Plain-spoken, sourced guides to feeding kids, from first bites to the teen years.https://picklee.co/blog/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/5-year-old-picky-eater-recipes/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/5-year-old-picky-eater-recipes/Picky 5-year-olds still need about 2 oz of protein at dinner. 12 familiar-looking recipes with protein per plate, safe cuts and ways to widen the menu.Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitslittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-many-calories-does-a-baby-need/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-many-calories-does-a-baby-need/A baby needs roughly 440–570 calories a day at 1–3 months, 510–645 at 4–6 months and 720–845 at 10–12 months. What that looks like in milk and food.Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagesbabyhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-breakfast-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-breakfast-ideas/A good toddler breakfast pairs a protein or dairy food with fruit and a grain. 15 quick ideas for 2-year-olds, with toddler-sized portions and safe cuts.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/can-toddlers-have-protein-powder/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/can-toddlers-have-protein-powder/Most toddlers don't need protein powder. Ages 1 to 3 need about 13 g of protein a day, and a cup of milk gives 8. What to do instead, and when to ask a doctor.Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/1-year-old-meal-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/1-year-old-meal-ideas/A 1-year-old eats 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day. A sample day from the AAP, easy breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas, and how to cut each food safely.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/2-year-old-picky-eater/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/2-year-old-picky-eater/Picky eating is a normal stage for most 2-year-olds, and it often fades by about age 5. What helps at the table, and a quick check of iron and calcium.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/5-year-old-meal-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/5-year-old-meal-ideas/A balanced dinner for a young school-age child is about 2 oz of protein, ½ cup of starch and ¼ cup of vegetables. A week of lunches and dinners with safe cuts.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/4-year-old-wont-eat-anything/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/4-year-old-wont-eat-anything/A 4-year-old who refuses most food is usually going through a normal phase. The AAP, CDC and NHS advice that works, plus the signs that mean a call to the doctor.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitslittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/2-year-old-not-eating-much/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/2-year-old-not-eating-much/A 2-year-old eats about a quarter of an adult's portion, and appetite drops after the first birthday. Why it happens, what to offer and when to call the doctor.Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/9-month-old-food-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/9-month-old-food-ideas/A 9-month-old eats about 3 meals and 2–3 snacks plus breast milk or formula. Iron-rich finger foods with safe cuts, a sample day and what to skip.Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodbabyhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-lunch-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-lunch-ideas/A 2-year-old's lunch is about ½ sandwich, ½ cup of fruit, a little vegetable and ½ cup of milk, per the AAP. 15 easy lunches with safe cuts and portions.Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-juice-should-a-child-drink/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-juice-should-a-child-drink/At most 4 oz a day of 100% juice for ages 1 to 3, 4 to 6 oz for ages 4 to 6, and 8 oz from 7 up — and none before 12 months, per the AAP.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-itbabytoddlerlittle-kidbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/when-can-babies-have-honey/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/when-can-babies-have-honey/Babies can have honey from 12 months, per the CDC, AAP and NHS. Before that it can cause infant botulism. What counts as honey, and what to do about it.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagesbabytoddlerhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/meal-ideas-for-picky-toddlers/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/meal-ideas-for-picky-toddlers/Picky 2-year-olds can eat the same small plate as any toddler. Easy meal ideas built on foods they already accept, with safe cuts and iron pairings.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/what-should-a-5-year-old-eat-in-a-day/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/what-should-a-5-year-old-eat-in-a-day/Three meals and two snacks, with about 2 cups of milk plus yogurt, 1 cup of fruit and 3–4 oz of meat, cheese or fish, per the AAP. A full one-day sample menu.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stageslittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-snack-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-snack-ideas/A 2-year-old has 1 or 2 snacks a day, each built from a protein or dairy food plus a fruit, vegetable or grain. 