Toddler Nutrition
Toddler Nutrition Support - My Name is Mommy and I have a picky eater
Picky Eating
They are everywhere. We have either heard of them, know some, have some or have been one ourselves. They are called picky eaters and they are frustrating every mommy, daddy and family member worldwide. Having a relaxed, pleasant mealtime can be challenging. We have seen the more we push, the more they refuse. We have tried masking them, mashing them, altering their color, texture and shape. We are losing the war on healthy eating, but as parents, we won’t give up.
Here are some handouts on picky eating to help with ideas:
Feeding Your Toddler
Feeding Challenges
25 Healthy Snack Ideas
Fruits and Vegetables by Color
How Do I Know If My Child Is Eating Enough?
In general, a child’s portion size is much less than that of an adult. A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of each food offered per year of age. For instance, a 3-year-old should be eating about 3 tablespoons of each food group at the table. However, the eating habit of a child is erratic and unpredictable. This is normal. It is more important to look at how they have eaten over a week rather than each day. If you still feel your child is not eating well or enough, make an appointment with your Pediatrician. You may also email the Pediatric Dietitian at: (link here) or call the Pediatric Nutrition Advice Line at (408) 972-6194.
These age-appropriate handouts are guidelines to help encourage healthy eating:
Age 1
Ages 2-3
Females ages 4-8
Males ages 4-8
Females ages 9-13
Males ages 9-13
Other Resources:
Books:
Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense. Satter, Ellyn MS, RD, LCSW, BCD
Secrets of Feeding A Healthy Family. Satter, Ellyn MS, RD, LCSW, BCD
Feeding Your Child for Lifelong Health: Birth through Age 6. Roberts, Susan and Heyman, Melvin B.
Eating on the Run. Tribole, Evelyn RD
Meals without Squeals. Berman, Christine RD
The Healthy Body Cookbook. D’Amico, Joan and Eich Drummond, Karen RD
(this cookbook can be purchased in the Health Education Department)
You may also email the Pediatric Dietitian or call the Pediatric Nutrition Advice Line at (408) 972-6194
