthcare professionals
need access to evidence-based information and best practice in order to
support them.