Does mealtime with your toddler often turn into a nightmare?
Feeding a toddler can be extremely challenging, as toddlers can be very fussy eater or get up during the meal.
Another eating problem with toddlers is that they seem to like one particular
Does mealtime with your toddler often turn into a nightmare?
Feeding a toddler can be extremely challenging, as toddlers can be very fussy eater or get up during the meal.
Another eating problem with toddlers is that they seem to like one particular food one day and reject the same food the next day.
However, there is nothing to worry about: it is a normal part of a toddler development.
The first thing you need to do is understand the reason for your toddlerâ€™s eating habits. Here are a few ways to deal with your toddlerâ€™s feeding problems:
- Encourage your baby to try new foods. Change your toddlerâ€™s diet in taste, texture, temperature and color. Toddlers also like to sample a variety of tastes.
- Avoid serving spicy foods to your baby. Most babies donâ€™t like them and it could lead to your child completely rejecting the food in the future.
- Be very innovative in preparing the foods that your toddler doesnâ€™t like. For example, if your toddler doesnâ€™t like green leafy vegetables, prepare and serve them in an interesting manner, like turning them into crispy finger foods.
- Give options that appeal to your toddlerâ€™s sense of freedom. Rather than just serving large meals, make small meals for your child.
- Maintain a regular mealtime routine. This prevents your child from eating erratic foods and drinks to reduce hunger.
- Provide a balanced diet. Allow your toddler to observe you eating healthy foods so that he can learn from you.
- Consume meals along with your baby together as a family unit. Donâ€™t allow your baby to take toys to the dining table.
- Make eating a fun time. Change the meal place, for example; have meals in the garden.
- Allow your child to assist in preparing the food. Allow your child to make choices about the food she/he likes.
- Make positive comments about the food you are eating.
- Allow your toddler to eat with other toddlers as often as possible.
- Limit the meal timing to 20-30 minutes.
- Allow your toddler to have meals in a calm and relaxed environment, i.e. away from TV, toys and video games. [Children Watching Television]