Even though toddlers are notorious for their picky eating habits, there are ways by which parents can substitute for the loss of nutrition by giving them more nutritious snacks in between meal times. Parents should also ensure that the meal time foods include starchy foods such as wheat and rice, vegetables and fruits, fish, meat and poultry products and also diary products such as whole milk and butter. All these items need not be given at the same time during one meal, but make sure that the toddlers eat as much as these items as possible during the course of the day.
Toddlers usually eat only when they are hungry. Whole milk is a good food, and if the toddler drinks enough milk he/she may not feel hungry. Wait till he/she is hungry again and give them a healthy snack. Some of them may want to draw your attention by not eating, so spend some time with them while they eat. While some others might want to make a special food out of what is available to them. For example, they might like to have some juicy items to dip their bread or cookie before eating. Even after all these efforts they don’t eat, then leave them alone until they are hungry. Don’t give them bakery items or cookies at this time. It will only kill their appetite.
Toddlers between one year and two years age should be given one or two glasses of whole milk every day. However, once they start eating varied food items, then whole milk can be substituted with skimmed milk if necessary. Intake of sugar, even in milk, should be restricted. Baby foods have enough sugar and honey. Add these items only if the manufacturers prescribe it. Similarly, too much salt is also dangerous. Toddlers between 1 and 3 years should be given a daily dose of about 2g of salt only. Check for the salt/sodium content on the label before you buy any processed foods for your toddler. Buy the one with the lowest salt and sodium content. The normal sodium content should be 0.8g.
Toddlers might want to eat from the hands of their parents, or use their fingers to eat. Many of them learn to use cups and spoons. What ever may be their choice, they are experimenting and we have to let them be like that for some times till they settle down in due course to your table manners. They may even want to touch the milk in the glass with their finger to find out how hot it is. It is their sense of curiosity at play and curiosity often leads to experiment and knowledge.
Posted on February 25th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Diet, Toddler
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