Supporting Healthy Growth for Children Ages 3 Months–4 Years
We believe nutrition plays an important role in children’s growth, learning, energy, and development. Families can support healthy habits by offering balanced meals, encouraging independence, and creating positive experiences around food.
Nutrition Tips for Families
1. Offer a Variety of Foods
Children learn to enjoy foods through exposure. Continue offering new foods alongside familiar favorites.
Try including:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Protein sources
- Dairy or dairy alternatives
Tip: A child may need to see a new food many times before trying it. Keep offering without pressure.
2. Create Positive Mealtime Experiences
- Sit together when possible
- Encourage children to explore food
- Avoid forcing children to eat
- Allow children to listen to their hunger and fullness cues
Remember: Parents choose what foods are offered; children decide how much they eat.
3. Limit Added Sugar
Young children need nutrient-rich foods to support brain development.
Try limiting:
- Sugary drinks
- Candy and sweets as everyday snacks
- Foods with high added sugar
Offer:
- Water
- Milk (as age-appropriate)
- Whole fruits
4. Encourage Water Throughout the Day
Water helps children stay hydrated and supports:
- Energy
- Digestion
- Concentration
Make water fun by:
- Using a child-friendly cup
- Adding fruit slices for flavor
- Offering water with meals and snacks
5. Make Healthy Foods Fun
Children are more likely to explore foods when they are involved.
Ideas:
- Let children wash fruits and vegetables
- Allow them to mix ingredients
- Use cookie cutters for fun shapes
- Grow a small garden together
Infant Nutrition Tips (3–21 Months)
Breast Milk & Formula
- Breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition for infants during the first year.
- Introduce solid foods when developmentally ready and as recommended by your child’s healthcare provider.
Safe Feeding Practices:
✔ Introduce one new food at a time
✔ Watch for possible allergic reactions
✔ Offer age-appropriate textures
✔ Always supervise eating
Avoid choking hazards such as:
- Whole grapes
- Whole nuts
- Popcorn
- Hard candies
- Large chunks of food
Toddler & Preschool Nutrition Tips (22 Months–4 Years)
Toddlers and preschoolers are learning independence with food.
Encourage:
- Using utensils
- Pouring their own water
- Helping prepare snacks
- Trying new foods
Healthy snack ideas:
- Yogurt with fruit
- Cheese and whole-grain crackers
- Apple slices with sunflower butter
- Hummus with vegetables
- Whole-grain toast
Helpful Parent Nutrition Resources
USDA MyPlate (Healthy Eating Guidance)
Provides:
- Age-appropriate nutrition information
- Meal ideas
- Portion guidance
- Family-friendly recipes
USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp
Provides:
- Child nutrition guidelines
- Meal pattern information
- Healthy childcare resources
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) HealthyChildren.org
https://www.healthychildren.org/
Provides:
- Infant feeding guidance
- Toddler nutrition tips
- Allergy information
- Healthy habits
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Kids Eat Right
Provides:
- Family nutrition tips
- Healthy recipes
- Feeding advice
Choose My Plate Recipes & Family Meals
https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen
Provides:
- Budget-friendly recipes
- Kid-friendly meal ideas
- Cooking activities for families
Texas WIC Nutrition Resources
Provides:
- Nutrition education
- Healthy recipes
- Feeding support for eligible families
Family Reminder:
Healthy eating habits begin early. Children learn by watching the adults around them. Creating a calm, positive, and encouraging environment around food helps children develop a lifelong relationship with nutrition.
“Small choices every day help children grow strong, healthy, and ready to learn.”