I need to re-introduce myself since I recently joined Lactnet this week after
6 mos off while we moved 2 times this summer.  I am a registered dietitian
accumulating the required experience to acquire IBCLC after my name, but I'm
taking the slooow route to that while enjoying (most of the time!) my 3 1/2 yr
old, Hope, and 1 yr old, Ian.  We're currently in Overland Park, KS (near KS
City) and I'm glad to be back gleaning wonderful ideas and advice from all of
you.

Regarding the fat requirement for young children question...there is no RDA
for fat for children and there is no Daily Value for fat (as seen on food
labels) for children under 4.  I assume the little person is growing, albeit
slowly, and not losing weight at an alarming pace?  Why, oh why, do we get so
hung up on the "right" weight at such an early age?  If weight is a concern to
the ped and, *please*, let's remember who developed those infamous growth
charts, I think that caloric density is the way to go with foods instead of
worrying about fat grams.

Remember that breastmilk derives about half of its calories from fat and, with
a hx of family allergies, why be in a hurry to add dairy products?  Number
one, keep nursing!  Then, I would suggest having calorically-dense snacks (and
meals) available for the little person who probably eats on the run...off the
top of my head, things like dried fruit (w/ good dental care each day), diced
avocadoes, sliced olives, egg yolks (if they don't present an allergy
problem), smooth almond butter, etc. are easy for 1 yr olds to eat.  You might
find a little more info geared to the lay public at the American Dietetic
Assn's website--www.eatright.org.  There's a spot where they have fact sheets
and several are on toddler eating, I believe, although they include the
maddening "breast milk or formula" stuff.  Hope this is a start. E-mail me
privately if you want more food suggestions since I didn't want to make this
note too long.

Good luck,
Rebecca