Is my toddler a picky eater?
Picky eating is when a child refuses foods often or eats the same foods over and over. Picky eating usually peaks in the toddler and preschool years. As a parent, you may worry that their picky eater is not getting enough nutrition to grow but in most cases, they are.
Picky eating can be common in toddlers, especially when your child is one year old. At this time, many children are beginning to feed themselves and they get to choose what and how much to eat. Some days your toddler might they may eat a lot of everything. Other days they may not seem to eat much at all.
How can I deal with my picky eater?
Respect your child’s appetite — or lack of one
If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force a meal or snack. Likewise, don’t bribe or force your child to eat certain foods or clean his or her plate.
Stick to the routine
Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. If your child chooses not to eat a meal, a regular snack time will offer an opportunity to eat nutritious food.
Be patient with new foods
Young children often touch or smell new foods, and might even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Your child might need repeated exposure to a new food before he or she takes the first bite.
Encourage your child by talking about a food’s colour, shape, aroma and texture — not whether it tastes good. Serve new foods along with your child’s favourite foods. Keep serving your child healthy choices until they become familiar and preferred.
Don’t be a short-order cook
Preparing a separate meal for your child after he or she rejects the original meal might promote picky eating. Encourage your child to stay at the table for the designated mealtime.
Make it fun
Serve broccoli and other veggies with a favourite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes with cookie cutters.
Set a good example
If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.
Be creative
Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.
How can my child enjoy a range of food?
Eat a range of healthy foods yourself. Make sure that your own choices are in line with the foods you want your child to eat and enjoy.
Prepare meals together. Having a hand in making the meal increases the chances that your child will taste her “creation.” Have your little one assist with measuring, pouring, or stirring.
Avoid showing disgust or disinterest when trying new foods.
Good snack ideas?
- fruits
- cherry tomatoes
- cheese
- yoghurt with berries or fruit slices
- a small sandwich
- toast soldiers with egg
- breadsticks with butter
- a fruit or milk smoothie
- a pancake with a cup of milk