Heavier breakfast for 18 months

[mbs1956]

My first grandchild will start his day care at 18 months and is there a need to change his breakfast diet to a heavier one? He normally has 8oz formula upon waking up followed after 2 hours by 6oz of organic rice cereal with fruits. He gets another 6oz formula after an hour. The next feeding is already lunch.

[Renee Radenberg]

At 18 months old he does not need infant formula. He can be placed on regular milk if he is within the growth chart for his age. He can feed himself (with his fingers) and should be eating regular food, cut up in small pieces, at this age. Here is a guideline for an 18-24 month old child should eat the following on a daily basis: Dairy 3-4 feedings a day – Milk (4oz), cheese (½ oz), yogurt (½ cup), or cottage cheese (¼ cup). Starch 4 feedings a day – Cereal (¼ cup), pasta (¼ cup), rice (¼ cup), bread (½ slice), or crackers (2). Fruits & Vegetables 4 feedings a day – Fruits (including 100% juice limited to only 4-6ozs) & Vegetables (¼ cup). Protein source 2 feedings a day – Meat or fish (1oz), egg (1), or beans (¼ cup). He should eat 3 meals and have snacks between meals using the foods above to be spread out throughout the day.

[Renee Radenberg]

He can eat oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or french toast (all cut-up) which would fill him up instead of just cereal.

[mbs1956]

Thank you for your very informative reply Renee. I'm okay with the nutritional values and variety. I guess my question should have been "what is a convenient substitute for his breakfast cereal so that he doesn't get hungry fast". He eats regular food for the balance of the day and nicely spaced. thanks.