25 easy ideas with choking-safe cuts.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-many-calories-does-a-child-need/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-many-calories-does-a-child-need/A 9-month-old needs about 750–900 calories a day, a 1-year-old about 1,000 and a 2-year-old 1,000–1,400. What that looks like in meals.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagesbabytoddlerhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/do-toddlers-need-vitamins/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/do-toddlers-need-vitamins/Usually no. The AAP says healthy children on a balanced diet don't need vitamin supplements. The nutrients picky toddlers can miss, and when to ask about one.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/when-can-kids-eat-popcorn/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/when-can-kids-eat-popcorn/Not yet. The AAP lists popcorn as a choking hazard and says to keep such foods from children until age 4 or older. Safer crunchy snacks to serve instead.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/when-can-babies-have-water/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/when-can-babies-have-water/Babies can have a little water from about 6 months — 4 to 8 oz a day, per the AAP. Before that, breast milk or formula is all they need. Here's how.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-itbabyhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-dinner-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/2-year-old-dinner-ideas/A 2-year-old's dinner is about 2 oz of protein, ⅓ cup of grain and ⅓ cup of vegetables, per the AAP. 15 easy dinners with safe cuts and protein per plate.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/6-month-old-food-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/6-month-old-food-ideas/At about 6 months, start with iron-rich foods in smooth, mashed or soft form. Simple first foods, easy meal ideas, what to skip and how to serve safely.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodbabyhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-water-should-a-child-drink/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-water-should-a-child-drink/Kids 1–3 need about 4 cups of fluid a day, milk included; kids 4–8 about 5 cups; older kids 7–8 cups. Cups and ml by age, and what counts.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerlittle-kidbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/best-meals-for-3-year-olds/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/best-meals-for-3-year-olds/The best meals for a 3-year-old are simple plates of protein, grain, fruit or vegetable and milk, in portions a quarter of an adult's. A week of ideas.Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-iron-does-a-toddler-need/https://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-iron-does-a-toddler-need/Toddlers need 7 mg of iron a day. What that looks like on a real plate, which foods do the heavy lifting, and the everyday drink that quietly gets in the way.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-milk-should-a-toddler-drink/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-milk-should-a-toddler-drink/About 16 oz (2 cups) a day from 12 to 24 months, and 16–24 oz from 2 to 5. Plus water, juice, plant milks and how to cut back a milk-lover.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-protein-does-a-toddler-need/https://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-protein-does-a-toddler-need/Toddlers aged 1 to 3 need about 13 grams of protein a day — an egg and a cup of milk covers most of it. Amounts by age, per meal, and for plant-based kids.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-wont-eat-dinner/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-wont-eat-dinner/Why dinner is the meal toddlers refuse most, why appetite drops after age one, and seven calm, evidence-based things to try tonight — plus when to call the doctor.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/10-month-old-meal-ideas/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/10-month-old-meal-ideas/A 10-month-old eats 3 meals and 2–3 snacks plus about 24 oz of breast milk or formula. A sample schedule, 14 meal ideas with safe cuts, and foods to avoid.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodbabyhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/toddler-breakfast-ideas-no-eggs/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/toddler-breakfast-ideas-no-eggs/Toddlers need about 13 g of protein a day; an egg-free breakfast can cover half. 12 ideas (5-minute, make-ahead, on-the-go) with protein for each.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/health-and-growth/baby-constipation-after-starting-solids/https://picklee.co/health-and-growth/baby-constipation-after-starting-solids/Firmer poop after starting solids is normal. Hard, painful stools are not. Which baby foods help, what to cut back, water from 6 months, and when to call.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThealth-and-growthbabyhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/baby-refusing-solids/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/baby-refusing-solids/Breast milk or formula is still a baby's main food until 12 months, so a few days of refused solids is usually normal. Why it happens, what helps and red flags.