Toddlers can be picky when it comes to food. It’s common for toddlers to refuse to eat new foods or foods that they once enjoyed. Some are very particular with the plate they use, others dissolve into a weepy mess if their foods touch each other on the plate. It can be frustrating for parents, especially if you feel like your child isn’t eating enough.
It may help to understand what’s going on behind the scenes at this age
- Toddlers may require a lot of nutrients, but they may not feel so hungry. Their growth significantly slows down in the second or third year.
- The toddler years are a time when kids are becoming more independent (Does “I do it myself!” sound familiar?). Some picky eating is just the child exerting this independence.
- Toddlers tend to fear new things. If they are given a food that looks unfamiliar it can be scary to them. This is one reason toddlers like to eat the same foods over and over.
- Sometimes teething can make a toddler’s mouth feel sore and can make food seem unappealing.
- Most toddlers are easily distracted and may not have the attention span to last through a long meal.
- Toddlers like to test limits in order to understand them better. They want to see what happens, for example, if they refuse to eat their meal or if they throw their food on the floor.
- Toddlers often eat a lot one day and much less the next. Try to look at your toddler’s diet adequacy over the course of a week rather than as an individual day.
Of course, just because it’s “normal” for toddlers to be picky, it doesn’t mean you should give up and give in to their every whim. Now more than ever it’s important to help shape their healthy eating habits.
Snack Savvy
Toddlers are on the go from sunup to sundown. To help them make it through, they need one to three healthy snacks in addition to their meals. Serve your kids their snacks at around the same time each day, at the table whenever possible. Snack time is a prime opportunity for getting some of the vitamins and minerals that your child needs.
Fruity snacks
Feed your kid with Fruits cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking: apple, pear, plum, apricot, peach, nectarines, kiwi, pineapple, berries, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew melon, papaya, mango, applesauce are some good choices or try natural fruit snacks like Timios Banana & Honey Stars & Timios Berry Bars
Grain snacks
Whole grain crackers, toasted, whole grain bread with 100%, fruit preserves, pretzels, oatmeal,
whole grain cold cereal (dry or with milk) are really nutritious. Made from 100% whole grains, Cereal Crunchies Box, Mini Oaty bites and Mini oaty bites – Nuts and Berries are one of the best store bought snacks for your tods.
Veggie snacks
Choose Toddler’s favorite vegetables and let him dip in hummus, salsa or guacamole. Try carrot sticks, red or yellow bell pepper strips, jicama slices, broccoli florets (call them “trees”). We’re sure, your kid will love these instant Spinach & Lime Puffs & Carrot & Cumin Sticks.
Dairy snacks
Dairy is important for your kid to grow healthy. Add an occasional yogurt and fruit smoothie, whole grain crackers with Cheese along with some Raisins. Timios Tomato & Cheese Rings & Natural Raisins are 100% natural & deliver necessary nutrients for your growing child.
Protein-packed snacks
Kids love to try different colored food. So, why not make it nutritious. Give them Hummus or black bean dip with whole-grain pita triangles, crackers or sliced veggies; a peanut or nut butter sandwich on whole grain bread. Add these Nutty Bars & Berry Bars in their diet for added flavors.
Whole Grains At Every Age
Grains are healthiest and best when they are whole, meaning they haven’t been processed to remove any of the grain’s components — the endosperm, germ, or bran. Whole grains generally have more fiber, and more vitamins and minerals than grains that are refined. Even young babies just starting solid foods can eat their grains whole! Here are some suggestions for whole grains to try at every age:
Essential Grains for Babies
- Amaranth
- Barley, mashed
- Chia
- Quinoa
- Kamut, mashed
- Millet
Whole Grain Finger Foods
- Whole grain bread
- Whole grain pasta
- Quinoa patties
- Brown rice balls
- Whole grain pancakes
- Whole grain pizza crust
All in all, with an ever-expanding palate, your baby may need time to get used to new tastes, flavors, and textures. Many experts say a baby may need to be introduced to a new food up to 10 different times before she decides whether she likes it. Give your baby interesting flavor combinations – she’s never too young to appreciate good taste! And, if your baby seems to dislike a particular food, try mixing it with one of her favorites to improve acceptance.