Child-Size Servings

Young children’s appetites can vary widely from day to day, depending on how they are growing and how active they are. As long as they have plenty of energy, are healthy, are growing well, and are eating a variety of foods, they are probably getting enough of the nutrients they need from the foods they eat. If you are concerned about you child eating too much or too little, check with your doctor or other healthcare provider.

• Children 2 to 3 years of age need the same variety of foods as 4- to 6-year olds but may need fewer calories. Offer them smaller amounts.
• A good estimate of a serving for a 2- to 3-year old child is about 2/3 of what counts as a regular Food Guide Pyramid serving. See the regular serving size food list starting on page 7.
• Two- to 6-year old children need a total of 2 servings from the milk group each day.
• Younger children often eat small portions. Offering smaller servings and allowing them to ask for more, satisfies their hunger and does not waste food.
• By the time children are 4 years old, they can eat amounts that count as regular Food Guide Pyramid servings eaten by older family members—that is, ½ cup fruit cup fruit or vegetable,
  ¾ cup of juice, 1 slice of bread, 2 to 3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish.
• Offer new foods in small “try me” portions—perhaps 1 or 2 tablespoons—let your children ask for more.
• Remember, variety is key for the whole food family. Offer a variety of foods from the five major food groups, and let your children decide how much to eat.