Make Toddler to Eat

Toddlers are picky eaters

During the first six months, your child is dealing with more of liquid foods. As she crosses her first birthday, you may begin to notice a lot of physical changes as she becomes more playful with bundle of activities impending in. It’s quite natural for her not paying attention to foods and getting distracted in as many ways as possible. All these are part of toddler development. But mothers can’t leave them as such. If you understand your child better, you can plan food accordingly.

It’s important to know that eating pattern of your toddler may not remain the same all day. They may like one food one day and not at all the same food the other day. All these strange behaviors are normal.

Understand that toddlers have very small stomach and they need only small amounts of food. Their appetites tend to vary based on their activities, mood, their health condition and they are making us realise that they are trying to become independent.

Make toddler to eat

It is essential to include four types of food products in your child’s diet. This includes vegetables and fruits, grain products, milk and alternatives, meat and alternatives.

 Here are a few ways you can try to make toddler to eat.

1. Be patient: A mother needs to be extremely patient when it comes to making their toddlers eat. Children are busy in their own world and spend adequate time with them to make them eat. Don’t force or rush to complete the food in the plate. Some need to hear stories and some need appreciation for every spoon they have.

2. Little is always enough: Toddlers always prefer little amounts of food. They get distracted after few minutes. Be sure the little amount you provide is a healthy one. If they want more, they will ask too.

3. Be creative: The color, texture of food needs to be appealing for your kid to eat. You may use different cookie cutters to have different shapes of vegetables, which may attract your child to eat better.

4. Have family time: Some children may wish to eat with other family members in the dining table. So you may give them one plate and let them eat while others are eating. Sometimes this approach will work. This also helps them to divert from TV and mobile phones.

5. Let them choose: Let your child choose what vegetables and fruits they need from the grocery store. There are more chances that she may eat the chosen food.

6. Try new foods: Always try giving different foods. Don’t think they may not like. Children love to try different foods as they have more taste buds than adults. You can opt for soups and milkshakes too.  

7. Be a role model: If your toddler sees you eating different foods, it is likely that she may try to have it too.

8. Follow a routine: If you try establishing a routine time and place for a meal, they may expect the mealtime and start asking for the food. Make sure that there is a balanced diet. Aim for three meals, two snacks and incorporate lots of fluids.

9. Make fun: Make mealtime to be pleasant and fun. Avoid arguments and let them enjoy eating. Don’t use food as a reward.

10. Let it be a mess: Don’t expect your child to eat perfectly. Let the area be a little mess. Let them enjoy the food with spoon or fork or however they wish to.

11. Breakfast important: Never allow your child to skip breakfast as this is the most important food for the day.

12. Snacks: Always it is good to give healthy snacks. Snacks can be dairy products, whole grains or any of the fruits and vegetables. Do not offer snacks if meal time is nearby. Avoid junk foods as much as you can.

Health issues

Though fussy eating is normal in toddlers, prolonged fussy eating may lead to nutrient deficiencies, poor growth, weight loss, weak immunity and poor cognitive development. If your child faces these health issues it is necessary to consult a paediatrician.