Many kids at this age become picky eaters. They have much less of an appetite because their growth naturally slows at this age. Do not force your child to eat anything, but continue to offer a variety of foods.
Avoid sugary snacks, juice, & pop. If they fill up on these empty calories, they won't eat the nutritious foods they need. They are also bad for teeth!
No bottles! They can use all cups at this age.
Continue whole milk or 2% milk. Begin 2% milk no later than 2 years, skim milk by 4 years. If your child is "husky" discuss lowering the fat content earlier with your provider.
Now that your child is past the first birthday, growth will slow down and appetite will decrease. Your toddler is also becoming increasingly independent and feeding your child may become a challenge. To be sure your child is getting the nutrition he needs, consider the following guidelines.
What should my toddler eat?
Offer your child a variety of foods from the five basic foods groups. If you are still nursing, continue as long as you and your child desire. Avoid high-sugar, low-nutrient foods such as candy, soda pop, and juice drinks. Each day your toddler should eat:
Dairy: 2 cups (16 ounces) of whole milk (1 cup (8 ounces) whole fat yogurt or 1 oz cheese may replace 1 cup of milk)
Grains: 3 ounces grains (1 ounce = 1 slice bread, 1 small tortilla, or ½ cup rice, cereal or pasta). Whole grains are a better choice.
Vegetables: 1 cup vegetables
Fruit: 1 cup fruit
Meat and meat alternatives: 2 ounces meat, beans, tofu or eggs (1 ounce = ¼ cup beans, 1 egg, ¼ cup tofu)
How should my child eat?
Your toddler should be eating table foods and drinking from a cup.
Toddlers are still learning basic feeding skills. Encourage your toddler to feed himself. Let him practice with a child-sized spoon or fork, but do not be surprised if he would rather eat with his fingers.
Mealtime will be messy! Be patient and have fun!
When should my toddler eat?
Your child’s stomach is still quite small, so it is important to offer him 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day.
Toddlers eat better when they are given meals and snacks at about the same time each day. Do not let your child snack all day long. Let him know that another time to eat will be coming soon.
Eat with your child, as a family as much as possible.
What should my toddler drink?
Your toddler should be offered milk or water with meals.
Limit juice intake to 4-6 ounces per day, if at all. Be sure it is 100% fruit juice.
Soda pop, juice drinks, and Kool-Aid do not have a place in your child’s diet.
Where should my child eat?
Your toddler should eat all meals and snacks in a high chair or at the table. It is a choking hazard for your child to eat food around the house or while walking or playing.
Minimize distractions by sending pets out of the room and turning off the television and radio.
Toddlers can choke easily. Never feed toddlers nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, hard candy (including jelly beans), chunks of raw vegetables, hotdogs, or carrot coins.
Do not allow your child to run and play with food in his mouth. Always supervise your child while eating.
Before eating or touching food, have children wash their hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds This is the time it takes to sing the ABC song as he washes his hands.
Let hot food cool to avoid burning your child’s mouth. Be especially careful to cool food that has been heated in the microwave.
If your child has a strong family history of significant food allergy or asthma, delay introducing eggs until 2 years of age, and peanuts, fish, and seafood until 3 years of age.
Parents and other caregivers should take infant and child CPR every 2 years.
How do I prevent mealtime from becoming a battle?
Remember that both you and your child have specific “jobs” when it comes to eating:
The caregiver’s jobs are to decide what food is offered, when the food is offered, and where it will be eaten.
The child’s jobs are to decide if he will or will not eat, what he will eat from the foods offered, and how much he will eat.
How do I deal with a picky eater?
Offer small portions that will not overwhelm your child.
When you offer a new food, simply place it on your child’s plate without making a big deal out of it. Encourage your child to try at least one bite of all foods, but never force a toddler to eat.
Try to keep meals and snacks to 20-30 minutes in length. Another meal or snack time is only a couple of hours away.
Resist the urge to offer sugary foods in an effort to get your child to eat more.
Don’t give up! Keep trying new foods even if your child does not eat them the first time. It may take many attempts before your child decides to accept a new food. Always praise your child for trying a new food.
If your child totally refuses a food, offer a food from the same food group at another meal or snack.
Be a good role model! Let your child see you enjoying a healthy diet, too.
