Why Protein Matters: Supporting Your Infant and Toddler’s Growth Naturally
As a mom, you’ve probably heard that “kids need protein,” but let’s break down what that really means—especially if you’re focused on gut health, picky eating, food sensitivities, or building a strong, resilient child from the inside out.
Let’s sit down with a warm mug of meat stock and unpack the why, when, and how of protein for babies and toddlers—through a GAPS™, Weston A. Price Foundation, and ancestral nourishment lens.
Why Protein Is So Important for Infants and Toddlers
Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders—it’s the cornerstone of development during the first few years of life. During this time, your child is:
Tripling their brain size
Building every bone, organ, and tissue in their body
Learning to crawl, walk, talk, and think critically
Developing immune and digestive resilience
None of that can happen without adequate amino acids—the building blocks of protein.
Protein plays a critical role in:
✔️ Building bones, muscles, organs, and tissues
✔️ Supporting brain development, memory, and learning
✔️ Powering metabolism and energy regulation
✔️ Producing enzymes and neurotransmitters
✔️ Supporting liver detox and immune function
✔️ Repairing gut lining and skin tissue
And from a GAPS™ and Weston A. Price perspective, protein—especially from animal foods—provides not just the amino acids, but also the co-factors (like zinc, B vitamins, and heme iron) needed to actually absorb and use those proteins effectively.
How Much Protein Do Toddlers Actually Need?
Your toddler doesn’t need adult-size servings—but they do need consistent, nutrient-dense sources of protein every day.
Most children need about 1.2g of protein per kg of body weight per day. That’s approximately:
👉 14–15g per day for a 26 lb (12 kg) toddler
👉 Which looks like:
1 soft-boiled egg (6g)
2 oz ground beef (12g)
½ cup full-fat yogurt (5g)
Even small portions add up quickly!
Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins: What’s the Difference?
Not all proteins are equal. Complete proteins contain all 9 essential amino acids our bodies can't make on their own—and they’re mostly found in animal foods.
Best Complete Proteins for Babies & Toddlers:
Eggs – Full of choline, B12, and healthy fats
Meat stock & gelatin-rich cuts – Supports the gut and connective tissues
Wild-caught fish (like sardines or salmon) – Rich in DHA and protein
Raw or cultured dairy (yogurt, kefir, raw cheese) – Full of calcium and beneficial bacteria
Pastured meats (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey) – Bioavailable iron and zinc
Organ meats – The most nutrient-dense food on the planet
These are staples in ancestral diets because they provide everything needed to grow, repair, and protect the body—without relying on processed foods or incomplete protein sources.
When Should Toddlers Be Eating Protein?
Every meal and snack should have a small amount of protein—paired with healthy fats and gentle carbs. This helps balance blood sugar, boost focus and mood, and reduce tantrums and energy crashes.
A balanced toddler plate might look like:
1/3 protein – ground lamb, egg yolk, sardines, or chicken
1/3 gentle veggie – mashed squash, avocado, carrots
1/3 fat & ferment – ghee, tallow, coconut oil, yogurt or kraut brine
From 6 months to 3 years, consistency beats quantity. Your goal? Small, nutrient-dense bites that nourish their gut and brain.
Can Kids Get Too Much Protein?
Yes—but rarely from whole foods.
Excess protein without fat or carbs can strain the kidneys. But when you use whole, traditional foods, the balance of fat-soluble vitamins and naturally occurring fats (like in egg yolks or beef) protect against this. That’s why GAPS and WAPF encourage protein + fat combos, like:
Scrambled egg yolk in ghee
Shredded chicken in meat stock
Sardines mashed with avocado
Avoid protein powders or "high protein toddler snacks" unless you’re working with a practitioner.
From My Kitchen to Yours: How We Do It
I focus on:
Serving meat stock or soft proteins daily
Using organ meats or Pluck Seasoning (which contains small amounts of organ meats) blended into egg muffins
Rotating eggs, fish, and meats for nutrient diversity
Pairing protein with fermented foods and healthy fats for absorption
This approach helped heal my daughter’s food sensitivities, improved her eczema, and made me confident that she’s getting what she needs without stress or overwhelm.
Protein isn’t just “important”—it’s vital for every function in your baby’s growing body.
Choosing ancestral, properly prepared proteins like soft-cooked yolks, slow-simmered meat stock, and grass-fed meats gives your child the tools they need to grow, heal, and thrive—naturally.
So next time you're prepping a meal or snack, just pause and ask:
"Where’s the protein?"
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be real.