+ 15 months - The meal

That's it, baby eats like grown-ups !

From 18 months, baby begins to eat "like a grown-up". It means eating everything like an adult, but in the right amount.

Food will remain an essential element for his health and for ensuring harmonious growth. Make sure he has a balanced diet while respecting the following quantity guidelines.


How much to give to a 3 year old baby ?

5 fruits and vegetables per day

Fruits and vegetables will provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. Offer it with each meal: raw vegetables, soups, gratins, compotes (chewable, cooked or raw…). There are many ways to taste them to fill up on colors and flavors.

Grain products and other starchy foods

They’ll provide the baby with the energy they need throughout the day. They must be offered at each meal. Adapt the amounts to his age and physical activity, and trust him to regulate his appetite.

3 dairy products per day (or 4 depending on the portion and the richness in calcium)

Dairy products (milk, yogurts, cottage cheese, cheeses) are the main source of calcium in our diet. They participate in the growth and mineralization of baby bones. After 3 years, semi-skimmed cow's milk will be perfect for your child! If you prefer to give her vegetable milk, favor those enriched with calcium.

1 to 2 times a day of meat, fish or eggs

Meat, fish and eggs will provide baby with the proteins necessary for cell building and renewal, and iron for oxygen transport, growth and brain development. Once a day is enough by alternating the types of meat, lean or fatty fish and eggs. The right amount? 10 g per year of age. Example, for a 3 year old baby, he needs 30g of meat, fish or eggs.

Fat added

They are essential but in moderate quantity.

  • Prefer vegetable oils: olive for cooking and rapeseed or nuts for seasoning for example
  • Limit animal fats: butter and crème fraîche.
  • Alternate the different cooking methods and use spices and aromatic herbs to flavor the steam cooking

Occasionally sweet products

Sweet products must remain “pleasure foods” to be consumed in moderation.

Water first

During and without meals, water is the only essential drink for babies. Teach him to drink regularly before feeling thirsty.

Salt to limit

Give your baby healthy habits by getting him to eat low-salt foods, but focusing on the taste of spices and herbs.

Besides this balanced diet, make sure that your baby practices physical activity: outdoor games, sporting activity, walking or cycling ... All the excuses are good for spending! Eating well and moving are the two keys to healthy growth.



Sources :

PNNS, Le guide nutrition des enfants et ados pour tous les parents, Edition 2010

Mpedia : www.mpedia.fr