I am sometimes picky about the foods I eat. This is normal for toddlers like me. There are a lot of changes going on in my body! Offer me small amounts of nutritious and yummy food. I can eat all the same foods as the rest of the family. Continue reading for some examples of what you might see me do at mealtime. If this happens to you at home, share your thoughts in the comments.

I am growing slower.

Toddlers grow slower than when they were babies. Their appetites change often. Some days they may eat a lot and other days very little. Parents and caregivers may feel like their toddler is going through a picky eating phase if they eat less. These changes in appetites are normal!

I can remember routines.

During this stage of your child’s development, they are learning patterns and routines. They can begin to predict what you are going to do and when. It can frustrate them when patterns or routines change. Be consistent with the steps of your routines. It will help your toddler feel calm. And, it will help mealtimes be fun and enjoyable. 

I am practicing moving.

This is an exciting time. Your toddler may have just started walking or may have been walking for a while. With all of this freedom, your toddler wants to explore and run around. You may have a hard time getting your toddler to sit still. Be patient. Offer consistent mealtime routines. Encourage them to sit. Avoid letting your toddler run around with food. It is a choking hazard. Invite them to come back to the table. If your toddler is not eating, offer the snack again in 2 hours or wait until mealtime. 

I learn from others.

Pointing at food or being curious is a part of their development. It may not always mean that your child is hungry. Toddlers love the experience of food and watching other people eat. Your toddler wants to explore their food through play. Allow them to interact with different foods without having to eat them. Talk to your child about the foods. Describe the textures, colors, and tastes they are experiencing. This is how they will learn.

I have memories.

Toddlers are learning the foods that they like. They are also remembering foods they did not like. Be calm and patient. It may take a child 8-15 tries¹ before liking a new food. Continue to offer a small amount. Keep favorite foods that are not part of the meal or snack out of sight when offering new foods. This will help meals go more smoothly and they will be less distracted.

I practice using my fingers.

Toddlers love to pick things up and explore them. This includes food! Encourage your child to practice feeding themselves. At first, they will self-feed with their fingers. By the time they turn 2, they will be learning to use a spoon and fork. 

Recommendation

Get more great tips for picky eating in our Solving Picky Eating lesson!

Source:
1. Lam, J. (2015, May 6). Picky eating in children. Retrieved May 8, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4422022/