With teeth come far greater menu possibilities for your child. By age 1, his ability to chew and his continuing need for calories should make solid foods the bulk of his diet.

Between ages 1 and 2, most toddlers need about 900 to 1,400 calories a day, though counting calories is not necessary. What's important is to offer a variety of healthful options and to encourage, but not push, your child to eat at regular meal times. He may also need three to four snacks each day.

While considering the recommended daily portions from each food group, don't worry too much if your child gets most of his calories from one group one day and from another group the next day. As long as he regularly eats foods from each category, he'll achieve the balance he needs over the course of a few days.

Grains, beans, and legumes:

• 1/2 chapatti
• 1/4 bagel
• 1 ounce cereal
• 1/2 cup cooked rice, pasta, mashed peas, or beans

Fruits and vegetables:

• 1/4 cup broccoli, peas, spinach, carrots, corn, yellow squash
• 1/2 whole fruit, such as a pear, or 1/2 cup chopped or cooked fruit

Dairy products:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 oz. cheese

Estimating Serving Sizes:

• 1/2 cup of fruit, vegetables, pasta or rice is about the size of a tennis ball or a small adult fist
• 1 cup milk, yogurt or chopped, fresh greens is about the size of a small hand holding a tennis ball
• 1 ounce of cheese is about the size of your thumb
• 1 ounce of cereal is about an adult handful or the size of a tennis ball