It is normal for some toddlers to eat everything they are offered whilst others will turn their nose up at food they previously enjoyed. Your toddler may also not eat as much as previously. This too is quite normal.
- Avoid making mealtimes a battleground. Being a toddler is all about pushing the boundaries and becoming an individual. Long term food hang-ups can begin at this time, so however frustrated you are inside, try not to let your toddler know. You are still older and smarter. Don’t threaten or bribe.
“No sweet ‘til you’ve eaten your meat”
– remember that one?
- We know how difficult it is to eat when tired, don’t expect your child to enjoy it either. Eating early enough in the evening is important for a successful meal.
- Let your child feed himself with a spoon or fingers. At first the spoon may be used wrongly, i.e. upside down or empty, but bear with it. Your child will soon learn how to use it properly when food is wanted.
- Many toddlers eat only one or two good meals every day and pick at snacks the rest of the time. This is normal. Avoid offering snacks just before meals.
- Offer your child small amounts of a variety of foods and give choice over what is eaten. Even as adults, we eat more if there is a wider choice. Also offer choice so a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer isn’t an option. For example, “would you like an apricot or banana?”
- Although milk is still important for your child, check your child isn’t ‘filling up’ on it.
- Involve your child in preparing food. He will love chopping vegetables and stirring mixes!
- Limit mealtimes to 10-15 minutes, and then remove the food without offering alternatives, praising what has been eaten.
- Keep offering your child small amounts of the refused food as it can take time to like a new food.
- If cooked vegetables are refused, try giving them raw. Vegetables are equally nutritious whether a raw snack or within a cooked meal. As adults, we might eat vegetable sticks with a dip; let your child try some too.
- Reduce the number of distractions. Switch off the television. Sit down at a table away from toys and games.
- Toddlers gravitate towards attention whether it’s positive or negative. The more fuss made about eating, the more fuss will be generated and the longer it will continue.
Healthy snacks
- small sandwiches cut into interesting shapes and arranged on the plate to make a picture or pattern
- yoghurt in a bowl with added chunks of fresh fruit
- chunks of water melon, seedless grapes, avocado
- cheese and crackers with pieces of fruit (a mixture of colours and textures makes it more interesting)
- sticks of raw vegetables in a picture or pattern, with some dip or peanut butter
- small muffin or cake
- water to drink
Preventing excessive weight gain
As with adults, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children who are overweight. Sadly, overweight children are more likely to have health problems both as a child and later as an adult. There is a difficult balance to strike between ensuring your child obtains enough energy and essential building blocks for growth and development, without the extra calories/kilojoules, which are stored as fat. Children need foods rich in nutrients as well as energy, not those offering high amounts of calories with little else.
Some tips for ensuring your child maintains a healthy weight
- Encourage your child to decide how much they eat, with you making the choice of the food offered. Focus on the foods they can eat rather than foods not to eat.
- Children need some fat in their diets for energy and growth, but it is important not to offer too many fat laden foods if they are only providing extra calories, e.g. cakes, biscuits, sweets and chocolate. The same goes for sugar.
- Eat meals as a family; parents can show healthy eating is good.
- Offer a nutritious snack between meals, e.g. fruit, vegetables, whole grain bread sandwiches.
- Provide safe places for play and exercise.
- Have regular opportunities and encouragement for running and playing.
- Limit TV, video and computer time. Learning is important but so too is being active.If you are worried about your child’s appetite, eating pattern or weight, talk to your health professional.
