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Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters - there
is so much going on in the world around them, that they simply
do not want to waste any time being strapped to a highchair!
Sometimes, you'll have to get really creative in trying to get
them to eat anything, especially the foods that are good for
them. You will find some tips for handling picky eaters below.
Steamed veggies like carrots and peas
Yogurt
Crackers — graham crackers, animal crackers,
or saltines
Fig bars
Pasta
Cooked beans
Fruit juice boxes (make sure you choose 100%
pure fruit juice)
Grapes cut into quarters to avoid the risk
of choking
Fresh fruits such as bananas and oranges
Berries
Apple, pear, or apricot sauce in individual
plastic containers
String cheese
Cottage cheese with favorite berries
Mini-toast with SunButter® (butter made with
sunflower seeds; great alternative to the peanut butter)
Small cubes of cooked tofu
Tortilla rolls (spread some sunflower
butter or peanut butter (if it has been introduced) and some
jam on a tortilla and roll it up
Picky Eating Tips
Parents are role models! Set a good
example by eating healthy foods yourself! Buy and try new
fruits and vegetables. Drink water between meals. Set an
eating routine at home for your meals and snacks. Your
children will learn by your good example.
Try offering a new food when your child
is hungry
If your child doesn't like the new food
the first time, offer it again in a week. It usually takes
several tries before children are willing to try new foods.
Serve only child-size portions, and let
them ask for more.
It's normal for children to explore
foods. Young children often touch or smell the food on their
plate.
Children thrive on routine. Just like
you have a bedtime routine, stick to a feeding routine. Your
child is less likely to be tired or fussy at mealtimes!
Play it down - the less fuss you make when
introducing new food, the better. Offer it as a casual snack (or let
them have a bite when they see you eating it)
Offer healthy foods. Your child soon
learns these are the foods in your home and will eventually
eat!
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