By three years of age, most children can feed themselves and use a spoon and fork well. They will still need to have their food cut up and to learn good eating behavior. Pre-schoolers need to eat often. They usually eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day.

All children should continue Vitamin D and iron supplementation. 

Use these guidelines to make sure your child is getting enough food each day.

A pre-school child should eat:

• 3 servings of milk (3/4 cup each), cheese (1 oz each) or yogurt (1/2 cup each)
• 6 servings of cereal, pasta or rice (1/3 - 1/2 cup each); or bread, rolls or muffins (3/4 – 1 slice each)
• 5 servings of fruits and vegetables (1/4 - 1/2 cup each), 1 small fruit or 1/2 cup juice
• 2 servings of fish, chicken, beef, pork or turkey (l oz each); eggs (1) or peanut butter (2 Tbs. each)
• Fats and sweets should be added to the diet in small amounts.

Skim milk (all "husky" preschoolers and children over 4 years) and 2% milk (children 2-4 years) may be used instead of whole milk at this age. Offer your child a wide variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Snacks may be a big part of a pre-schooler’s diet. Healthy snacks that are made from fruits, vegetables and grains are good choices.

Here are some snack ideas: 

Foods marked "*"  may cause choking. Watch young pre-schoolers carefully.

• Raw vegetables* served with dips, peanut butter or string cheese.
• Fresh fruit*, dried fruit or fruit mixed with yogurt.
• Bread or bagels topped with low fat cream cheese and raisins* or apple slices*.
• Muffins made with carrots*, zucchini, pumpkin, bananas, dates or raisins*.
• Popcorn*, pretzels, nuts* or graham crackers.
• Whole grain cereals.
• English muffins or pita bread with pizza sauce, cheese and/or vegetables.
• Flour tortillas with refried beans, chili or cheese rolled inside.

Feeding Tips

• As pre-schoolers grow, they may become more active and begin to eat more.
• It’s important for the active pre-schooler to drink enough fluid (at least five to six cups a day), especially in hot weather. Encourage water, as well as milk.
• To encourage good eating behavior, have set times for meals and snacks, and have your pre- schooler eat at the table.  Turn off the television and make meal times a family time.
• Pre-schoolers are old enough to help prepare simple dishes and help set the table. Children are more willing to try new foods if they help make them.

This page is adapted from the Children's Mercy Care Cards.