Dietary advice for children 1-3 years
TL;DR
Children aged 1-3 need varied food with a bit more fat than adults, limited salt and sugar, and regular meals. The most important thing is variety, repetition, and good habits — not perfection at every meal.
The transition from baby to toddler also changes the food. From around 1 year, the child eats the same as the rest of the family, but there are some things to be aware of.
Here you get simple, practical dietary advice for 1-3-year-olds — what they should eat, what to limit, and how to build good habits from the start.
What should 1-3-year-olds eat?
Varied food from all groups: vegetables and fruit, whole grains, fish, meat or legumes, and dairy products. From 1 year, the child can eat with the family at the table.
Aim for variety throughout the week rather than perfection in each meal. Official advice can be found at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.
Fat, salt, and sugar
Some things distinguish toddlers from adults:
- Fat: young children can have a bit more fat than adults — avoid low-fat options for the little ones.
- Salt: go easy on salt; small kidneys tolerate less.
- Sugar: limit candy, juice, and sweet drinks.
Regular meals and snacks
Small tummies need food often. Three meals and 2-3 snacks provide steady energy and help the child recognize their own hunger. Read more about healthy snacks for children.
Good habits beat perfection
A child aged 1-3 can be picky, eat unevenly, and change their mind from day to day — this is completely normal. Keep offering varied food without pressure; it may take many attempts before something new is eaten. Read more about good eating habits in children.
Let the child participate
Even the smallest can help prepare food, which strengthens both food confidence and good habits. With a child-sized kitchen set, the child can rinse, stir, and cut soft foods themselves.
Nutrition for 1-3-year-olds is about variety, a little extra fat, less salt and sugar, and regular meals. Build good habits with patience and repetition, and involve the child — the rest will follow naturally.
Find more advice about children and food on our blog.
Frequently asked questions
What should children aged 1-3 eat?
Varied food from all groups: vegetables and fruit, whole grains, fish, meat or legumes, and dairy products. From 1 year, the child can eat with the family at the table.
Can young children have more fat than adults?
Yes, young children can have a bit more fat, so avoid low-fat options for the little ones. However, salt and sugar should be limited.
How often should 1-3-year-olds eat?
Small stomachs need food often — typically three meals and 2-3 snacks a day for steady energy.
My child is picky — is that normal?
Yes, this is completely normal at this age. Keep offering varied food without pressure; it may take many attempts before something new is eaten.
How much salt can young children have?
Limit salt for young children, as their kidneys are less tolerant. Avoid very salty foods and do not add extra salt to the little ones' portions.