Introduction
The aim of the diet for Fussy Eaters is to provide adequate nutrition for active toddlers who develop strong food likes and dislikes and may appear to eat very little.
The following hints are intended as suggestions rather than fool-proof guidelines. Above all, be patient. The world is an exciting place for a toddler, who may be easily distracted from the task of eating. It takes some time for children to develop an "adult" eating pattern.
Notes
Understanding your toddler's developmental stage
1. After infancy, a toddler's rate of growth slows and goes through "spurts". They may go through phases of being hungrier, when they are building up a reserve of energy for growth, and phases of being less hungry when they are actually growing.
2. Three small to average meals a day, with morning and afternoon snacks, should be sufficient.
3. Food refusal is one way toddlers begin to develop an independent personality. Let them make their own decisions occasionally.
4. Toddlers are often too busy playing to sit down for a meal.
Ideas to help with fussy eaters
1. NEVER FORCE FEED YOUR CHILD. Meal times should be fun and relaxed. Force-feeding will cause the child to associate food with unhappy experiences, and a cycle of refusal will be set in place.
2. Be creative with vegetables, which are usually the greatest challenge. Try giving them funny names (like "baby trees" for broccoli, or "sunny circles" for carrots) or arranging them in patterns on the plate.
3. Toddlers often prefer to eat food independently instead of being spoon-fed. Bananas, cold sausages, a slice of bread or cubes of cheese are good finger foods. A little sauce or gravy on the side as a dip is also popular.
4. Don't feel that every food group must be eaten every day. Offer a variety of foods but accept that toddlers will have likes and dislikes just as adults do.
5. Avoid giving large drinks just before meals, as they can reduce the appetite. Offer half a glass of water instead and save bigger drinks for after the meal.
6. Do NOT offer junk foods as an alternative. If the child says they are not hungry for vegetables, but asks for chips (or lollies, cakes, treats etc), you are being manipulated! Junk foods have little nutritional value and are not a suitable substitute for proper meals.
7. Many nutritious foods can be "disguised"! Vegetable soups, potato pancakes, jelly with fruit and flavoured yoghurt are some suggestions.
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