As toddlers gain autonomy throughout the toddler years, they frequently test their newfound freedom by eating or refusing to eat the meal you prepare for them. It’s very natural for your toddler to enjoy scrambled eggs one week and then refuse to eat the same eggs the next. There’s no need to be concerned about your child’s food habits as long as he or she is growing and developing normally.
Here, we’ll go through the top five things you need to know to get through this stage—and when you should be concerned that your child’s selective eating is more than simply a phase.
Around the age of 15-18 months, your 'perfect' eater will become more 'picky.'
At this age, most newborns, who previously ate whatever was put in front of them, become more picky and only choose a few items, notably carbs.
Because their growth slows at this age, most tiny children don’t require a lot of food.
Toddlers should consume three healthful meals and two snacks per day by the age of two, with the average two-year-old (boys and girls) requiring roughly 1,000 calories per day.
Keep a regular and entertaining eating routine
Participate in mealtimes with your child. Use cookie cutters, dipping sauces, muffin trays or bite-sized portions, coloured plates, or natural food colouring to make your creations more appealing.
Try serving the same food in a variety of ways, such as steamed, roasted, or with a favourite dipping sauce, or let your child create her own interesting food concoctions.
To excite your child’s interest in the food, involve them in the preparation process or take them grocery shopping with you.
Choose a day to celebrate a specific colour. On "pink days," for example, eat beets, strawberries, salmon, and watermelon.
Encourage your child to try a variety of new foods. If it doesn’t happen the first, second, or even tenth time, don’t give up or grow frustrated! Small servings of the new cuisine should be served alongside old favourites. Kids may come to enjoy meals that they previously disliked over time!
There’s no reason to become a short-order cook for your finicky eater at mealtimes, as this could encourage even more poor behaviour. Offer two healthy options, and if they’re turned down, try again the next day.
Distracting elements like as television and tablets should be avoided during mealtimes.
Between those times, avoid snacks or sweetened caloric beverages, such as juices and sodas, and serve meals and snacks in a consistent manner, preferably at a table with others.
Be a role model for others
Model the behaviour you want your children to emulate. If you expect your children to eat a plate of vegetables, you should eat some as well.
If you’re upset, your child will sense it, and the meal may become stressful for everyone!
Keep an eye on your child’s development
If you are concerned about your child’s intake, whether you believe he or she is eating too much or too little, talk to your paediatrician about having your child’s daily intake reviewed.
Your child’s height and weight will be plotted on a growth chart to see if they are following a constant percentile, give or take.
The most recent recommendations for which growth chart to use are based on your child’s age.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using growth charts from birth to two years, whereas the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using growth charts from two to 18 years.
If your child is not growing on a consistent curve, is not gaining weight as expected for his age, or has dropped significantly in weight percentiles, your child’s paediatrician may need to assess her nutritional intake and take a history in order to determine what additional testing, if any, is required.
FAQ
What are 5 effective strategies for feeding a picky toddler?
– Respect your child’s hunger — or lack thereof. Don’t impose a meal or snack on your kid if he or she isn’t hungry.
– Stick to the schedule. Every day, provide meals and snacks at around the same times.
– When trying new cuisine, be patient.
– Don’t work as a fast-food cook.
– Make it enjoyable.
– Enlist the assistance of your child.
– Set a positive example for your children.
– Be creative.How do I get my toddler to eat a picky eater?
Picky eaters: Top 8 Tips
1. Set aside time for family meals. As a family, eat meals together at the table.
2. Be a role model.
3. Eat at regular times.
4. Encourage cheerful mealtimes.
5. Avoid distractions.
6. Make one meal for the entire family.
7. Pay attention to your child…
8. Don’t pressure, praise, reward, trick or punish.How do I get my picky toddler to try new foods?
Use these 5 tips to make it easier for you and your toddler while introducing new foods:
1. Combine new foods with old favourites to create a delicious meal. When your youngster sees a favourite on his or her plate, the new dish becomes less intimidating.
2. Make an offer without being pressed.
3. Offer only a smidgeon…
4. Allow them to see how much you like the food.
5. Try again and again.How do I stop picky eating?
Here are a few suggestions for what to do during mealtime:
– Set realistic expectations.
– Change items up on the menu.
– However, do not prepare separate meals.
-Give your children the foods you want them to consume.
– Distinguish between behavioural disorders and finicky eating.
– Involve children in meal preparation.
– Don’t prohibit children from eating sweets; instead, assist them in determining when and how they consume them.
