8 Ways to Feed Your Toddler

Feeding a toddler is a continuous challenge, but it is also an opportunity to infuse healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips on how to feed your toddler, from introducing new foods to dealing with picky eaters. 

• Introduce a variety of foods

Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, but it is vital to introduce them to a variety of foods. Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins at each meal. Try to include a variety of colours and textures to make mealtime more exciting and engaging for your little one.

• Make mealtime fun

Make mealtime an enjoyable experience for your toddler. Try to eat together as a family whenever possible, and involve your child in the meal preparation process. Let them help stir ingredients, wash fruits and vegetables, and set the table. Use colourful plates and utensils to make the meal more appealing, and offer a variety of foods your toddler can choose from.

• Be patient

Toddlers are still developing their taste preferences, and it can take several tries before they accept a new food. Offer various food items in small quantities, and do not force your kid to eat if they resist eating more. Keep making multiple foods; eventually, your toddler will learn to appreciate new flavours and textures. 

• Limit snacks and sugary drinks

It is important to limit snacks and sugary drinks, as these can fill up your toddler's stomach and reduce their appetite for nutritious meals. Stick to water and milk as the primary beverages, and offer snacks that are healthy and low in sugar, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain crackers. 

• Set a routine

Establishing a routine can help your toddler develop healthy eating habits. Offer three meals and two snacks at regular intervals throughout the day. This will aid your child to feel more in control of their hunger and reduce their tantrums to not eating food. 

• Model healthy eating habits

Your toddler is observing you, so it is important to model healthy eating habits. Eat various nutritious foods, and avoid negative comments about food. When your toddler sees you enjoying healthy foods, they are more likely to try that food themselves. 

• Be mindful of portion sizes

Toddlers have small stomachs, so be mindful of portion sizes. Offer small portions at each meal, and allow your child to ask for more if they are still hungry. Avoid using pressure to finish a plate or eat more than they want. Do not make them overeat, as it is not healthy for children. If you think that your kid is not consuming enough, then do not force the child to eat, but slowly increase the portion size. 

• Offer a balanced diet

Finally, make sure your toddler is getting a balanced diet. Offer a variety of foods from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. If your child is very selective in terms of food or is a picky eater, you may need to offer a variety of options within each food group to ensure they're getting all the nutrients they need.

To sum up, feeding a toddler can be challenging, but with a bit of patience and creativity, it can also be an opportunity to infuse healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. By offering a variety of foods, making mealtime fun, limiting snacks and sugary drinks, and setting a routine, you can help your toddler develop a healthy relationship with food and set them up for a lifetime of good health.