Problems In Toddler Feeding

Feeding your toddler can sometimes be a terrible experience. Your child may refuse to eat or eat very little. This may lead you to force feed your little one, often not too successfully. Toddlers are still in the phase of developing and it is up to you to develop good habits in them. You can do this by being aware of certain facts that will make feeding an enjoyable process.

How much should the child eat?

Once the child is about two, the process of growth slows down as compared to the growth in the first year. So the quantity of food required is less. Remember no two toddlers can have the same quantity of food. So stop comparing your child with the neighbor's child. Children never remain hungry. They cover up for the missed meal in the next meal. Instead of worrying about how much he/she is eating, keep an eye on the growth rate of the child. If the growth rate is normal, then your child is eating the amount required by his body.

How to get the child to eat?

For a young child, food should appear appealing. So offer food that is appealing as well as tasty. Give little quantity first, and then give more if the child is still hungry. Do not force feed your child or go in for punishments. If your brat refuses to eat, accept it. Do not show that you are upset about your child's eating habits.

What if the child is a selective eater?

Identify the foods that the child wants to eat. As far as the child is eating nutritious food, let him choose and eat. Do not concentrate on the same daily eaten foods. Let the child explore new foods. Modify your cooking style. Suppose the child wants to eat only potatoes for the dinner out of the dish of peas and potatoes, cook little quantity of potatoes only. Make a list of what all foods your child eats to make sure that whatever he is eating is balanced.

Should the child eat snacks?

Always remember that children do not eat a lot during the main meal times. They do feel hungry after every two hours. So always keep some nutritious snacks ready. If the child asks for a snack just before the meal do not refuse. Instead offer the child a small snack and explain to the child that every one will eat together after a while. Offer fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain crackers and biscuits as snacks. Make a fruit plate of three to four different coloured fruits so the child finds it appealing and will hence eat it.

Enjoyable mealtimes

Let your child know about the meal at least 15 minutes before the meal. This results in the child being relaxed after playing and enjoying other activities. Always eat on regular meal times and remove all the toys from the eating area. This will help the child focus all his attention in eating. Also, always remember to eat together and never feed a child alone.

Follow these tips and you will soon enjoy feeding your toddler and the child will also look forward to mealtimes.

Diet Nutrition

Like all nuts, pistachio nuts are an excellent source of protein.
Unsalted pistachios have a high-potassium low-sodium content which helps to normalise blood pressure, maintain water balance in the body and strengthen muscles.
Pistachio nuts are also a good source of vitamin E which boosts the immune system and alleviates fatigue.
They contain lesser amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc.
Diet Note . Most pistachio nuts are salted and because of the high sodium content should only be eaten in small quantities.