Some times it can be difficult to get your toddler to eat, but it is a fact that after the first birthday, your toddler’s
growth slows down so they needs less food. Their appetite and the amounts of food eaten will vary from meal to meal and from
day to day.
As a rough guide a toddlers aged 1 to 2 years can eat only about 1/4 to 1/2 of an adult portion. It’s better to offer
small servings and let your child ask for more. Remember that appetite can vary a lot. Your child may appear to eat well at
one meal and eat refuse at the next. Don’t make an issue of it. Children are good judges of the amounts of food they
need. Try to bear in mind that all you can do is offer health food you can not force them to eat.
It may be a good idea to give two to three snacks during the day, along with their meals as they only has small stomachs
and can not eat a lot a one time . Milk and fruit juice are good snack choices, but juices are naturally sweet and should
not be served too often throughout the day. If your child drinks too much, they may not want to eat solid foods.
As hard as it maybe it is often better if they refuse to eat respect your child’s wishes, even if they have eaten
nothing. They will eventually eat, they won’t let themselves go hungry, its not a rebellion, it is more likely
the simple fact that they are just not hungry. Take the food away after a reasonable amount of time or attempts at feeding
them. It is good not that it is an issue, as paying attention to not eating reinforces the behaviour of not eating.
Their food likes and dislikes will change over time. A food refused today may be eaten next week. It is thought to take
up to 10 tries for your child to actually accept a food. If you wish to introduce a new food try to serve it with one they
already know and like, try not to force them if they refuse just try again at another time. It is quite common for a toddler
to only eat one type of food try not to make an issue of it and try to add other foods to the one they like they will come
round it just takes time.
Try to make sure each days meals are balanced so that they get a health mix of fruit, veg, meat, fish and dairy. It is
better to get into a routine and feed a toddler up at the table, if possible a quiet room i.e. no telly, as they are very
easily distracted and a telly tubby is much more interesting than a meal. If you can its good to eat with them as they
will learn from watching you.
We have provided a list of some simple meals that are quick and easy to make in the next section some of the things you can make together which is great fun and a good
learning opportunity.
