. This article offers parents and carers some ways in which they can make the occasion less of a drama and more of a pleasure. Give your toddler plenty of opportunities to feed themselves. If they are happy holding a spoon give them encouragement. Feed them food that they can pick up and eat with their fingers, such as mini sandwiches.
If your toddler is hungry between meals, let them snack on healthy foods like cheese, yogurt, toast and juice. Keep the routine of mealtimes going too. Don't feed them large portions. The toddler can't eat a lot and too much food will turn them off eating. Give them plenty of positive reinforcement through praise.
Experiment with a choice of food. Discover what your child likes, if you don't like a particular type of food it doesn't mean they won't like it. Feed them food that releases energy over time instead of in short bursts. Steer away from sugary foods and instead feed them plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and potatoes.
Allow the child time to prepare for mealtimes by giving them some advanced warning. Don't rush them from an activity to go and eat. Try not to let them drink too much milk as it will reduce their appetite for solid food. Offer them water or diluted juice instead. If your child has a second helping do not give them praise. It is not good for a child to grow up relating second helpings to behaving well. I hope you have found this article useful and it is helpful in making the task of feeding a toddler less of a challenge.