Does your toddler struggle with eating solid foods? Here are some ways to ensure that your toddler is set up for success during mealtimes, even before any foods are presented.
1. Make food and mealtimes fun, guilt-free and stress-free. Try to avoid begging your child to eat, providing ultimatums, or making it clear that you are anxious about the amount he or she is eating. This should create a more peaceful mealtime environment for the whole family.
2. Include your child in the mealtime, even if you think he or she won't try anything. Put small amounts of your food on their tray for them to explore and engage with.
3. Engage your child in food play and food preparation to make food fun and exciting.
4. Do not pressure your child to eat. Children can feel anxiety and this reduces their desire to eat. Make sure your child knows he or she has control over how much he or she tries.
5. If you are trying to increase the amount of solid food that your child is eating and the child is taking milk, formula, or is breastfeeding, make sure that you offer solid foods prior to a bottle. *Of course, a baby under 12 months will get the majority of their nutrition from formula or breastmilk, and solid food prior to that age is more for play and exploration.
6. If your child has a pre-feeding routine that was recommended by his or her feeding therapist (chewy tubes, vibrating toothbrush, oral massage) make sure to be as consistent as possible in implementing it.
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