Feeding the Fussy Toddler

As a toddler, the excitement of exploring new surroundings is often far too exciting to have to sit down to eat. The Good Life Dietitians offer moms some hand tips on how to feed the fussy eater.

Involve your toddler in preparing foods

Remember that fussy eating may not just be about food, but also about the strive for independence, forming part of a child’s normal social and physical development Let your child help in preparing salads, mixing in a bowl, even setting the table. We know this may sound scary at first, but not only will you both enjoy the bonding time, but it also provides your child with a sense of pride and accomplishment. We hope that it goes without saying to be vigilant and very cautious of sharp utensils and hot stove plates. 

Make time for meals and establish a routine

Children thrive on consistent schedule. Set a regular time of the day for each meal. It may also be a good idea to establish a routine before meal time, like quiet time in his/her room, a warm bath, or hand washing. Sit at a table and not in front of the TV. Use colourful kid-sized cups, plates, utensils and straws.

Monkey see, monkey do

Children imitate and copy the habits and attitudes of their parents. Set an example by allowing your child to see you trying new and interesting foods.

Do not bribe or barter

“I’ll give you a chocolate if you finish your food” This statement is probably the easiest way to manipulate your child to eat. However, such statements undermine the food that the child is currently eating (which is often healthy, nutritious foods), and very early on creates the impression that sweet treats should be valued over healthier foods. Try refrain from bribing and bartering. Rather reward using play time, his/her favourite cartoon show, or gold stars on a chart.

Make food attractive

Make your toddler’s meals as visually appealing as possible. Use different colours of fruits and vegetables. Cut vegetables or sandwiches into interesting and different shapes, and even get creative by making funny-face shapes.

Trying new foods

Offer one new food at a time, and only in small amounts as this may overwhelm your child. Research shows that it takes up to 15 exposures to a new food before a child accepts it. Be patient, and do not give up. It is a good idea to serve a new food along with a favourite food. This will help in increasing the likelihood of your child accepting the new food. 

Offer small snacks between meals

A toddler’s stomach is about half the size of an adult’s, and so smaller meals and snacks may better accept. If your child is a fussy eater, it is a good idea to leave healthy snacks in easy-to-reach places. Leave healthy snacks such as sliced apple wedges, carrot sticks, circular cucumbers, peanut butter on wholegrain (cut into fingers) around the house. Have food available on the kitchen table, aside your child when playing with toys, or in the passage way. Offer full cream milk and diluted fruit juice. (Note- it is important to offer small snacks and not entire meals. Otherwise, your child will certainly not be hungry at the next meal time, and the cycle of fussiness will continue.)

Praise

Praise, praise, praise! Acknowledge when your child finished off a plate of food, and focus less on spilled cups of juice or a floor full of peas.

Listen to your child.

Children are unaffected by media and mass marketing campaigns, and so do a much better job at listening to their appetites compared to adults. It may seem like you’re not feeding your chid enough but do not worry about this. Instead of worrying too much over how much they eat, rather focus on what they eat. Keep the fridge and pantry well-stocked with healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, lean protein, dried or tinned beans, peas and lentils, fruit juice, milk, among others.

If you feel you are struggling feeding your child, contact us at goodlifedietitians@gmail.com for a consultation with one of the Good Life dietitians.