Our Toddlers |

If your toddler is anything like mine, you’ve noticed that she doesn’t eat much during one sitting. Not only that, but she’s up and down like a yo-yo in between bites. Toddlers don’t have the patience to sit through a whole meal. Plus, they have small stomachs and are done a lot faster than older children and adults. Since they don’t eat much at this stage, it’s important to make sure that what they are eating counts.

If your toddler will only eat one type of food per sitting, try foods that will give the most nutrition. If she’s old enough for peanut butter, peanut butter offers protein and fiber. Whole-grain breads offers iron and complex carbohydrates. If your toddler wants juice, mix it with water. If you give her milk while she’s eating, it may fill up her tummy. Try holding off until the end of the meal.

Toddlers like to snack throughout the day. There is nothing wrong with that and it even helps get up their energy levels. Just make sure the snacks are healthy. Offers low calorie, whole-grain cereals such as Cheerios. I keep some Cheerios in a baggie and my daughter snacks on that throughout the day. She also eats raisins, bananas, apples, and whole-grain crackers.

If your toddler’s eating habits are sporadic, don’t worry too much about it. So long as they are getting enough nutrients throughout the week, they are fine. Be sure to offer foods that will give them protein and calcium (dairy), vitamin C (fruits, vegetables), whole grains (pasta), iron (cereal), and healthy fat (unsaturated). These can be found in butter, cheese, and milk. Try to avoid trans fats, check the labels before you buy. Also, check the labels for “hydrogenated” oils. If you find this, it’s better not to buy. These types of fats can increase cholesterol. As long as your toddler is getting these important nutrients throughout the week, your baby will be fine.

Is your toddler turning her nose up at the green vegetables on her plate? Try using veggies of a different color. Sometimes, it’s just the color itself that is turning your toddler off. If won’t eat the greens, try the yellows, oranges, or reds. Corn, carrots, tomatoes, and red peppers are good options. Even if they don’t eat them all, just seeing the different colors may make them want to try one.

Toddlers should have a least three servings of vegetables a day. The serving size depends on your toddler’s age; one tablespoon for each year. Even though your toddler may not eat them, place them on the plate anyway. At some point, she’s bound to give it a try.

Be sure to add them to your plate as well. Children pick up on the smallest of things. If she notices that you aren’t eating them, she’s less likely to try. Make sure to eat your veggies at meal time. This way, she’s more likely to give them a try. The same goes for snacks. A healthy snack, such as celery sticks, is a good way to fill up the tummy without loading up on the calories.

Don’t forget the fruit. You should try to give your toddler a couple of servings of fruit per day. They are also a good option for toddlers who absolutely refuse to eat vegetables. Many fruits have the same nutritional value as vegetables. Offer a colorful variety such as bananas for potassium, cantaloupes for fiber, and kiwis for vitamin C.

When your toddler begins eating solid foods you get to introduce her to many new things. Of course, there is going to be foods she likes and foods that she doesn’t. Many toddlers develop a dislike to new foods and often want to eat one thing all the time. This usually occurs around the age of two. Many parents are concerned that their toddler is not getting the proper nutrition if they are picky eaters.

Do not worry, toddlers do not need to eat as much as you might think. Around age two, growth slows down which often results in a decrease in appetite. So, your two year old might be full with just a few bites.

Another concern of parents is a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet. While they contain healthy nutrients, these food groups can be trouble spots for many toddlers. But, if your toddler is growing normally, there is usually no need to worry.

Introducing New Foods

Toddlers will often refuse to eat new foods. Try to offer a new food consistently; your toddler will be more likely to try it eventually. Put a small amount of the food you want her to try on her plate a couple of times each week. At some point, she will take a bite.

Another tactic is to ask your toddler to try one bite of a new food. Knowing that she only has to take a single bite makes it less intimidating. If she doesn’t like it, wait a few days and ask her to try a bite again. If she still doesn’t like the food, it’s time to try another type of food. Keep trying foods in the group she is lacking in until you find something she does enjoy.

Also, teach by example by eating the foods you are trying to get your toddler to eat. Be sure to let her know how much you enjoy them. If she doesn’t see other family members eating the foods that she sees on her plate, she won’t be interested in trying them for herself.

When introducing new foods to your toddler, be sure to try one new food at a time. This way, you will know if your child has any allergies to a certain type of food.

Get Your Toddler Involved

Let your toddler choose between items in the same food group. This makes her feel like her opinion matters. You could even let her choose some healthy foods at the grocery store. If it is her idea, she will be more likely to try it.

Letting your child help prepare a meal is another way to get her involved in her food choices. Even young toddlers can somewhat help in the kitchen. Get a recipe book with pictures so you can choose recipes together. Go to the store together and get the ingredients, then come home and prepare the dish. Toddlers tend try things that they helped make.

Picky eating is a common concern of parents. Set a good example with your eating habits and consistently introduce new foods to help your child try new things. Picky eating is usually a phase that your toddler will outgrow.