The first week of September is celebrated as National Nutrition Week. This year, the theme is ‘Feeding Smart Right From Start.’ All parents want to follow this principle while raising their babies but as the babies grow into toddlers, their fussy behaviour takes over. Feeding them starts becoming a challenge but understanding the reasons and our tips can help you pacify them easily.
Why toddlers are fussy eaters?
1. Developmental changes:
- As toddlers grow, their taste preferences and appetite can fluctuate. This is a normal part of their development.
- They may become more selective about textures, flavours and even the appearance of food.
2. Independence:
- Toddlers are at a stage where they want to assert their independence. Refusing food is one way they try to gain control over their environment.
3. Small stomachs:
- Toddlers have small stomachs, so they eat smaller portions. What might seem like fussiness could simply be that they’re full.
Strategies to feed a fussy toddler
1. Create a routine:
- Establish a consistent meal and snack schedule.
- Offer meals at the same times every day to help regulate your toddler’s appetite.
2. Serve small portions:
- Start with small portions to avoid overwhelming your toddler.
- Let them ask for more if they’re still hungry.
3. Offer variety:
- Include a variety of foods in different colours, shapes and textures comprising of a wide range of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Present familiar foods alongside new ones to encourage your toddler to try something different.
4. Be patient with new foods:
- It can take several tries before a toddler accepts a new food.
- Offer the food multiple times, without pressuring them to eat it.
5. Involve your toddler:
- Let your toddler help with simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients.
- Involvement in meal preparation can increase their interest in eating.
- Encourage self-feeding as soon as your child is able to grasp a spoon or fork.
- Offer utensils that are easy for your child to handle.
6. Lead by example:
- Eat a variety of healthy foods in front of your toddler.
- They are more likely to try something if they see you enjoying it.
7. Make meals fun:
- Use colourful plates and utensils to make mealtime more appealing.
- Create fun shapes with food or make a game out of eating.
8. Avoid force-feeding:
- Forcing a toddler to eat can create negative associations with mealtime.
- Encourage but do not pressure them to eat.
9. Limit distractions:
- Turn off the TV and put away toys during meals.
- Focus on eating and enjoying the meal together.
10. Offer healthy snacks:
- Healthy snacks between meals can help ensure your toddler gets enough nutrients throughout the day.
- Fruits, vegetables and small portions of whole grains make excellent snacks.
Dealing with refusals
- Stay calm: If your toddler refuses to eat, stay calm and don’t turn it into a confrontation. Simply remove the food without comment and try again later.
- Don’t use food as a reward: Avoid bribing your toddler with sweets or treats to get them to eat. This can create unhealthy eating habits. Instead, focus on positive reinforcements and praise your child for trying new foods or eating a balanced meal.
- Respect their appetite: Trust that your toddler knows when they are full. Forcing them to finish their plate can lead to overeating and negative mealtime experiences.
- Address underlying issues: If your child's fussiness is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Stress, anxiety or other emotional factors can contribute to fussy eating.
Feeding a fussy toddler requires patience, creativity and persistence. By understanding the reasons behind their fussiness, you can make mealtime a more positive experience.
Sources:
NHS
WebMD
Apollo Cradle
