Feeding Toddler can be a challenge making mealtime as pleasant as possible for the toddler while providing supervision and encouragement is a constant challenge for both parent and child care provider.

The term toddler is generally applied to children between the ages of eighteen months and three years because they are learning to walk and frequently “toddle” around on wobbly legs. However, age is less important than the developmental and social growth of a  toddler.

During the toddler stage many important things are happening to the child like walking, talking, problem solving, relating to others, and much more. Toddlers are learning to be independent and this is why they want to do things for themselves.

The parents and child care providers will hear the word “no” many times during this stage. In asserting their independence, toddlers may decide what foods they “will” and “will not” eat. Frequently these food likes and dislikes change daily or weekly.

Regardless of this, parents and child care providers can help children form sound eating habits by offering nutritious food choices and modeling good eating habits. When planning meals, consider the flavor of the foods. Young children usually dislike strong flavors; toddlers do not want their foods to be too hot or too cold.

When introducing new foods, do so with old favorites. Start out slowly and give the child some control by offering choices.

For example,

# ask which vegetable they would like for dinner — either the carrots or the green peas.

# During mealtime, sit with the toddler and eat the same meal.

# Have a positive attitude toward foods.

# Discuss what the foods are, where they come from, colors, textures, tastes, and the differences and similarities of foods you are eating.