Tea Time: Toddler Nutrition

• Learning how to eat!
  • mechanics of swallowing solid foods
  • exposure to new tastes/textures all the time
  • learning to self-feed with finger foods and then utensils
  • experiencing food - using all the senses, not just taste
• appetite varies greatly day to day
  • depends on growth spurts
  • depends on whether they are focused on learning something else (how to walk)
• What to serve
  • Don't be afraid of flavor!
  • Keep salt minimal
    • kids will learn to like it, but it will not improve their acceptance of new foods
  • Offer a variety of foods from all the food groups
  • Limit liquids to water throughout the day, 1/2c or less of juice, and 2 cups of milk (whole milk for children 1-2 yo)
    • transition to a cup or sippy cup around 1 year of age
  • Potential allergens like peanuts (peanut flour?) should be introduced early (in infancy)
  • Avoid choking hazards for toddlers
    • whole grapes, popcorn, nuts, hot dogs, chunks of meat, hard cheese, raw vegetables, sticky candy
• Role of parents in feeding
  • Decide what is being served and when (offering meals or snacks every 2-3 hours throughout the day)
  • Also where - ideally meals and snacks are eaten at the table
• Encourage a healthy relationship with food
  • Allow children to decide if or how much to eat
    • serving sizes for toddlers are generally 1 tbsp per year for most foods
  • Do not use food/drink to soothe
  • Do not make certain foods (like dessert) contingent on how much dinner (or vegetables) have been eaten
    • decide in advance if dessert will be served
  • Keep mealtimes relaxed and low pressure
  • Avoid offering substitutions when your toddler refuses to eat (this is normal)
  • Keep offering foods many times, even if your toddler refuses to eat it
    • 10-20 exposures may be needed before they even try a food
    • It could take as many tries to decide if they like it
  • Model healthy eating by eating together as a family and choosing a balance of whole foods most of the time
  • Do not allow children to get up and down from the table during the meal
    • Let them decide when they are done, but encourage staying at the table until everyone is finished
• Rely on child's doctor to monitor growth for potential concerns