Getting a Toddler to Eat

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Dec 2008 11:35 AM

It used to seem as though I spent hours pleading with my toddlers to eat. Toddlers can be a picky bunch, at once dependent and yet wanting to assert their independence. They understand that eating is one of the few things you can't actually make them do, and they often take advantage of this fact.

But still they have to eat. When you are at your wits end, try one of these tricks to get your toddler to eat.

Try the food in a different form. Finger foods are a real favorite most toddlers. That is one of the reasons they seem to like chicken nuggets, for example. But sometimes they also prefer to bite things whole. Just make sure that the food is safe and let them have a go. two-year-olds for example, can easily bite into a banana or sandwich on their own.

Give them a choice. Sometimes just letting a toddler chose his food within reason will do the trick. Ask, "Do you want peas or carrots." This has worked a number of times in my house. Limit the choices to two, and you can control the diet while your toddler still feels as though he is in control.

Introduce a new utensil. Instead of a baby spoon, give him a small regular teaspoon or measuring spoon to try. The novelty may just get her to try her meal.

Ask your toddler to help prepare the meal (safely of course). There are a lot of things a toddler can do, such as stirring (even if the dish requires no stirring, such as cut up grapes), adding cheese, putting food on a plate. I always find that if my youngest has a hand in preparation he'll usually eat the meal.

Watch the milk. Milk is a nutritious food, but if you can, save it until after dinner or in between meals. Many times toddler's little tummies will fill up with milk, leaving no room for the meal.

Keep introducing a new food. Try serving this new food with old favorites so your toddler has a positive association. Don't be surprised if your toddler doesn't eat the food right away. I read somewhere that a toddler has to see a new food 15-20 times before he will touch it.

How do you get your toddler to eat?

Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.

Making the Transition to a Toddler Bed

Are you subscribed to the Families.com Baby Blog? With the click of a button, you can receive an email notification anytime a new blog is posted in the Families.com Baby Blog!

Just look to the right of this blog and find the subscription center (it looks just like this picture, although you'll have to find the "real" one just above the category listing ). Click on "Subscribe via Email". You'll be instantly subscribed and the email address that you registered at Families.com with will receive an instant notification whenever we post a new Baby Blog! Don't miss a thing - subscribe now!

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger