Do not make mealtimes a power struggle between you & toddler. Forcing toddler’s to eat can cause an unhealthy relationship with food that can last a lifetime.

Whole grain pasta tip

Serve your toddler whole grain pasta and brown rice, instead of their highly refined white counterparts.

Eating something before dining out

Feed child a little something in the car on the way to dinner, not enough to fill up, but enough to combat fussyness.

Make vegetables part of a toddler’s diet

Make high fiber vegetables like broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach and cabbage an appealing part of your toddler’s diet.

Sneaking fiber into a child’s diet

Make sandwiches with high fiber wheat bread. Try serving your toddler’s peanut butter and jelly on high fiber wheat bread.

Self feeding

Self-feeding can begin as early as 6mos, as soon as baby can pick up bits of mashed potato or banana or baby peas.

Providing high fiber to toddlers

Provide high fiber fruits such as apples, pears and prunes. Fruits are a painless way to add fiber to your toddler’s diet.

Introduction of soft foods

Introduce very soft food in small amount on tip of spoon before seven months, to accustom infant to its feel.

Nutrient-dense foods

Nutrient-dense foods that most children are willing to eat include: Pasta, Peanut butter, Brown rice, Potatoes, Cheese, Poultry and Eggs.

Limiting snack time

Toddlers should not be allowed to eat multiple snacks throughout the day, it will suppress appetite for regular meals which tend to be more balanced

Healthy dinners when things get hectic

Freeze a few easy dinners. It will be much easier on you if you have dinner prepared so that meal preparation will not add to household tensions during the first weeks of school.

Cooking as family time

Cooking is both fun and educational and even children as young as two can get involved.

Offer tots a nibble tray

Offer a nibble tray. Toddlers like to graze their way through a variety of foods, so why not offer them a customized smorgasbord!

Avoid the sweet stuff

Oatmeal, raisin bran, fat-free granola & Cheerios are good choices. If child is used to sugary cereals, gradually mix in healthier cereals while reducing sweeter stuff

Practice eating with utensils

When teaching your little one to eat with a spoon, practice is the key. Although familiar, the concept of using a utensil on his own is completely new.

choking hazard at age 2+

Many people assume if their 2 year old has teeth, they can’t choke on a grape, but don’t choke due to a lack of chewing ability but rather if they are not securely and can get distracted.

When to start on solid foods

In nearly all healthy children, the recommended age to start solid foods is 4-6 mos. Baby’s motor skills and stage of development will also help determine when he is ready.

Meals and distractions

Do not let other activities get in the way of meal times. Turn off the TV, & keep toys away from the table. This will let your child focus on eating, rather than playing.

Timing for snacks

Try to set times for snacks and meals. Do not serve snacks when it’s almost time for a meal. If a child has a diminished appetite during a meal, he may not be too willing to eat during meal times.

Toddlers are unpredictable

Toddlers tend to be unpredictable eaters. Growth spurts, painful teething, and toddler toilet training all contribute to their unpredictable food intake.

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Don’t force your toddler to eat