Five Things Every Parent Should Know About Feeding Babies and Toddlers
Feeding babies and toddlers can sometimes feel like a daunting task for parents. As they grow and develop, little ones have changing needs, preferences, and behaviours around food. With the right approach, mealtimes can become a positive experience for both you and your child. Here are five simple but essential tips to help set your child up for a healthy relationship with food while supporting their growth.
1. It’s Not Your Job to Get Your Child to Eat
You read that correctly! If there’s one piece of advice that can offer some relief to parents, it’s this: It’s not your responsibility to get your child to eat. Instead, the key is The Division of Responsibility in Feeding, a concept that clearly defines the roles of the parent and child during mealtimes.
As a parent, your role is to decide what, when, and where your child eats. Your child’s role is to decide if and how much they will eat. This method helps parents avoid forcing their child to eat while also providing them with a balanced, nutritious range of foods.
At each meal or snack, make sure to offer a "safe" and filling food that your child enjoys. This can be a food they know and like, while also introducing new items alongside it. If your child doesn’t eat the other foods offered or doesn't eat much at all, don't stress. It simply means they may not be very hungry. Offering an alternative is not recommended, as it can lead to picky eating habits later on.
2. Your Baby Might Not Eat Much When You First Start Solids
When you first begin introducing solid foods around 6 months, it’s perfectly normal if your baby doesn’t eat much. In the beginning, babies are learning how to eat, and most of what goes into their mouths may not make it all the way down. This phase is about exploring new textures and flavours.
It’s crucial to offer foods that provide essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin C. This ensures that even if your baby only eats small amounts, they’re still getting the key nutrients they need.
Remember that breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition for babies during their first year. It’s common for babies to gradually increase their solid food intake around 9 to 10 months, but solids should not replace breast milk or formula until after the first year.
3. It’s OK If Dinner Isn’t Their Best Meal of the Day
For many adults, dinner is the biggest and most filling meal of the day, so it’s easy to expect the same from children. However, it's quite common for toddlers to eat the least at dinner. After a busy day and with bedtime approaching, your child may simply be tired and not as hungry.
As long as you’re following the Division of Responsibility and offering a "safe" food option at dinner, there’s no need to worry if your child doesn’t eat as much as you anticipated. They may be hungrier at breakfast or lunch the following day.
4. The Perfect Portion Is the Portion Your Child Eats
Parents often ask, "How much should my child be eating?" The answer varies! There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The perfect portion is simply the amount your child eats, allowing them to listen to their internal hunger and fullness cues.
Appetite and intake will naturally fluctuate from day to day, so it’s important not to worry about one meal or snack. Instead, focus on the overall picture of their nutrition over several days. The general guideline is about one tablespoon of food per year of age. For example, if your child is 2 years old, 2 tablespoons of food per portion is an appropriate starting point. However, it’s okay if they eat more or less.
Starting with smaller portions can help reduce overwhelm for your child and actually encourage them to eat more. When you serve smaller amounts, your child will feel more comfortable trying the food without the pressure of a large serving in front of them.
5. Playing at the Table Isn’t a Bad Thing
In fact, it’s highly recommended! Young children learn through play, and mealtime is no exception. Eating is a sensory experience that involves all five senses. Encouraging your child to engage with their food through touch, smell, and even play can make mealtime more enjoyable and less stressful.
Incorporating play can make new foods more approachable, and when children get used to touching their food, they’re more likely to taste it. Don’t worry about some mess – it's all part of the learning process!
Conclusion
Feeding babies and toddlers doesn’t need to be a battle. With a calm, patient approach and an understanding of how your child interacts with food, mealtimes can become an opportunity to foster a positive relationship with eating. Remember, it's not about forcing food, but about providing nutritious choices and allowing your child to take the lead when it comes to how much they eat.
By embracing these simple strategies, you can reduce mealtime stress and support your child’s healthy growth and development.
