24 Months (2 Year) Old Baby Food – Ideas, Chart, and Recipes

Your child has turned two and now he can eat almost every food item that is on your plate. While this might seem like a blessing, it also means that your child will be even pickier than before and refuse to eat certain items just because he won’t like the taste. So, you will have to be more careful about his food choices. But there is no need to worry about your child’s food habits, as we have some amazing ideas and recipes that you can try for your two-year-old. These 2-year-old baby food ideas and recipes are simple and easy to make and especially free of chemicals and preservatives. 

Nutrient Requirements of a 24-month-old Child

At 2 years, your child’s appetite will increase; hence, you will see him gorging on whatever comes his way. While he eats anything and everything, it is your responsibility as a parent to see if his nutrient requirements are being fulfilled or not. The following are the nutrient requirements of a 24-month-old child:

1. Calories

Between the ages of 1 and 4 years, a child’s calorie requirement does not increase as much as expected. Most children need only about 1000-1400 kcal daily (1).

2. Proteins

The growth of a child’s body and muscles heavily depends on his protein intake. But that does not mean his diet should consist only of protein-rich foods. A child gets enough proteins from the usual food products.

3. Carbohydrates

Carbs form the core of each meal a child has at this age. A child needs around 130-150 grams of carbohydrates for a kid to keep functioning properly throughout the day.

4. Dietary Fibre

Since most meals include processed foods, it is important to maintain an inclusion of whole food items as well. Fruits or grains can incorporate fibre into your child’s diet and keep his digestive system healthy.

5. Sodium

Most parents fret about their children getting a lot of sodium from salt. However, maintaining a daily gram of sodium intake is utterly important for children at this age.

6. Iron

Along with sodium, iron is another element that plays a vital role in producing haemoglobin and keeping the circulatory system of a child’s body at an optimal level (2). WhThe importance of milk cannot be stressed enough. Milk is necessary for bone development and overall growth, so make sure your child drinks a glass of milk daily (2). You can give him cow’s milk, soy milk, or almond milk, too. However, it is recommended to focus on whole milk at this stage to ensure proper dietary fat and calcium requirements for optimal bone and brain growth (2).

8. Water

The presence of water might seem surprising in the list of nutritive elements, but you would be surprised to know that only a few children meet the daily requirement of drinking 1.3 litres of water every day. Hence, you must check if your baby drinks water enough or not to ensure they stay hydrated so issues like constipation stay miles away (5).

How Much Food Does a 24-month-old Toddler Need?

Although your child is growing, this does not mean you feed him every hour. At his current age, he requires no more than 1.5 kcal on a daily basis, including three healthy meals with one or two healthy snacks. This can be easily achieved with a diet that includes a good combination of grains, fruits, vegetables, and other food items. American Academy of Pediatrics suggests not fixating on amounts but on the experience of having the child eat their meals. Plus, you should also introduce finger foods at this point where toddler make use of their hands, finger foods particularly, to hold and pick foods (6).

Best Foods for a Twenty-four-month-old Baby

Completing 24 months puts your child at an important stage in his life. Going ahead, it is important for him to gain a good amount of weight and develop an energy reserve to power him through life. A few specific foods can help him make that happen. Here are some nutritious baby food ideas for 2-year-olds (7) (8).

1. Eggs

Giving your little one a whole egg, either as an omelette or boiled is a great way to increase weight and make him a filling meal. Children can eat both the yolk and the whites without any issues.

2. Khichdi

Since it can get difficult to make kids have a complete meal by themselves, khichdi is a great option that can be made within no time and is full of nutrients, thanks to the presence of both rice and various lentils. Eating khichdi helps in healthy weight gain and stimulates the metabolism as well.

3. Potatoes

This vegetable can go with nearly any kind of meal preparation. Yes, you must be bored of eating it; it is extremely vital for your kid. Your kid’s diet should include potatoes. Starchy vegetables are quite essential at this age.

4. Curd

A child needs strength right from an early age. The cream of milk or curd is a great source of fat and even provides energy to the body, which can be synthesized by the body in the best form and prove beneficial for the child.

5. Milkshakes

Your child may whine when it comes to drinking his daily glass of milk. Combining the same with fruit can help turn it into a delicious milkshake, which provides added nutrition and would be loved by your little one.

6. Ghee

Adding a spoonful of ghee when serving veggies to your child should become a practice at this age. While vegetables should be prepared in ghee itself, you could opt for using olive oil instead to keep your own health intact.

