Toddler and Preschooler Nutrition Quiz

2. A toddler who eats only certain foods day after day is bound for malnutrition.

• Myth.
  You got it. It may seem that way to concerned parents, but it's hardly ever the case. Eating jags -- periods when toddlers favor only a few foods -- are common. But take heart, they usually don't last. Feel better by offering a wide variety of foods alongside your child's favorites while you wait for the phase to pass. If your child rejects an entire food group, such as fruits and vegetables, for a few weeks or more, consult a doctor or dietitian for advice.
• Fact.
  Nope. It may seem that way to concerned parents, but it's hardly ever the case. Eating jags -- periods when toddlers favor only a few foods -- are common. But take heart, they usually don't last. Feel better by offering a wide variety of foods alongside your child's favorites while you wait for the phase to pass. If your child rejects an entire food group, such as fruits and vegetables, for a few weeks or more, consult a doctor or dietitian for advice.

3. If you don't serve kids what they want for dinner, they won't eat enough.

• Myth.
  Yes, that is a myth. Children will eat when they are hungry, no matter what it is. Preparing one meal for the family and others for your kids won't make them any healthier, but it will cause stress. Don't become a short-order cook by catering to your kid's whim at dinnertime. Serve at least one or two foods you know they'll eat.
• Fact.
  No. It's actually a myth. Children will eat when they are hungry, no matter what it is. Preparing one meal for the family and others for your kids won't make them any healthier, but it will cause stress. Don't become a short-order cook by catering to your kid's whim at dinnertime. Serve at least one or two foods you know they'll eat.

4. You should be giving your toddler whole milk, not reduced fat milk.

• Myth.
  No. Children under age two should drink whole milk because its high calorie and fat content helps support their rapid growth. As a child gets older, they get more of their calories and fat from food, and less from milk. That's why the American Academy of
• Fact.
  That's right. Children under age two should drink whole milk because its high calorie and fat content helps support their rapid growth. As a child gets older, they get more of their calories and fat from food, and less from milk. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics says it's acceptable to serve reduced fat milk, such as one percent fat, after a child's second birthday. But that doesn't mean it's necessary.

5. Preschoolers should finish all the food on their plates.

• Myth.
  You're right. Forcing membership in The Clean Plate Club fosters resentment toward parents, and may encourage overeating. Children's appetites fluctuate after infancy, so respect your child when he says he can't finish his food. Serve kids small portions, and let them have more if they want it.
• Fact.
  Incorrect. Forcing membership in The Clean Plate Club fosters resentment toward parents, and may encourage overeating. Children's appetites fluctuate after infancy, so respect your child when he says he can't finish his food. Serve kids small portions, and let them have more if they want it.

6. Toddlers should drink juice.

• Myth.
  Yes. While 100 percent juice provides nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, it's not essential to the diet. If your child eats fruit, she may not need juice. Too much juice may result in excess calories, and weight gain. Best bets: 100 percent fruit juice, and vitamin C-fortified juices.
• Fact.
  No. While 100 percent juice provides nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, it's not essential to the diet. If your child eats fruit, she may not need juice. Too much juice may result in excess calories, and weight gain. Best bets: 100 percent fruit juice, and vitamin C-fortified juices.