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitsbabyhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/calcium-for-kids-who-dont-like-milk/https://picklee.co/nutrients/calcium-for-kids-who-dont-like-milk/Kids aged 9 to 13 need 1,300 mg of calcium a day. Yogurt, cheese, fortified soy milk, tofu and greens can cover it without a glass of milk.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientsbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/energy-drinks-and-kids/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/energy-drinks-and-kids/No. The AAP says energy drinks should never be consumed by children or teens. Caffeine in Monster, Alani and Celsius, safe limits by age, and warning signs.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-itbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/can-kids-drink-protein-shakes/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/can-kids-drink-protein-shakes/Usually there's no need. Kids 9–13 need about 34 g of protein a day, which food easily covers. When shakes make sense, and what to check on the label.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-itbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/can-toddlers-drink-gatorade/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/can-toddlers-drink-gatorade/Not as an everyday drink — the AAP says sports drinks aren't for routine use. When a toddler is sick, an oral rehydration solution works better.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/daycare-lunch-ideas-no-reheat/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/daycare-lunch-ideas-no-reheat/Pack a protein, grain, fruit and vegetable, plus two ice packs. 12 cold daycare lunches for toddlers, with choking-safe cuts and USDA food-safety rules.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/dha-for-toddlers/https://picklee.co/nutrients/dha-for-toddlers/The best DHA foods for toddlers are salmon, sardines and trout. How much fish is safe by age, plant omega-3s, and whether toddlers need a DHA supplement.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientstoddlerlittle-kidbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/health-and-growth/foods-that-help-toddler-constipation/https://picklee.co/health-and-growth/foods-that-help-toddler-constipation/Pears, prunes, peas, beans, oats and berries soften toddler poop; too much milk and cheese can firm it up. Fiber per toddler portion and when to call a doctor.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThealth-and-growthtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-many-calories-should-a-10-year-old-eat/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-many-calories-should-a-10-year-old-eat/Most 10-year-olds need roughly 1,400–2,200 calories a day, depending on sex and activity. Why counting isn't the goal, and how puberty changes appetite.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagesbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/how-many-snacks-should-a-toddler-have/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/how-many-snacks-should-a-toddler-have/Most toddlers do well on 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, spaced 2–3 hours apart; by 2–3 many need only 1–2. A sample schedule, snack formula and grazing fixes.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-fiber-does-a-child-need/https://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-fiber-does-a-child-need/About 14 g of fiber a day for a 2- or 3-year-old, per the Dietary Guidelines. Why some say 19 g or "age + 5", and what fiber looks like on a plate.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientstoddlerlittle-kidbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-protein-does-a-10-year-old-need/https://picklee.co/nutrients/how-much-protein-does-a-10-year-old-need/Kids aged 9 to 13 need about 34 grams of protein a day, boys and girls alike. What that looks like in real food, and whether young athletes need more.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientsbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/protein-for-babies/https://picklee.co/nutrients/protein-for-babies/Babies 7 to 12 months need about 11 g of protein a day, and breast milk or formula supplies much of it. The best first protein foods and how to prepare them.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientsbabyhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-much-should-a-1-year-old-eat/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-much-should-a-1-year-old-eat/About 1,000 calories a day, split across 3 meals and 2 snacks, per the AAP. What that looks like per meal, a sample day, and how much milk fits in.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagestoddlerhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-much-solid-food-should-baby-eat/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/how-much-solid-food-should-baby-eat/At 8 to 12 months, about 2–4 oz of each food at 3 meals, per the AAP, with breast milk or formula still the main food. Amounts month by month, 6 to 12 months.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagesbabyhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-sugar-should-a-toddler-have/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/how-much-sugar-should-a-toddler-have/None before age 2. From 2, the AAP and AHA say under 25 g (about 6 tsp) of added sugar a day. How to spot it on labels, and easy swaps.