Fluids

• Babies do not require solid food for the first several months of their life. Breast milk is best for infants because it has the proper balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in addition to a wealth of vitamins and immunity factors passed on from the mother. Alternatively, there are many brands of formula available for women who cannot breastfeed.
  
  Gradually, as solid foods are introduced your baby will get less nutrition from fluid sources. However, fluids can be an important source of nutrients in the form of juices and milk. Feed your young child fruit juice that is all fruit juice with no added sweeteners. Be cautious not to give your child too much juice, because it can be high in calories. Between the ages of one and two, whole fat milk is acceptable because your baby still needs fats for proper brain development. However, after two years of age the need for this fat becomes less and the chances of becoming overweight increase, so switching to low fat milk is a better option. Overall your child does not need more than two cups of milk (or any dairy, for that matter) per day.
  
  

Fruits and Vegetables

• Fruits and vegetables are an important source of vitamins, minerals and fiber in your child's diet. Your child should be receiving from one to one and half cups each of both fruits and vegetables. Babies can get this in form of baby food, while toddlers and young children can eat these foods whole. Make sure (especially for fruits, which can be packed in heavy syrups) that these foods are as fresh as possible and contain no or minimal additives or preservatives. Fresh is best, followed by frozen then canned.
  
  

Grains

• Grains come in the form of breads, pastas, and cereals and your child should be getting from three to five ounces of grains daily. Whenever possible, avoid refined grains and opt for whole grain options. Look for the words "ground," "whole" or "unbrominated" within the first few words and avoid the words "bleached" or "refined."
  
  

Protein

• The main source of protein in a child's diet is generally meat. However, things like beans, nuts and eggs should be a part of your child's diet as well. When choosing a meat to feed your baby or young child, be aware that red meat has more saturated fat in it, which can lead to high cholesterol over time and is best to limit. White meat tends to have less of these fats and is a more healthful choice. Fish is an excellent source of protein, and not only contains little to no saturated fat, but contains high amounts of healthy fat. Your child should be receiving anywhere from two to four ounces of protein daily.