Articles
Fussy Eaters
Do you feel your toddler never eats a proper meal? Between the ages of 1 to 2 years, growth slows and requirements are relatively less. You may find that your toddler is tossing food on the floor, refusing food and not appearing to get a well balanced diet. Prior to this the 0 to 12 month old baby seemed to drinking and eating non-stop. Food requirements change and you may be worrying unduly.
Food and Milk Requirement
In the first year of life the baby is eating and growing all the time. They double their length and increase their birth weight by 6 to 7 kg. In the 2nd and 3rd years their growth is slower and they only increase their weight by 2 to 3 kg.
Toddlers have a limited stomach capacity
Babies seem to need constant feeding first with milk and then milk and food. Toddler's requirements drops and they may not be fuzzy eaters so much as going through a very slow growth period where requirements are much less. They do best with small frequent meals. Toddlers are not as interested in foods as everything around them.
Family eating habits are Important
How much food is the toddler actually eating?
Make a record for a day or two of everything that your toddler eats. Sometimes the food consumed at meals is not a great deal but when this is added to snacks between meals the food intake is adequate.
What is the toddler drinking?
Too much milk or juice will take away the appetite for food. Milk and juice are poor sources of iron.
Are in-between snacks healthy?
Snacks are very important for toddlers and should be relatively low fat and sugar. Good examples are fruit, yoghurt, biscuits and cheese, triangle sandwiches of tuna, egg and tomato on crackers, dried fruit, vegetables and cheese sticks.
Is the toddler drinking enough water?
Make sure to offer water frequently between meals rather than always milk or juice. Three cups of milk a day is adequate for a toddler. One cup of juice can be given but diluted with water.
Water is necessary to prevent constipation and flush the kidneys. Toddlers should have about 1 litre or 4 to 5 glasses of water a day. Of course they do need more if the weather is hot. Note how often they wet their nappies or if toilet trained how often they pass urine. If urine is a dark colour, they need more fluid.
If the toddler is not eating the evening meal, would he or she need a supplement?
If there is little food but plenty of milk and juice then an iron supplement may be prescribed. If the toddler is consuming inadequate food and fluid and is underweight he or she will need to see a dietitian.
If I wanted to give my toddler a supplement is there a safe one to use?
There is an enriched toddler drink that could act as a supplement but check with a dietitian, clinic nurse or doctor first.
Is my toddler's height and weight adequate?
Check with a clinic sister, dietitian or doctor. If the child is within a healthy weight and height range for their age there is no cause for concern. Often a child appears to eat very little but is still thriving. Remember the reduced requirement in the second and third years.
Avoid High Fat and High Sugar Snacks
Try and avoid offering high fat/ sugar foods such as chocolate, lollies, chips and crisps.
Foods That Children Enjoy
Fruit
Fruit gives crunchy fibre, vitamins and energy. Young babies and toddlers enjoy finger food. Cut fruit into pieces.
Vegetables
Vegetables give colour, vitamins, minerals and important fibre. Cut into bite size pieces so they can be held and chewed. Start with one or two pieces on the plate and let the toddler experience new textures and tastes. Vegetables can be used as in-between snacks.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is high in calcium and protein with friendly bacteria which can boost the immune system; an ideal dessert or in-between snack.
Bread
It is satisfying, soft, easy to digest and has no need for spread. It encourages babies to chew. Have as toast, sandwiches or incorporate in cooking.
Breakfast Cereals
Try and aim for less than 10% fat and 10% sugar and greater than 6% fibre per 100g of cereal. Cereals are good for breakfast and snacks and encourages the consumption of milk.
Pasta
Pasta may be presented in different sizes and shapes or noodles. Sometimes these can form the basis of soups or main meal with sauces. The small alphabet pasta with the varying shapes will appeal to children. Combined with small quantities of meat, fish or chicken and vegetables for an inexpensive and balanced meal.
Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, iron, folate and B12. They are easy to digest and eat and make a convenient meal. Combine soldiers (toasted bread fingers) with a soft cooked egg and some carrot sticks for a balanced combination.
Lean Mince
This is high in iron and protein and easy to chew. It forms the basis of dishes like savoury mince, mince patties, spaghetti bolognaise and mini meatballs.
Baked Beans
High in protein, fibre and low in fat; they are handy for a quick lunch or as an addition to breakfast.
A Toddler's Menu for a day
Breakfast
Weetbix with Full Cream Milk and Sliced Banana
or
Toast with Vegemite or Peanut butter
Snack
Glass of Milk and Apple Cut into Quarters
or
Yoghurt
Lunch
Sandwich with Meat, and Cheese
or
Finger Food of Bread, Noodles, Cheese Fruit etc
Carrot Sticks
Afternoon tea
Yoghurt and Plain Biscuit or Fruit Leather
Dinner
(What the family is eating without added salt or sugar)
Chicken Pieces
Potatoes Broccoli and Pumpkin
Dessert
Custard with Tinned Fruit
Cheese and vegemite fingers
A good snack food for toddlers 9 months and onward.
4 slices of wholemeal bread
2 teaspoons vegemite
60 grams of cheese
Yield: 16 fingers.
Added to site on : Wednesday, 22 March 2000