7. Nuts

Breakfast is a great time to include a variety of nuts in your child’s diet. Let it be mixed with cereal, or let him have a few after he wakes up in the morning. Everything from almonds to cashews and raisins is good if given in moderation.

8. Flaxseeds

A healthy combination of proteins, fats, and fibre is essential for a growing baby. To meet these nutrient requirements, you can include flaxseed in his diet. Flaxseeds are immensely popular among those, but pumpkin and melon seeds can do the trick as well.

9. Peanut Butter

Yes, this is a healthy food item for your child. Although it is best to keep peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for special occasions, you can use the butter in various preparations since it is a great source of fats and energy.

10. Jaggery

Most households use refined sugar to bring out the sweetness in their preparations. Replacing it with jaggery is not only a healthy alternative for everyone, but the child also receives its health benefits.

24 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan

Figuring out what to give your 24-month toddler can take up an entire day. Make use of a simple meal plan to get a foothold, and plan your own chart accordingly. The following meal plan is great for children who are 2.

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 1

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 2

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 3

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 4

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 5

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 6

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 1, Day 7

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 1

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 2

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 3

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 4

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 5

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 6

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 2, Day 7

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 1

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 2

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 3

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 4

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 5

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 6

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 3, Day 7

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 1

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 2

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 3

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 4

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 5

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 6

Diet for a 24-month-old – Week 4, Day 7

Food Recipes for a 24-months-old Baby

In order to make sure your little kid eats his meals properly, here are a few recipes you can make to ensure that he gets the right nutrients. Trust us; these 2 years old baby food recipes are super delicious and quick to prepare.

1. Spinach and Beetroot Cutlets

These make for a great breakfast item on weekdays and even on weekends.

Ingredients

• Spinach puree, 2 tablespoon
• Beetroot puree, 2 tablespoon
• Whole wheat flour, 0.5 cup
• Jaggery, 0.5 cup
• Butter, 2 tablespoon

How To Prepare

1. Begin by preheating the oven at a temperature of 200 degrees.
2. Mix together jaggery and butter in a bowl along with spinach puree.
3. In another bowl, mix beetroot puree with jaggery and butter.
4. Add the flour to both the bowls with some water, and make the dough.
5. You can even mix spinach and beetroot puree and make their cutlets.
6. Make cookie shapes from the dough and line them on a greased baking tray.
7. Place them in the oven and let them bake for about 8-10 minutes.
8. Serve warm with curd or chutney.

2. Ragi Cake

Satiate your little one’s sweet cravings with this healthy and delicious ragi cake.

Ingredients

• Olive oil, 0.5 cup
• Vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon
• Salt
• Milk, 1 cup
• Yoghurt, 1 cup
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
• Brown sugar, 1 cup
• Cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons
• Whole wheat flour, 1 cup
• Ragi flour, 0.5 cup

How To Prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
2. Take wheat flour in a big bowl and add ragi flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder to it. Mix it thoroughly.
3. Add yoghurt, oil, milk, and vanilla essence to it and mix well again.
4. Pour this mixture in a baking tray and place it in the oven for about half an hour. Serve it with some nice chocolate syrup.

3. Egg Dosa

When a simple uttapam does not fill your child’s tummy, give it a twist. Make egg dosa, and he will finish it in no time.

Ingredients

• Salt
• Pepper
• An egg
• Dosa batter

How To Prepare

1. Heat the pan and sprinkle a little oil on it.
2. Pour dosa batter in the centre and spread it around. Now crack an egg exactly over it.
3. Let each side be cooked properly and add salt and pepper for additional taste.

4. Sweet Potato Puffs

Potato puffs are one of the top tasty and healthy baby food recipes for 2-year-old babies. This food item is a great evening snack and can even be a major side dish for a light dinner.

Ingredients

• Flour, 0.5 cup
• Cereal, 1 cup
• Applesauce, 1 tablespoon
• Water, 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons
• Sweet potato, mashed, 4 cups

How To Prepare

1. Preheat the oven at a temperature of 350 degrees.
2. Mix together oil, potato mash, and applesauce in a bowl. Add water gently till the mixture blends fully.
3. Follow it up with cereal and flour as needed.
4. Use the dough to make small ball-like portions. Poke a small hole in the middle to let the trapped air out, allowing it to puff up.
5. Apply oil on a baking tray and arrange the puffs on it. Bake them for about 15 minutes and serve.

5. Fried Bananas

For little kids who turn their face away at the sight of a banana, this fried delicacy would be hard to resist.

