Toddler nutrition

Good eating habits should be encouraged early in life. As a caregiver your can support these good habits by understanding that a number of eating behaviours are a part of normal child development. Appetite fluctuates day to day, depending on the level of activity and the rate of growth. Fussy eating is a normal developmental stage in the toddler years.

Developmental characteristics of toddlers

The toddler years bring:

A time of exploration
Toddlers explore their surroundings by touching, seeing, listening, smelling and tasting. Food is of immense interest to them but not always for eating.

Great autonomy and yet a fear of new experiences
Between 18 and 24 months most toddlers can handle a spoon and a cup for feeding themselves although spills are common. No is a favourite word and one day they love something the next they will not eat it again. They love feeding themselves.

A need for a sense of security
Children between 18 to 24 months often like rituals to reassure them. A desire for the familiar, for example a special toy or food, often dictates their daily routine. This is a normal part of transition from infancy to childhood. However because they have a limited attention span a toddler may be unable to sit at the family table for the duration of a meal. Don't give up though, having the toddler at the table is important as a social experience for the child.

Awareness of others
Although not skilled in cooperative play, 2-3 year olds are gradually developing social skills and will often imitate people close to them. Watching an adult or another child enjoy eating is a powerful influence on the toddler's acceptance of food. Although spills are still very common at this age, they can hold a glass and use a spoon. They often insist on “doing it myself”, yet still dawdle.

Caregivers are the gatekeepers to healthy eating. Encourage your child to drink water and milk regularly; sweet drinks should be consumed much less frequently. Have snack foods on hand that are healthy. Keep portion size to a manageable level, yet have more food available if they are still hungry. Provide foods that the child likes, plus a new food to try. Accept that their taste for food will change on a regular basis. Serve a family favourite dish even if one child does not like it, just put a small amount on their plate and don't worry if they do not eat it.

(Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia 2003.[Online] Available at: http://www.NutritionAustralia.org)

This website and the information provided is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner. If you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.