In the master's thesis, we examined the dietary habits of children aged one to three and the attitudes of parents toward healthy nutrition. A healthy diet, defined as a balanced intake of macro– and micronutrients with sufficient hydration, is essential for optimal psychophysical development, cognitive abilities, and immune resilience in toddlers. The thesis also highlights the importance of nutritional education, as attitudes toward food significantly influence long-term dietary habits and overall health. Parents, and their approach to nutrition, play the most influential role in shaping these attitudes. We investigated the enabling and inhibiting factors of healthy eating in toddlers, as well as the knowledge and attitudes of parents regarding healthy toddler nutrition. An empirical study was conducted using a quantitative approach that included a survey of parents, which was further supported by a qualitative study involving interviews with parents. The survey assessed parents’ knowledge about toddler nutrition, how toddlers are fed, and parents’ habits when purchasing food products for young children. Our findings indicate that the majority of parents follow the recommended guidelines for healthy toddler nutrition. Most parents strive to create a supportive environment that fosters a positive attitude toward eating. We also found that parents with higher levels of education are less likely to allow toddlers to play games on mobile phones during meals. When selecting food products for their children, parents pay close attention to the ingredients and nutritional value. Based on the research results, it would be advisable to develop nutrition education programs for parents, aimed at promoting the formation of healthy eating habits in toddlers as well as among other family members.
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