Ingredients

• Oil
• Cardamom powder, 1 teaspoon
• Bananas, 2

How To Prepare

1. Slice the bananas after peeling them.
2. Add some ghee to a pan and fry the pieces. Sprinkle cardamom powder over those, and enjoy.

Feeding Tips

A few handy tips for feeding your child can go a long way in making the entire meal experience a memorable one.

• Do not reward or punish your child when it comes to his eating habits. He will learn in time what is healthy and what is not, so don’t force him to eat anything.
• Do not feed spicy food items early in life.
• Refrain from giving anything that is extremely hot or cold.
• Make it a habit to sit together at the dining table and enjoy a meal.
• When giving him snacks, choose nutritious options.
• Keep meals frequent and small in quantity.
• Let children take small portions of the food.
• Avoid rushing through the meals.
• Maintain a combination of vegetables, fruits, and milk.
• When introducing any food, check if it provides him energy or not. Do not give foods containing empty calories.

FAQs

1. How often should I feed my 2-year-old child?

2-year-old babies should be fed every two to three hours. Now that children are able to walk and play, they are able to burn more calories while playing and feeding them at frequent intervals keeps hunger at bay.

2. Can I feed my 2 years old baby at night if they ask?

Yes, toddlers at this age tend to be explorative and hyper active in checking out their surroundings and new sensory information. So, if your little one wakes up at night or in the early moring, you can consider giving them a bedtime snack.

3. Should I worry if my two-year-old baby child is not feeding as usual?

Your little one is developing their taste buds for different foods, flavours, and textures, which may or may not make them like or averse to a particular food. If they do not like a particular food or texture, they will avoid eating it further. So, it could be that they may not be feeling well, have teething issues, or are just constipated. As long as your little one is healthy after taking a break from the scheduled appetite, it can be considered normal. However, if they lose body weight drastically and are more lethargic than usual, along with poor appetite, you should contact a doctor then.

4. Can I feed my 2-year-old packaged juice and flavoured milk?

No, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests refraining from packaged 100% fruit juices, as many packaged juices do not contain fruit fibre and have preservatives and sweetener additives. Similarly, flavoured milk contains plenty of added sugar and preservatives to last them longer on shelves; therefore, you should avoid such and continue with plain milk. You must avoid feeding caffeinated drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit drinks (5).

Introducing healthy and nutritious foods at the right age can help your child pick good habits in the future, too. Most kids warm up to the foods once they see the entire family enjoying it together and work towards developing a habit of doing the same. So, make sure that you eat with your family every day.

Disclaimer :

1. Each child is different and so use these meal plans as a trusted guide as per your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences / requirements.
2. Never force-feed a child.
3. While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
4. While introducing solid food to a baby, initially, one needs to prepare watery gruels/soups. As a child gets older, the caretaker/ mother has to increase the thickness of the liquids slowly according to the child’s capacity to swallow. Foods that are too thick can cause stomach upset/ unnecessary load; while excessively watery food might cause the child to remain hungry.
5. Some kids may eat less on some days and that is absolutely alright. However, if a child eats less for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please visit a doctor to guide further.
6. A child may eat less during the teething phase or if he/she may not be feeling well. You could increase breast milk /formula feeds on those days. Re-introduce the foods once the child is back to normal.
7. Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
8. You can alter the taste of the food by adding some natural flavours like cinnamon, jeera powder, lemon juice, curry leaves etc. if the child doesn’t accept the food initially.
9. If your child suffers from an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.

References/Resources:

1. Faizan. U, Rouster. A. S; Nutrition and Hydration Requirements In Children and Adults; StatPearls Publishing; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562207/#:~:text=For%20a%20child%20between%202,as%20well%20as%20to%20grow.

2. Nutrition Guide for Toddlers; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html

3. 12.5 – Nutrition in the Toddler Years; PennState; https://psu.pb.unizin.org/nutr100/chapter/12-4-infancy-and-nutrition/

4. Iron and iron deficiency; BetterHealth; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/iron

5. Muth. N. D; Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/recommended-drinks-for-young-children-ages-0-5.aspx

6. Sample Menu for a Two-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Sample-One-Day-Menu-for-a-Two-Year-Old.aspx

7. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 2-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/feeding-and-nutrition-your-two-year-old.aspx

8. Ages 2-8 Feeding Recommendations; Healthy Eating Research; https://healthyeatingresearch.org/tips-for-families/ages-2-8-feeding-recommendations/

Also Read: 

20 Month Old Baby Food
Food Ideas for 21 Month Old Baby
22 Month Old Food Ideas and Chart
Food and Recipe Ideas for 23 Month Old

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