Toddlers can get very picky, refuse foods, eat the same thing every single day, and the most stressful is when they take forever to finish a meal. But this is all part of a normal toddlers behavior. So here are some tips in a healthy toddler's diet.
Usually after his first birthday a toddler's growth slows down so he needs less food. The quantity of food eaten will vary and so will his appetite since they are more concerned about everything that surrounds him and less interested in mealtime.
Toddler's don't need to eat large amounts of food, in fact you would be surprised at how little they need. 1 or 2 year old toddlers can only eat about 1/4 of an adult portion. A good healthy toddler diet tip is to serve tour child small portions and let him ask for more. Remember, your child can eat well at one meal and then terribly the next. They are usually good judges of the amount of food they need.
Keep in mind that their stomachs are small and might not be able to eat much at one time. What you need to do is give them 2 or 3 healthy snacks during the day along with their meals. But only when they're hungry or thirsty, not for fun. Milk and juice are usually good options but don't overdo it.
Don't worry if your child doesn't accept foods the first time, it usually takes about 10 tries for him to accept a new food. Children will eventually eat; they won't let themselves go hungry. Try introducing one new food at a time and serve it with something he already likes. Do this when your child is actually hungry and in a good mood.
Healthy toddler tips
o Give your child toddler-size portions. Let him ask for seconds.
o Offer finger foods sometimes
o Give him new foods with a food he's familiar with
o Go easy on seasonings and keep foods separate. Young children prefer simply prepared foods.
o Present a variety of foods from the four food groups. Let your child pick from what is available.
o Present food in a way your child can handle, in bite-size pieces for example.
o Encourage one bite to taste but don't overdo the coaxing. You can't force your child to eat anything.
o Don't bribe or reward with food. Present food in a neutral fashion.
o Keep the television off during mealtime.
o Have your child sit with the rest of the family, at least for part of the meal.
o Don't hurry your child. Remove the plate without comment after a reasonable length of time.
o Set a routine for eating. For example, foods are to be eaten at the table.
o Seat your child at a comfortable height to the table with feet supported.
o Eat with your child. Children learn how to eat by watching others and later you will enjoy your child's meals as well, thanks to healthy toddler diet tips.
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