How to Feed a Toddler

Your baby is growing up and is ready for more adventurous fare. While some children are naturally more picky than others, everyone needs a diet full of nutritious foods. Find out how to feed your toddler so that he or she continues to grow strong and healthy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A variety of nutritious foods
• Patience

1. Feed your toddler at approximately the same times each day. Children crave routines, even though they don't often realize it. Maintaining a regular eating schedule is good for keeping energy levels up and preventing meltdowns.
2. Feed your toddler breakfast, lunch and dinner with healthy snacks in between.
3. Make sure your toddler eats at a table while sitting. If she wants company, you can either eat with her or at least sit and talk.
4. Turn off the television during meals so that your child isn't distracted.
5. Cut food into bite-size pieces for your toddler. What's small enough for adults is usually too big for children, so prevent choking hazards by making sure food is sized appropriately for little mouths.
6. Remove food once your toddler is finished eating. You'll know when this is because he might begin to play with the food or beg to get down.
7. Try offering new foods several times. It can take a few tries before a child is willing to try a new food.
8. Be patient. Toddlers are naturally curious and sitting still for long periods of time is difficult for them. Ten to 20 minutes at a table is usually sufficient eating time.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed toddlers a large variety of foods to encourage a healthful, varied diet.
• Fruit is always a nutritious snack. Cut up apples, peaches, pears, bananas or other fruit and let your child eat them like finger foods.
• Good breakfast choices include oatmeal, fortified cereal, whole wheat toast and fruit.
• Snack options include graham crackers, dry cereals and cheese sticks.
• Use child-size utensils to make your toddler comfortable handling them.
• Check with your pediatrician to see if children's vitamins are needed if you're concerned about your child getting sufficient vitamins and minerals in his diet.
• Avoid foods which can present choking hazards such as whole grapes or hot dog pieces that are too large.
• Don't force toddlers to clean their plates if they say they're full. This can lead to overeating and obesity.
• Limit juices since many of these drinks are full of sugar. Water and low-fat milk should be the primary beverages.
• Don't completely eliminate treats, but make sugary foods the exception rather than the rule.
• Don't worry if your toddler seems to eat only tiny amounts. Children eat when they're hungry and stop when they are full.