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerlittle-kidbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/iron-rich-foods-for-babies/https://picklee.co/nutrients/iron-rich-foods-for-babies/Babies need 11 mg of iron a day at 7 to 12 months. The best iron-rich foods for babies, with mg per baby portion, for purées and baby-led weaning.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientsbabyhttps://picklee.co/whats-in-it/is-toddler-formula-necessary/https://picklee.co/whats-in-it/is-toddler-formula-necessary/For most children, no. The AAP says toddler formulas offer no advantage over cow's milk and a varied diet, often contain added sugars and cost more.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTwhats-in-ittoddlerhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/picky-eater-10-year-old/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/picky-eater-10-year-old/Picky eating that lasts past age 10 is common and usually not harmful. How to widen what a preteen eats, school lunch ideas, and when it could be ARFID.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitsbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/health-and-growth/preteen-growth-spurt-always-hungry/https://picklee.co/health-and-growth/preteen-growth-spurt-always-hungry/A big jump in appetite around 10 in girls and 12 in boys often signals the puberty growth spurt. What's normal, filling snacks, iron, and when to check.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThealth-and-growthbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/purees-vs-baby-led-weaning/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/purees-vs-baby-led-weaning/Neither is clearly better. Trials found baby-led weaning no riskier for choking than spoon-feeding if done safely, but iron needs planning. How to mix both.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagesbabyhttps://picklee.co/health-and-growth/signs-of-iron-deficiency-in-toddlers/https://picklee.co/health-and-growth/signs-of-iron-deficiency-in-toddlers/Pale skin, tiredness, irritability and eating non-food items are classic signs, but many toddlers show none. Causes, the 2026 AAP testing advice and treatment.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThealth-and-growthbabytoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-eats-a-lot-one-day-nothing-the-next/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-eats-a-lot-one-day-nothing-the-next/Big swings in toddler appetite are normal. Research shows young children balance meals out over the day. What's going on, and when to worry.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/health-and-growth/toddler-not-gaining-weight/https://picklee.co/health-and-growth/toddler-not-gaining-weight/Weight gain slows sharply after age 1, and a steady curve matters more than the percentile. What growth charts show, common causes and when to see the doctor.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThealth-and-growthtoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-only-eats-carbs/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-only-eats-carbs/A carb-only phase is common and usually passes. Why toddlers love bread and pasta, how to build on safe foods, and how to sneak in iron and protein.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/toddler-portion-sizes/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/toddler-portion-sizes/A toddler portion is about a quarter of an adult's, per the AAP — 1 oz of meat, ¼ cup of cooked veg, ½ slice of bread. Chart for ages 1–3 and 4–6.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagestoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-wont-eat-meat/https://picklee.co/eating-habits/toddler-wont-eat-meat/Many toddlers refuse meat because it's hard to chew. Softer ways to serve it, plus beans, eggs, tofu and fortified foods that cover iron and zinc.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeating-habitstoddlerlittle-kidhttps://picklee.co/nutrients/vitamin-d-drops-for-babies/https://picklee.co/nutrients/vitamin-d-drops-for-babies/The AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D a day for breastfed and partly breastfed babies, from soon after birth. Who needs drops, formula, sunlight and iron.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTnutrientsbabyhttps://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/what-should-a-2-year-old-eat-in-a-day/https://picklee.co/ages-and-stages/what-should-a-2-year-old-eat-in-a-day/About 1,000–1,400 calories over 3 meals and 1–2 snacks — roughly 1 cup each of fruit and veg, 2 cups of dairy and 2 oz of protein. Full sample menu.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTages-and-stagestoddlerhttps://picklee.co/everyday-food/what-young-athletes-should-eat/https://picklee.co/everyday-food/what-young-athletes-should-eat/A carb-rich, low-fat meal 3–4 hours before, water before and during, and carbs plus protein within an hour after. AAP game-day timing for kids 9–13.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTeveryday-foodbig-kidhttps://picklee.co/health-and-growth/introducing-allergens-to-baby/https://picklee.co/health-and-growth/introducing-allergens-to-baby/Most babies can start peanut, egg and other allergens around 6 months; high-risk babies need a doctor's plan first. Safe forms and warning signs.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThealth-and-growthbaby