{"id":23906,"date":"2021-12-15T01:18:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-15T06:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucbaby.ca\/?p=23906"},"modified":"2023-11-11T01:24:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T06:24:03","slug":"toddler-milestones-feeding-your-toddler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucbaby.ca\/zh-hans\/toddler-milestones-feeding-your-toddler","title":{"rendered":"Toddler Milestones \u2013 Feeding your Toddler"},"content":{"rendered":"

The toddler years are full of exploring, discovery and significant milestones. Your toddler is now learning to eat more solid foods and is more active. Feeding toddlers can sometimes be a challenge for some parents. Good nutrition is imperative for growth, health, and energy for learning and playing.\u00a0\u00a0This is why it\u2019s important to encourage that development with the right fuel (good kid-friendly foods).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The best thing you can do is offer your toddler a variety of foods from each food group with different tastes, textures and colours. It can be tricky as toddlers are rarely keen on trying new foods.<\/p>\n

Establishing healthy eating habits with your toddler and snacking in wholesome foods is important!<\/p>\n

Tips in Feeding Toddlers<\/h2>\n

Make Healthy Meals and Snacks<\/h3>\n

Since you get to decide what\u2019s on the menu, you should take this prime opportunity to get your baby to like nutritious foods \u2013 and limit foods that are high in fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium.<\/p>\n

Focus on lean beef, poultry, fish, dairy foods, fruits, vegetables, pasta, cereals, and whole-grain bread. As long as your toddlers\u2019 diet is balanced overall, then they\u2019re doing fine.<\/p>\n

Eating Behaviours<\/h3>\n

1. Toddlers like to eat with their hands.<\/h4>\n

However, they should have the option to learn to use a spoon or a fork. They can usually drink well from a cup, although they may have trouble putting it down without spilling. They\u2019ll get better at these skills with practice.<\/p>\n

2. Sometimes your toddler may not want to eat a meal.<\/h4>\n

They may not be hungry or more interested in something else they\u2019re doing. If your toddler often refuses meals all the time or you\u2019re concerned about their nutrition, talk to your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t worry if your toddler is only eating one thing \u2013 for now.<\/h4>\n

As long as it\u2019s not candy, letting your toddler go on a one-food diet is fine. This is common, usually short-lived, and won\u2019t have a negative effect on his\/her health. Continue to present your toddler with various healthy options and remind yourself, this phase will pass.<\/p>\n

4. Avoid using food as a reward.<\/h4>\n

Suppose you get into the habit of offering treats for every accomplishment. In that case, it can lead your toddler to develop an unhealthy relationship with food, which could lead to overeating later on. Give your toddler hugs and kisses when you want to reward your child for a job well done. They\u2019re much more valuable than candy \u2013 and healthier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monitor Milk Consumption<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re breastfeeding your toddler, your breastmilk meets all their dairy needs. There is no need to give any more milk. If you\u2019re not breastfeeding, offer your child 2 cups (500ml) of homogenized whole milk (3.25% milkfat) each day.<\/p>\n

Serve milk in an open cup with meals or snacks. If your child is still using a bottle, gradually replace it with a cup. Using a bottle for too long can increase your child\u2019s risk of tooth decay or affect the development of their teeth, jawbones, and mouth muscles.<\/p>\n

Homogenized milk has a higher fat content, which is crucial for brain development, and is a good source of energy. Lower-fat milk (2%, 1%, or skim) can be offered to your child once they\u2019re 2 years old.<\/p>\n

Careful to not give your child too much milk or they won\u2019t have enough room for other foods they need. Milk lacks a source of iron, so you\u2019ll need to give your toddler a variety of iron-rich foods such as meat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Infographics<\/h2>\n

Feeding Toddlers: Tips for Picky Eaters<\/h3>\n