Toddlers
The Eccentric
Eating Habits of Toddlers
by Mary
Howard, RN
Do you worry
about your toddler because he or she doesn’t seem to eat
enough or eats a limited variety? Toddlers do have eccentric
eating habits at times. Let's look at a few things we can do
to make sure they are meeting their nutritional requirements
and what it takes to meet those requirements.
The infant
eats like there is no tomorrow but the toddler begins to
realize that if he or she doesn’t eat now there will be
another meal later. At 12 to 18 months, growth rate slows
and a toddler’s body does not require as many calories or as
much protein during the next 2 years. Their vitamin and
mineral requirements actually go up, so it may be helpful to
introduce a good multivitamin/mineral supplement.
Picky eating
habits may last until close to 4 years old in many toddlers.
Only giving a toddler healthy food choices is your best
start. Not uncommonly, they will only eat one good meal a
day and refuse foods or pick around at other meals. They may
eat heavy one day and eat little or nothing for the next day
or two. This is normal and toddlers should not be forced to
eat but they also need some limits set in case they just
refuse to eat because they want to play or are holding out
for the junk foods.
A few tricks
that might help to get your toddler to eat better:
-
Put only very small portions on their plate, so the amount of food does not overwhelm them.
-
Set limits. Like, no desert until this small portion is finished.
-
Even desert can be a healthy choice, like fruit.
-
Make meal time a relaxed quiet time. If there is a lot of excitement at mealtime, like company or eating out, chances are your toddler won’t eat at that meal.
Toddlers
usually make up for poor meals later on. Their calorie
intake requirement is only 900-1700 calories a day (on
average). Their protein requirement is about 25 grams a day
- about Four Toddler servings. Some examples of a toddler
serving are: 3/4 C. milk, 1/2 C. yogurt, 3 T. cottage
cheese, 1 egg, 1-2 oz. pasta. If your toddler refuses a
certain food today offer it again in a week or two and their
taste might have changed. Variety is the spice of life, so
offer your child a variety of foods. Variety also helps with
the odds of your toddler getting the nutritional
requirements they need.
Watch your
toddler’s over-all eating habits. Sometimes, poor eating
habits can be a sign of allergy or illness. Just like the
rest of us, a toddler’s appetite may slacken considerably
during cold or flu. Avoid as many processed foods as you can
for your toddler, avoid sugary, empty calorie snacks. You
can try some of your own ideas to sneak extra nutrition into
your toddler’s favorite snack like these homemade cookies.
By adding some Oatmeal, whole-wheat flour, raisins, wheat
germ, or nuts, you can turn a sugary snack into a nutritious
snack. Remember, "Everything in Moderation" when choosing
foods, snacks and meal routines for your toddler and you
will be well on your way to raising a happy, healthy child.
Favorite
Cookies
1&1/2 C.
butter or margarine
1 C. white
sugar
1 C. brown
sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking
soda
1/2 C. whole
wheat flour
1 C. rolled
oats
3 C.
unbleached flour
1C. Coconuts
1C. Chopped
nuts and/or Raisins
Cream together
1st 4 ingredients. Stir in next 6 ingredients, Then add
Coconut and nuts. Chill dough. Form into balls and flatten.
If toddler doesn’t like nuts might replace with 1/2 C. wheat
germ. Bake 8 min. at 350 degrees. (Makes about 6 dozen)
