Toddler meal plans and portion sizes

It turns out a lot of parents are giving their toddlers much bigger portions than recommended. To help us know what's what when it comes to feeding our little ones, the Infant and Toddler Forum (ITF) have put together a handy meal plan for kids aged 1-4.

There are five main food groups toddlers should be having everyday:

1. Starchy foods

2. Fruit and veg

3. Milk, cheese and yoghurt

4. Meat, fish, eggs, nuts and pulses

5. Oils, butter and fat spreads

Children under two years old shouldn't have any sweet puddings, cakes, biccies, chocolate or snacks like crisps.

When they're older than two, you can give them very small amounts, but they shouldn't be a regular part of their diet.

ITF have helpfully filled in a meal planner so you don't have to!

It involves splitting each meal into two 'courses'. The portion sizes are for children aged 1-4, 'with older, taller and more active children eating larger portions of some foods than younger, smaller, less active children.'

You can purchase the full Toddler Menu Planner here.

But what should the portion sizes look like? Well ...

For a brekky that's going to keep little ones full and energised, opt for half to one and a half Weetabix with a quarter of a peach or banana, and milk.

This breakfast always goes down a treat, no matter how old you are!

Make one or half a boiled egg with toast soldiers, followed by three to 10 grapes (cut in half lengthways) and water to drink.

We've got tips on how to get a perfectly boiled egg here.

Ideal for a weekend treat, make some French toast (or eggy bread) for the whole family. Toddlers should have around one medium slice of toast with three to 10 blueberries.

You can find our recipe for eggy bread here.

As the days start to get colder, soup is a quick and easy go-to for lunchtimes that'll warm you both up, too.

It's full of flavour and tastes delicious with one or two 2cm slices of baguette.

The ITF recommends serving 90-125ml of soup.

We've got a butternut squash soup recipe that's perfect for toddlers here.

Omelettes are a great source of protein thanks to the eggs. Served with toast and tomatoes, they'll help small tummies will stay fuller for longer.

Make the omelette using one egg with one to four button mushrooms. Serve with one to four cherry tomatoes and one slice of medium bread.

We've got a recipe for a baked bean omelette here.

Tuna pasta bake is an easy classic for weekday lunch times. Tuna is good for their bones, while broccoli is full of fibre.

A toddler portion size is between two and five tablespoons of pasta bake, with one to four small broccoli florets.

Check out our recipe for tuna pasta bake here.

A lovely autumnal dinner that never fails to please!

All little ones need is three to six tablespoons of shepherd's pie with a side of a few green beans.

You can find our shepherd's pie recipe here.

Sausage and mash is another easy dinner, but did you know toddlers should only be having a quarter to one medium sausage?

Between one and four tablespoons of mash will do, with a spoonful of peas on the side.

Sundays are all about hearty roasts, especially as winter approaches.

Toddlers should have up to one slice of lamb, one roast potato and a few florets of broccoli.

We've got a recipe for roast lamb right here.

Dhal is an Indian lentil dish.

It's a great way to introduce your kids to bolder flavours as well as packing in protein and veggies to their diet.

ITF recommends serving two to five tablespoons of rice, two to four tablespoons of dhal and between one half and two tablespoons of stir fried vegetables.

We've got a dhal recipe that's perfect for babies here.

We might like to serve ourselves a whole slab of carrot cake, but toddlers should only be having a very small slice.

With a glass of milk, this makes a delicious treat.

Check out our carrot cake recipe here.

This Indian snack might be a family favourite on a Friday night, but there's no reason your tot can't enjoy onion bhajis, too.

ITF's recipe recommends frying the mixture and serving between half and one and a half bhajis, but we've also got a recipe for baked onion bhajis here.

Crumble is the perfect pud for busy days and everyone loves it!

Toddlers only need a couple of tablespoons served with five to seven tablespoons of custard.

Find our recipe for apple and blackberry crumble here.