You often notice it after the first year of your child’s life. Your child has less appetite, eats poorly or starts eating worse. Nothing alarming because this is a normal evolution. But how can you be sure that your child is getting enough nutrients so that he experiences normal development? All kinds of tricks are tried to give your toddler something to eat. However, it won’t hurt if he doesn’t eat anything for a meal. Doctor visits often do not yield much. It is simply a period in development when people eat less.
Poor appetite in children
Your baby will make significant physical progress until the age of one year. The growth curves clearly show that your baby is developing very quickly in height and weight during the first year of life. Children never grow as fast as during the first year of life. After the first year of life, only two kilograms are added per year. Growth therefore slows down, which also translates into a lower need for food. Naturally, as a parent you are a little concerned because you do not know whether your baby is getting all the necessary nutrients. Don’t panic, though. A reduced or poor appetite in children is a normal phase of your baby’s development.
Tricks and persuasion
As a good parent, you try to get your toddler to eat. You use all kinds of tricks to get him to eat something. You invent games such as: A snack for dad and A snack for mom. In many cases, this method will still work in the first phase. Then it becomes more difficult and you start to negotiate with your toddler, so to speak. You tell him that he can only watch television after he has eaten his sandwich. In any case, do not try to pressure your child to eat anyway. There should be no arguments at the table, making the mealtime a nightmare. Having a nice meal at the table is the best way for parents and your toddler.
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Food is a basic need
Food is a basic need for everyone. It can’t last forever that your toddler doesn’t like to eat. This phase will pass. Naturally, you should try to fulfill this basic need as healthily and as fun as possible. All sit together at the table as a family. Let your child taste all meals such as soup, potatoes, vegetables, meat, dessert, etc. If children do not like something, this is usually only temporary. A while later, try to serve again what he didn’t like then. As parents, also set an example. If you as a mother or father do not eat potatoes or certain vegetables, your child will not want to do so either. A child is of the principle: If my mom or dad shouldn’t eat it, then I shouldn’t either.
Snacks can’t really hurt. Try to make healthy snacks out of it. A piece of fruit or milk product is a good choice. Skipping a meal is not a disaster for your child. He can compensate for that with a snack. So be aware that your child may still get enough nutrients if you add up the three main meals and snacks.
Drinking is very important
A toddler doesn’t need a lot of potatoes and meat yet. This will come naturally later as he grows older. Milk, vegetables and fruit are now very important. A cup of milk or some fruit cut into pieces is therefore healthier than a cookie. The trick is to find some variations in these very healthy products. You can make a vegetable soup from the vegetables. This way your toddler gets enough fluid, which is very important at this age. However, be careful with sweetened drinks such as fruit juice and apple juice. The healthiest drinks are water and growth milk.
Tips for regularity at the table
As a parent you are responsible for your child’s nutrition. So make it a point to teach your child healthy and correct eating habits. This can be done in the following ways:
- Ensure regularity and set fixed meal times. Preference is given to breakfast, ten o’clock, lunch, snack and dinner.
- Provide balanced meals and snacks. It is important to find a good mix between proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
- Don’t force your child to eat at the table. If necessary, wait a little longer and try again afterwards.
- Be very positive and enthusiastic about fruits and vegetables. Your toddler should notice from your tone and enthusiasm that fruit and vegetables are really tasty.
