Feeding Guide for Children
*Do NOT give raw vegetables to young children until they can chew well.
Source: A Parent's Guide to Obesity (© 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)
| Age |
2 to 3 |
4 to 6 |
7 to 12 |
|
Food |
Portion Size |
Servings |
Portion Size |
Servings |
Portion Size |
Servings |
Comments |
| Milk and dairy |
½ c (4 oz) |
4-5 (16-20 oz total) |
½ to ¾ (4-6 oz) |
3-4 (24-32 oz total) |
½-1 c (4-8 oz) |
3-4 (24-32 oz total) |
The following may be substituted for ½ c fluid milk: ½-¾ oz cheese, ½ cup yogurt, 2½ tbsp nonfat dry milk |
| Meat, fish, poultry, or equivalent |
1-2 oz |
2 (2-4 oz total) |
1-2 oz |
2 (2-4 oz total) |
2 oz |
3-4 (6-8 oz total) |
The following may be substituted for 1 oz meat, fish, or poultry: 1 egg, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 4-5 tbsp cooked legumes |
| Vegetables (Cooked) |
2-3 tbsp |
4-5 |
3-4 tbsp |
4-5 |
¼ to ½ c |
3-4 |
Include one green leafy or yellow vegetable for vitamin A, such as carrots, spinach, broccoli, winter squash, or greens |
| Vegetables (Raw)* |
Few pieces |
4-5 |
Few pieces |
4-5 |
Several Pieces |
3-4 |
| Fruit (Raw) |
½-1 small |
|
½-1 small |
|
1 medium |
|
Include one vitamin C-rich fruit, vegetable, or juice, such as citrus juices, orange, grapefruit, strawberries, melon, tomato, or broccoli |
| Fruit (Canned) |
2-4 tbsp |
|
4-6 tbsp |
|
¼-½ c |
|
| Fruit (Juice) |
3-4 oz |
|
4 oz |
|
4 oz |
|
| Whole grain or enriched bread |
½-1 slice |
3-4 |
1 slice |
3-4 |
1 slice |
4-5 |
The following may be substituted for 1 slice of bread: ½ c spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, or rice; 5 saltines; ½ English muffin or bagel; 1 tortilla; corn grits or posole |
| Cooked cereal |
¼-½ c |
3-4 |
½ c |
3-4 |
½-1 c |
4-5 |
| Dry cereal |
½-1 c |
3-4 |
1 c |
3-4 |
1 c |
4-5 |
|
