Getting your Toddler to eat can sometimes feels an an impossible mission, with toddlers ever changing tastes combined with their strong-willed natures! However, our top 10 tips will help you get your toddler eating and create some healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime!
1. Lead by Example – The best way to get your toddler eating is to lead by example! Toddlers are like little sponges, soaking up everything they see. So, if you want your child to eat their veggies, show them that you enjoy them too. Or if your want your little one to sit at the table properly, sit down together as a family and show them! Make mealtimes a whole family affair and they will be more inclined to try new things!
2. Keep it Colourful – Toddlers are drawn to bright and colourful things, and this includes foods! Take advantage of this by presenting a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. ‘Eating the Rainbow’ not only looks more visually appealing, it also provides a range of nutrients your child needs.
3. Offer Choices – As we know, toddlers are strong willed and love to assert their independence. Give them choices within reason at mealtimes, for example asking if they would like peas or broccoli at dinner? This allows them to feel more in control and they are more likely to eat what they have chosen themselves. Remember to praise your child for making healthy choices too!
4. Make Meals Fun – Create a positive atmosphere at mealtimes that is calm and engaging for your toddlers eating. Use fun plates, colourful cutlery or even try getting creative with food shapes. Try turning a simple sandwich into an animal with these fun cutters or making fun shapes with their fruit. At Growing Greatness, we have a fun and interactive mealtime placemat which allows your child to point out their needs and remain engaged during mealtimes.
5. Patience is Key – We all know toddlers are picky eaters when it comes to their food journey, and that’s okay! Be patient and remember that even of your toddler rejects a food once, keep trying! A child needs to try a food several times before they get used to the flavour and texture.
6. Avoid Food Battles – Avoid turning mealtimes into a battle with your child. It is essential to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, where your little one feels at ease to eat. Encourage your toddler to eat and offer lots of praise when they do, but never force them. This can create an unhealthy relationship with food which we want to avoid.
7. Limit Processed Foods – Minimise or avoid completely the number of processed and sugary foods in your toddler’s diet. Prepare homemade foods where possible, as you can focus on using whole and nutritious foods.
8. Snack Smartly – Offer healthy snacks between meals like fruit slices, yoghurts, or whole-grain crackers/breadsticks. This will help keep their energy stable and reduce the chances of dealing with a ‘hangry’ (Hungry and Angry) toddler.
9. Get them Involved – Take the time to allow your toddler to be a part of the meal preparation process. They can wash the veggies, stir ingredients or even set the table. It won’t be perfect, but allowing your child to be involved in this way helps them to feel in control, valued and can foster a love of food.
10. Consistency is Key – Like everything else with toddlers, consistency is key! Children love a routine, so establish one around meal and snacks that you stick to. This will help your toddler understand when to expect foods and also what is expected of them.
Getting your toddler to eat and building healthy eating habits takes time and patience. It may not be easy, but by creating positive practices and a nurturing food environment, you will establish the foundations of good eating habits and a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime!
