EP 27: Top 5 Foods for Your 1-Year-Old

Send us Fan Mail

Could a few simple foods help close common nutrition gaps in your one-year-old’s diet? In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels shares the five foods she wishes every family knew about as babies grow from breast milk or formula into toddlerhood. She explains why the first 1,000 days matter so much for brain growth, immune support, and long-term development, while reminding parents that perfection is not the goal. You’ll learn why fatty fish, seeds, eggs, beans, and whole milk can make a big difference, especially for nutrients like iron, DHA, vitamin E, choline, fiber, and vitamin D. With practical, budget-friendly tips, this episode helps parents feel more confident feeding their toddler well, one small step at a time.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why nutrition gaps can happen as babies become toddlers
• Why the first 1,000 days are so important for brain growth
• Which nutrients do one-year-olds often need more of
• The top five foods Dr. Liz recommends for one-year-olds
• Simple ways to add these foods without pressure or perfection

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Why nutrition gaps can happen around age one
(1:19) Why variety matters in toddler nutrition
(2:00) The first 1,000 days and brain development 
(5:00) Key nutrients: iron, DHA, vitamin E, choline, and vitamin D
(10:21) Food #1: Fatty fish for iron, DHA, and vitamin D
(13:49) Food #2: Seeds for omega-3s and vitamin E
(18:23) Food #3: Eggs for choline and brain support
(21:24) Food #4: Beans for fiber, choline, and iron
(22:45) Food #5: Whole milk for vitamin D and calcium
(25:36) How to serve these foods without pressure or perfection

NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.