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View Originalform 1Diet diary
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View OriginalFood advice
Children who drink a lot may not eat as much food. At mealtimes, give your child food first. (Drinks are filling and have fewer calories.)
Limit juices to 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 milliliters) per day. Also limit intake of water and carbonated drinks. Give your child milk or formula instead.
Dont worry if your child wants to eat the same food every day. It is more important that he or she gets enough calories and protein.
Junk foods have little protein and fewer calories than some other food choices. Junk foods will not help growth.
Offer foods that are easy for your child to handle (such as Cheerios, french fries, slices of banana, or peas).
Add margarine, mayonnaise, gravies, and grated cheese. For snacks, use cheese, pudding, bananas, or dried fruit.
Feeding times
Children need to eat often, but not all the time. Offer something every 2 to 3 hours, to allow 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks a day. Avoid snacks right after an unfinished meal.
Children work well with schedules. Try to keep mealtimes and snack times about the same each day.
Allow 1 hour without food or drink (except water) before a meal so your child gets hungry.
Do not make mealtime too long for your child. (Fifteen minutes is probably long enough for a toddler.)
Feeding behavior
Try to relax. Mealtimes should be nice for everyone.
Learn how your child acts when he or she is hungry or full. Learn what foods he or she likes.
You can choose what food to feed your child, but your child chooses how much to eat.
Avoid battles over eating. Do not force, bribe, threaten, or punish your child. Instead, praise your child for eating well.
Do not punish your child by not feeding him or her.
Allow your child to feed himself or herself. Try very small amounts at first. Offer seconds later. Expect a mess and be ready for easy clean-up (use bibs, newspaper under high chair, etc).
If your baby wants to hold the spoon, use 2 spoons. Let your baby hold one, and you use the other to feed your baby.
Feeding area
Try to eat together as a family so that brothers, sisters, and parents can show a young child what good eating behavior is.
Limit things that take your child's attention away from eating, such as television.
Make sure your child can reach the food. (Use a high chair, booster seat, telephone book, or small table.)
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