A 3-year-old who is highly active attends a daycare with daily play and structured gross-motor activities. Within the typical 1,000–1,600 kcal/day range, which caloric target is most appropriate for planning their meals?

• A. Approximately 900 kcal/day because even very active toddlers should stay below 1,000 kcal/day to prevent rapid weight gain during early childhood.
• B. Approximately 1,600 kcal/day to support higher activity levels and growth, while remaining within the typical range for 1–5-year-olds.
• C. Approximately 1,200 kcal/day because all toddlers regardless of activity level should be targeted near the population median of intake so as to avoid overfeeding.
• D. Approximately 2,000 kcal/day because any active toddler should be given the same caloric intake as an active older child to maximize energy availability for growth.

Answer: (B)