Getting your Toddler to Eat

Parents of very young children know that the term "toddler meal"  is an oxymoron, toddlers do not eat meals: they pick at them, they play with them and they feed them to the dog. Unless the meal consists of macaroni and cheese and cookies, getting them to eat is a challenge. There are ways however, to get some nutritious meals into your little eater.

1. What Your Toddler Doesn't Know Won't Hurt Him

Did you think you were done with jarred baby food? Think again. Sure, he might be on solids now and eating at the big table but there is still lots of use for pureed nutrition. If it has been a couple of days since your precious child has had a vegetable, it's time for the puree.

Sweet potatoes and squash are easily hidden in pancakes.  Make them as usual but add half a jar before you add the water or milk and cook as usual. This is healthy for the rest of your family too.

Pureed broccoli and spinach can be added to a box of macaroni and cheese. Make as usual and add half a jar when you mix in the cheese sauce. As a bonus, it turns the pasta sauce green which the kids love.

2. Just a Spoonful of Sugar

It is simply amazing what a toddler will eat if you make it a little sweeter. If you are having trouble getting your child to eat carrots, try using a brown sugar glaze. If it is pork or beef, try putting a sweet fruit sauce or applesauce on the meat. A little bit of honey on her chicken may help her get it down a little easier. If your little one refuses to drink milk add a little chocolate syrup and watch how fast it gets finished.

3. Make Dinner Fun

If the dinner table becomes a battleground, nobody ends up eating well. Make sure you laugh and joke and play during dinner. Count the peas as you eat them, make mashed potato sculptures then eat them with your fingers. If you make mealtime fun, your toddler is more likely to eat and it is a great bonding activity for your family.

4. Finger Foods, Finger Foods, Finger Foods

Toddlers have a hard time with utensils. They are learning but cannot be expected to eat every dish at every meal with a fork or spoon. They get tired and frustrated, then get fussy and are likely to stop eating. A good rule of thumb is to have only one dish per meal that requires your child to use a utensil. If you are having roast beef, cut it into strips for your little one. She can use her hands for the beans and a fork for the potatoes. If you are having spaghetti, let her use her hands. You might have a bit of a mess, but at least your toddler is getting some nutritious food in her stomach.

These tips should help you to get your toddler to eat his meals, but if they don't, try not to fret. Toddlers are the fussiest eaters on the planet and yet still manage to get what they need to grow. However, if he truly seems not to be eating, do not hesitate to take him to his doctor to be evaluated.