Weight for weight, a toddler's energy requirements are about twice that of an adult. The developing brain especially requires lots of glucose, in the form of dietary carbohydrates, for energy. Bananas contain roughly double the fat-free carbohydrates of nearly every other fruit.

Infants and toddlers have small stomach capacities and therefore rely on frequent snacks. To meet the energy needs of running and playing, and their rapid rate of growth they will often need to eat six times a day. Bananas are high in energy-giving carbohydrates, nature's fuel for growing bodies.

Toddlers are learning an increasing range of complex tasks. Brain cell activity is central to the development of cognitive processes. A constant supply of glucose to the brain is essential for cognitive development. Carbohydrate-containing foods supply glucose, which is the primary source of energy to the brain.

Many toddlers can be “fussy eaters”. Remember that it may take 8-10 times before a toddler is willing to try new foods. These are the formative years for establishing long-term healthy eating habits, so keep offering new wholesome foods.

When babies and toddlers become unwell, or are recovering from an illness, popular foods they love often include comfort foods. These can include soft ripe fruit such as banana, pears and apple without their skins; yoghurt, custard and ice cream, which can be served with chopped banana; and plainer types of breakfast cereal accompanied with banana.

Remember that it is normal for a toddler to play with their food. It is a part of exploring their environment. Making food an interesting and fun experience encourages babies and toddlers to try new foods. Some examples to include bananas are:

• using banana slices as eyes for a face
• wheels for a car or truck
• frozen with a paddle pop stick as an icy pole
• banana jelly

Toddlers will also only want to eat when they are hungry, hence they may not want to finish everything on their plate and may want to eat at different times to you. That makes snacks like the banana so convenient.

1 Banana
1/2 cup fresh Raspberries
150mL Apple juice
(no added sugar)
Ice

Add all ingredients to a blender
and mix well. Add more ice for
a chilled smoothie.

(Vitamin B6, Potassium, Vitamin C,
Fibre, slow release carbohydrates,
Antioxidants)

Nutrient	Amount	% daily needs
Energy kJ/Cal	770 / 184	N/A
Protein g	2.5	18
Fat g	0	N/A
Carbohydrate g	40	N/A
Fibre g	5.5	39
Folate mcg	42	28
Potassium mg	560	23
Iron mg	1.1	12
Vitamin C mg	30	85
Glycaemic Index	Low

N/A = not applicable

mg = milligram

mcg = microgram

kJ = kilojoule

Cal = Calorie