Fruit provides essential vitamins & minerals. To reap the nutritional benefits, aim to eat a variety of fruits like berries, melon & oranges source

Grains

Experiment with whole grains other than the common whole wheat & brown rice. Try spelt, quinoa, millet or kamut pasta, bread or grain. source

Protein

To increase protein try mixing a mashed up hard-boiled egg with baby food vegetables such as peas or spinach. source

Toddler tummies

Toddlers don’t need a full serving, nor even a half-sized serving in most cases. They have little tummies that fill up quickly. source

Finger foods

From about 9 months of age you should encourage your baby to eat finger foods source

Balanced diet

Think about ways to combine foods to get an equal amount of protein, starch, & fruits/vegetables in each bite source

Cleaning your plate

Quit the ‘clean-plate club.’ When kids notice and respond to feelings of fullness, they’re less likely to overeat. source

Juice box hero

If you pull up the corners of a juice box it is less likely to spill if your kid squeezes it. source

Grape danger

Grapes are a choking hazard and should ALWAYS be halved before serving to anyone under 3 source

finger foods

From about 9 months of age you should encourage your baby to eat finger foods source

Food preferences

Food preferences are developed early in life, so offer variety. source

Eating together

Enjoy dinner around the table with the television off and all family members present. source

Burp

Burp, burp & keep burping your baby. Whether you breast or bottle-feed, a good pat on your baby’s back can work wonders. source

Eating out with a toddler

The best time to eat out at a restaurant with a toddler is early in the evening, rather than risk the heavy crowds. Source

Toddler shelf space

Give your toddler shelf space. Reserve a low shelf in the refrigerator for a variety of your toddler’s favorite foods Source

Choose a booth

Choose a booth when dining with a tot. It is much easier to contain a wiggly toddler inside a booth than it is at a table. Source

Toddlers are into toppings

Putting nutritious, familiar favorites on top of new and less-desirable foods is a way to broaden a finicky toddler’s menu Source

Planning your menu

When dining w/a toddler, research the menu to save time before ordering & help prepare child for the restaurant visit. Source

Eating is erratic

A toddler’s eating is erratic & unpredictable, but if viewed over days, will balance out in terms of average daily needs. Source

Asking the right questions

Offer limited choices. For example, ask, ‘Do you want orange or apple juice?’ instead of ‘What do you want to drink?’ Source

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Fruit