Feeding problems with small children
For many families with toddlers (age 1-3 years), meal times are a nightmare, with the dining table becoming a battle ground, instead of a place for getting together as a family.
Being fussy about what he/she eats is a normal part of a child's development, and is part of learning to become an independent person.
Although many parents worry that their child hardly eats anything at all, studies show that an otherwise healthy child will have a remarkably consistent daily intake, although this will vary from meal to meal and from child to child. It is important to remember that, compared to the first year, children grow relatively slowly in the second and third years and have a correspondingly smaller food intake.
If the child is growing normally and plays with the usual toddler's activity then he/she will certainly be getting an adequate energy intake. However, it is important to try to match energy needs with adequate nutrition. Vitamin and mineral substitutes are not usually necessary and should not be used as an easy way out when children refuse normal food.
Only rarely is a medical problem the cause of problems with eating in children, but if a child is not following a normal growth pattern it is important to seek medical advice. Regular measurements of height and weight are an important part of all children's early years.
If you are having difficulty with your toddler's feeding habits these tips might help.
- Remember that a parent's role is to provide appropriate food in a happy, distraction-free, environment. The child should be allowed to decide how much of it to eat.
- Too much milk or fruit juice will reduce appetite for food.
- Have a routine of 3 meals a day, with snacks (small meals) in between. Don't give snacks close to meal times.
- Offer small serves and seconds if wanted. Let them decide how much. If none is eaten stay calm, clear it away and offer nothing until the next meal or snack.
- Involve the child in preparing the meal and in making some choices. Offer 2 or 3 alternatives, don't say, 'what would you like?'.
- Make eating fun. Go on picnics and have meals in the garden.
- Don't have too much non-nutritious food in the house. If it's not there they won't ask for it.
- Try and shop by yourself. If you have to take children, arm yourself with fresh or dried fruit, sandwiches, or pieces of cheese.
- Don't use bribery to get children to eat something you want them to have. It may work in the short term, but it reinforces their dislike for the food in question.
- Remember, in Western society, starvation is almost unheard of.
Last Reviewed: 19 September 2008
