Tips and Tricks for Getting Your Toddler to Eat!

09/19/2014

From the time your precious little one is born, you are searching for the tried, tested and true manual for everything baby and toddler. As you may have figured out, every new stage of raising a child has its triumphs and challenges. Feeding your toddler a nutritious well balances diet, may be one of your biggest challenges so far in their short time here on this earth.

It is all about their personality and no two children can or should be compared. Toddlers are continuously learning through exploration and they will decide whether to eat or not to eat! Truly, it doesn’t matter how much coercion or bribing you use, eventually your child will win and you will want to pull out your hair. Try your best to create a positive eating environment.

Tip #1 Live and Learn:

Do not worry about perfections because it is unattainable, and you will miss out on the present and that you can never change or get back. This means turning off all electronics at the table or in the room. Electronics are too distracting for our toddlers and they stop you from chatting with your little one.

Always let your little one be your guide. Their diets should be balanced, but remember; as long as the proper number of diapers are being soiled each day, you don’t have to worry as much! If you are ever concerned, ask your family doctor.

Tip# 2 Schedule Snack & Meal Times:

It has been recommended that providing consistent mealtimes, naps and bedtimes patterns allow children to understand their expectations.

A meal or snack should be provided ever 2-3 hours during the active parts of your toddler’s day. This is due to our little one’s small stomach capacity and their activity levels.

This also allows a toddler to get hungry. A hungry child is more likely to eat the food you offer!

Tip #3 Try Not to Be Too Controlling and Be a Leader

Offer your toddler healthy options, and if they decide “no” or they are not hungry, just go with it! (easier said than done, I know.) Try to allow your toddler’s physical needs and hunger cues to educate them when it is time to eat. You are there just to offer them food and to prepare healthy snacks and meals. Don’t forget to sit down with your toddler and make these times pleasant and not rushed. Allow for spills and messes, because they will happen!

Let them see you eating healthy choices and drinking lots of water!

Serving and Portion Sizes for Toddlers:

Here is a great chart that shows serving and portion sizes for toddlers from 1-3 years of age. I was shocked, about how small some of the portion sizes were. Honestly, my little ones always ate way more fruit than veggies, until I learned to hide the vegetables in baked goodies.

Remember this is only a guide; use it as it best serves your family.

Tip #4 Make It Fun

Get out the camera and take some pictures of those messy times!

Toddlers thrive on fun and new adventures. Offer a variety of colours, textures and shapes. Encourage finger feeding, which in return encourages independence. It is important to serve some of the same foods that you and your family are eating to your toddler.

Serve some food warm or cold. Offer sauces to dip separately, rather than cooking with sauces.  Sauces change the flavour of the food. This is sometimes why your child may start to reject foods that they once enjoyed.

Tip#5 Be Prepared:

Have fresh fruit and vegetables washed and cut up in your fridge. Have veggies in the freezer, ready to cook and add to your toddler’s meals. Prepare some food ahead of time. For example, on Sunday, cook a chicken, a pot of potatoes and bake muffins for the entire week. Portion them out and have them all week long.

Have a menu plan for the week, especially dinners. This makes everything from grocery shopping to meal preparations go a lot simpler and less stressful.

Most importantly, KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Tip #6 Always Offer Your Toddler Food First

If you are transitioning from bottles in the morning and night to solids, always offer them food first. If you are offering them a balanced diet, you should not be worried that they are not receiving enough nutrients. Drinks should be offered after they have had a sufficient amount of food, water only with meals.

Our love of food starts when we are toddlers, and these are the pivotal years for teaching and creating positive and healthy eating habits.

 Start early, Stay Consistent and Savour the Moments!

Amanda Brown, Homeopathic Physician