Mama Knows Nutrition: The Podcast

38: How Much Protein Does A Toddler Need?

March 28, 2022 Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN Season 1
Mama Knows Nutrition: The Podcast
38: How Much Protein Does A Toddler Need?
Show Notes

Is your toddler obsessed with carbs?! Like, to the point where their idea of a balanced meal is crackers with white bread, a few cheddar puffs for color, and a side of fruit that may or may not get eaten? And, is that making you panic or second-guess yourself just a little? If so, this episode is for you!

 

This week on Feeding Toddlers Made Easy, I’m spilling the soybeans on protein for toddlers and answering super-common parent FAQs like, “How much protein does a toddler need?” My goal(s): Reduce your mom-guilt intake, let you know when you should worry (so you can stop worrying when you shouldn’t), and give you some gentle ideas for ways to work more protein into their diets—because even though we’re not gonna panic over protein, nutrition and protein intake for toddlers is important.

In This Episode, We Discuss…

  1. How important protein really is for toddlers (02:23)
  2. Why iron might actually matter more than protein (03:30)
  3. Daily toddler protein and iron requirements (04:50)
  4. Ideas for how to meet those requirements 06:25)
  5. Whether or not breastmilk has enough protein and iron (09:15)
  6. If a vegan diet has enough protein for toddlers (10:10)