A nurse is planning teaching for the parents of a toddler who follows a vegetarian diet. The nurse should plan to include which of the following foods as the best source of dietary protein for the child?

Dried beans are the best source of dietary protein for a toddler following a vegetarian diet. They are rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Soy milk, while a good source of protein, may not provide as much protein density as dried beans. Peanut butter is a good source of protein but may not be as protein-dense as dried beans. Whole grains are not as high in protein content compared to dried beans, making them a less optimal choice for meeting the toddler's protein needs.