How to Feed a Toddler Healthy Meals

Video Transcript

"If you have a toddler chances are you've spent hours in front of a pantry and a fridge scratching your head wondering what to, just give them what they want. Hi my name is Erin Sheppard with Austin Baby and I'm going to talk about how to feed a toddler healthy meals. One really important thing about feeding a toddler healthy meals besides the food is setting the environment. You probably want either a flat mat or a place mat, also a cloth napkin and some blunt stainless steel silverware. A small glass and small pouring container, and they're not only practice pouring but they're going to work on their fine motor skills and they'll really enjoy feeling like their doing something important with the family. So the presentation of the food should be fit for a toddler. This particular style of lunch box is made for on the go but it also works very well in the home because the toddlers typically really like the separation and the color. Most pediatricians will agree that a toddler will have much smaller quantities and through out the day opposed to eating larger meals just three times a day. So this makes it possible to feed them lots of nutrients and a variety of food. By separating them out it looks fun and it looks very appetizing. And of course you can put in your favorite foods but the more color in there, the more natural color in there the more nutrients they're getting. And toddlers will really enjoy both this presentation, and the environment eating at the table. It's always best to check with your health care provider as to what your child's unique needs are but typically at the toddler's age they'll need lots of protein which can come from cooked chicken, eggs, dairy products, soy and beans. There are lots and lots of books out there about feeding toddlers but again always check with your health care provider to make sure you're meeting your toddler's needs. Another note to mention when preparing the eating area is the actual chair itself. Now we have an infant size doll here but I'm quite fond of the chairs that grow with the babies and toddlers. With this style of chair it's not a high chair so they're not separated from the family and you'll also notice that it has a foot rest that even with a tiny infant their feet can rest flat which will reduce a lot of anxiety. If their feet are swinging then they will not be quite as focused on what's going on with the family. We hope you enjoy feeding your toddler some healthy meals and until next time I'm Erin with Austin Baby."