Toddler Food

Food for Toddlers

Toddler food can be something of a minefield for us adults. Sometimes this is the time that toddlers become very stubborn about what they will and don't do. This extends to eating particularly if your toddler realises that you are getting stressed about their eating.

The best way to deal with toddler food and eating is to avoid setting up problems in the first place. By this I mean don't provide unhealthy snacks for toddlers such as crisps, sweets, chocolate and pop. If these things are not available to your toddler they will not demand them instead of a meal (this is a common problem amongst families of toddlers). Consistency is the secret to avoiding toddler issues with food. If your toddler won't eat what you have given them and throws a tantrum ignore it as long as they are safe. Never cook your toddler an alternative meal if they refuse one,as they catch on very quickly that their eating can cause you a lot of stress.

You usually don't need to worry about your toddler eating as they will not starve themselves. If you are very concerned about your toddler eating then seek professional advice from your doctor. Nine times out of ten any problem will be your toddler asserting their own will. Food is one area that they can have control over and will generally get the most attention. This may seem harsh but if you follow these guidelines any eating issues should soon resolve themselves.

If you think your toddler is not eating enough keep a food diary for a week. This may surprise you and you will see your toddler eats more than you thought. One of our toddlers became quite thin and was losing weight, he ate very little. We saw a psychologist and had a meal videotaped for the professionals to check out. However a short time later he was diagnosed with chronic asthma. He had a cold almost permenantly which made him feel under the weather and stopped him eating well. Once he had medication he improved a lot.

Here are some tips to help with toddler food.

• Have your toddler eat with you as a family whenever possible. Eating is a sociable occassion and your toddler should learn to enjoy this time.
• Turn the TV off and sit at the table for meals.
• Do cooking activities with your toddler so they learn to enjoy food.
• Your toddler could sit and play with food colored playdoh and playdogh cutters while you prepare a meal.
• Don't get drawn into eating battles with your toddler.
• If your toddler will not eat a meal just let them go and play, don't be tempted to offer sweet alternatives.
• Toddlers do not starve themselves so try to be relaxed around mealtimes.
• Offer raw vegetables instead of cooked to entice your toddler to eat vegetables.
• Hide vegetables in soups and sauces if your toddler won't eat them any other way.
• Don't worry about mess, put a plastic sheet under the highchair and put a bib on your toddler.
• Have a toddler friend who is a good eater to a meal with your toddler.
• Dont let mealtimes go on to long. If your toddler has finished eating allow them to move away from the table.
• Give your toddler a choice would they like an apple or banana as a snack, carrots or broccoli for dinner?
• Resist the temptation to give your toddler a drink or snack just before a meal as this will fill them up.
• Offer a small amount of water if your toddler is desperate for a drink.
• Don't give a bottle at the table with the meal as your toddler may opt for that instead.

Most toddlers enjoy finger foods for toddlers as they can pick the food up themselves and maintain control of what they eat. Offer a good selection of foods including cooked pasta, raw vegetables and fruit, bread and meat (make sure this is cut up into small pieces so your toddler won't choke).

Healthy food for toddlers need not be difficult to prepare. If you eat well; then start your baby on pureed meals. As they get teeth and can chew then make the liquidized meals more lumpy. Toddlers can sometimes dislike the textures of foods so if they refuse an item check to see wether they refuse other food of that texture. If they do then avoid this food for a while. Only provide small portions of food and add a new tasting food with food you know your toddler likes. These toddler recipes are quick and easy to prepare