As a parent, you must understand the concept of healthy snacking for toddlers. Their bellies can not eat a lot at one time. Additionally, their go-go-go nature means they do not want to sit at the table too long and have a proper meal.
In this article, we will discuss some dos and don’ts of toddler snacking, helping you plan a healthy diet for your little ones.
Do’s
1. Serve Healthy, Nutrient-Rich Foods
Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources to feed your children. However, you can also consider baby puffs with a simple ingredient list and minimal added sugar. Serving these types of snacks will provide your kids with the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting their healthy growth and overall development.
2. Offer Small, Child-Sized Portions
You must keep in mind that toddlers have small tummies. Eating a large meal is impossible for them. That’s why you must serve them small portions that are appropriate according to their age and health needs. In this way, you can avoid overeating and promote healthy eating habits in your little one.
3. Establish a Snack Schedule
Feeling hungry all the time and starting to eat snacks is not a good habit. You must offer your child 1 to 3 scheduled snacks a day, such as mid-morning and mid-afternoon. This will provide them with energy between meals and prevent constant grazing.
4. Be a Positive Role Model
Toddlers thoroughly observe whatever happens around them. As a parent, you must be a positive role model for them so that they can learn healthy eating habits from you. Eat nutritious foods yourself and show enjoyment at mealtimes. This will encourage your little one to try new foods and experience different flavors.
5. Let Your Child Decide How Much to Eat
Empower your child to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues. You should not force them to finish their plate, as this can lead to overeating.
6. Involve Your Little One in the Process
Involving toddlers in the food preparation process and allowing them to touch and explore different snacks can encourage them to try new things.
Don’ts
1. Avoid Junk Foods and Sugar-Sweetened Drinks
Processed snacks, sugary treats, candy, and drinks like juice and soda are not good for your toddler’s health. You must limit or eliminate their consumption.
2. Don’t Force Your Child to Eat
Many parents force their children to eat and finish their plates. It can lead to a negative association with food and may cause your little one to refuse it.
3. Don’t Use Food as a Reward
Offering meals as a reward to your toddler can create an unhealthy emotional connection to food, leading to power struggles over meals.
4. Avoid Serving Too Large Portions
Overestimating the amount of food a child needs can encourage overeating. Therefore, you should avoid serving too large portions to them.
5. Don’t Allow Constant Eating
Letting your little one snack all day can ruin their appetite for meals and also contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and many other health issues. So you should not allow constant eating and offer snacks at a fixed time of the day.
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