TODDLER FEEDING

"Parents as role models"

Parents say..

"I make mealtime enjoyable for both of us"

Mrs J, Shah Alam

It is important to promote positive attitudes and enjoyment of good food- both at home and outside of the home. The types of food and eating patterns will influence your child's eating habits when they enter adulthood. So, like the saying " Start 'em young!"

How frequent should my toddler eat?

3 meals per day with 1-2 nutritious snacks (fruits, vegetable sticks, toast, bread, plain yoghurt). Remember, don't add sugar or salt to their food. Salty food is not good for their kidney and sugar can cause tooth decay.

What should my toddler eat?

All the 6 main food groups. Click here for ideas.

Is my toddler eating enough?

Every child eats and grows at his/her own pace. So, don't compare your child with other children. Look at your child's growth chart. Consult your health care provider if :

Baby's weight is not within the normal range
Sudden drastic weight gain or weight loss
No increase in weight over a period of 2-3 months

recipes

GROWTH VIEWED AS A MEASURE OF HEALTH

"Bigger, chubbier child is healthier"

Rapid weight gain is not good! Rapid growth in early life increases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lanigan J, Singhal A. 2009

Overweight and obesity in childhood may persist into adulthood.

Singhal A, Mulder C, Twisk JWR et al 2008

Promoting good eating habits: Tip 1

REGULAR FAMILY MEALS

Let your child have the same meal as what you are having (chopped /smaller pieces).
Children should eat small quantities of food regularly (1/2 cup rice). The best food is non-processed food (eg. potatoes but NOT as fries). Check out the "Toddler 2" section for the type of food to choose from within each food group.
Repeatedly expose your child to a variety of food. It can take up to 15 times for your child to like a particular vegetable (especially the bitter ones!). Persevere and your child will soon like to eat vegetables.
Allow your child to have input into food choices, bring them along to the supermarket.
Turn off the television at mealtimes
Socialise during mealtimes, make the eating sessions enjoyable!

Promoting good eating habits: Tip 2

AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING STYLE

Parents as role model- if you want your child to eat new food, they need to see you eating it too
Avoid threats and bribes- Avoid using food as rewards or revoking food as punishment, instead, use tangible rewards (i.e sticker/food diary) when your child attempts to try new food
Don't pressure your child to finish up the food if your child appears full
Avoid giving food to calm a crying child (emotional feeding)
Have regular meal time including healthy snack time
Encourage and praise your child for trying new food

Promoting good eating habits: Tip 3

COVERT CONTROL AND LIMITATION

Purchase only healthy food at home
Avoid going to /passing by unhealthy stores and fast food
Limit intake of palatable snack food
Provide choices within limits- parent decides "what and when".
Set rules in different contexts (eg. meals at school, special occasions)

Courtesy: First steps nutrition trust

What can my child drink?

Click Me

Can my child drink from a bottle?