How to Get Toddlers to Eat

Many parents of toddlers dread the fights, tears and tantrums associated with meal time. The toddler may be a picky eater or does not want to stop playing long enough to enjoy a meal. There are several ways that any parent can get his toddler to sit at the table and enjoy a healthy meal with the family.

Things You'll Need

  • Cookie cutters
  • Dipping sauces, jelly or spreads

Instructions

    • 1

      Feed the toddler at the same time each day. Establish a meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner that is served at the same time, and in the same place, day after day. Toddlers thrive on routine and will be more comfortable and apt to eat when they are calm.

    • 2

      Avoid feeding your toddler when he is playing, rowdy or won't settle down. Instead, wait until the child is a little tired and ready to concentrate on food and not his favorite toys.

    • 3

      Avoid allowing your toddler to graze all day. Do not feed him snacks throughout the day because once meal time comes, she will not be interested in the food. Instead, give your child only two to three snacks per day - one snack between breakfast and dinner; one between lunch and dinner; and one approximately one hour before bedtime.

    • 4

      Encourage your toddler to help you in the kitchen. The child will be more willing to eat a meal that she helped mommy or daddy cook.

    • 5

      Eat the three main meals with your child at the table. Turn off the television and take away the toys so your toddler must concentrate on the food.

    • 6

      Cut the food into shapes for the child. For instance, make a boring peanut butter and jelly sandwich more interesting by cutting it with a dinosaur or butterfly cookie cutter. Allow the toddler to help make the creation, which she will be more interested in eating.

    • 7

      Offer the child his favorite dipping sauces or sides to eat with the meal. For instance, if you child enjoys ketchup, give your toddler a small cup of ketchup with each meal. Encourage your child to try different types of foods by offering it with a favorite sauce, jelly or spread. Toddlers enjoy the act of dipping the food and will be more prone to eat when the activity is available.

    • 8

      Allow your child to help plan the menu. Give your child a few choices and allow her to pick the menu that all the family will eat. The child will be more willing to eat the meal if she has control over the foods.

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