How to Get My One-Year-Old to Eat
A 1-year-old toddler is a curious and busy little person. He may have recently learned to walk or still be working on that monumental task. Whether he can walk or not, his mobility is increasing daily and he may have little time or interest in sitting down to a meal. Fortunately, 1-year-old toddlers are ready for a variety of finger foods that may make mealtime more entertaining and fascinating.
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Things You'll Need
- High chair
- Break-proof bowls
- Toddler-sized utensils
- Oat cereal
- Crackers
- Toast
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Soft fruit
Instructions
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Secure your 1-year-old into a high chair. Your toddler may resist but keeping him strapped in and safely seated will decrease his risk of choking. Sing a tune as you strap him in, or tell him what he will be dining on today in a bright and cheerful voice.
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Put a few pieces of bite-sized food on his tray or in an unbreakable bowl. Finger foods include oat cereal, crackers, toast, well-cooked vegetables such as peas or broccoli or soft fruit such as pears. A general rule of thumb is the firmer the food, the smaller the piece.
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Refill his bowl or tray as he finishes the pieces. If you give him a few bites at a time, a 1-year-old is less likely to become bored or anxious. Alternate foods -- start with a few pieces of pear and on the refill try a pinch of toasted bread.
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Keep up the commentary. Maintain light conversation, engaging your little one and encouraging him to pick up his food and taste it.
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Bring out the utensils. If your child starts to show signs of boredom or distress, give him a toddler-safe spoon to hold. He may not be able to use it correctly, but will more than likely enjoy exploring it and putting it in his mouth. You can use this opportunity to feed him yourself.
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Tips & Warnings
When your child is truly done, remove him from his chair promptly.
Don't walk away and do another task while trying to feed your little one.
Don't scold your child if he throws food on the floor.
References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
