Dealing With the Toddler Appetite Slump
Mealtimes can be difficult when you have a Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ who seemingly won't eat anything. It happens more commonly than you may think. As a Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ transitions from an infant to toddler, their calorie needs change.
From the age of one to five, it’s normal for a Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ’s appetite to slow down. However, it can be nerve-wracking for parents who may worry about whether their Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is eating enough.
Here’s how to get through this eating power struggle:
Trust Your Child
Your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ’s brain will make sure they are getting enough calories for energy and growth. If your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is hungry, they will eat.
Don’t Force Feed
Doing so will make mealtime feel more like a punishment and lead to them eating less.
Limit Snacks
Offering snacks all day could lead to your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ never feeling hungry. Try to limit snacks to no more than two a day.
Limit Beverage Calories
If your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is thirsty between meals, offer them water. Juice will only keep them from feeling hungry and wanting to eat at mealtimes.
Don’t Spoon Feed
Once Your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is old enough to use a spoon, don’t spoon feed them.
“The main way to prevent feeding struggles is to teach your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ to feed themselves," says Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ of Utah Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ. "Let your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ pace their feeding. Remember, your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ will survive this picky-eating slump.â€
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