Toddler Food - Tips For Feeding Toddlers

You are now hopefully sharing family mealtimes together and toddlers will want to feed themselves with a spoon and/or fork. They are still very messy, so don’t expect perfect table manners for another few years. They learn about their food by touching, playing, squashing and eating it.

They are not growing as fast as they did over the first 12 months, and they are very busy, so they might not have a great appetite. Don’t force them to eat or finish their meal – they will eat when they’re hungry. They express their independence by making decisions about what they will and won’t eat. They have likes and dislikes just as you do, so give them the chance to try out different foods.

What should I offer my toddler?

By 12 months, your toddler should be eating a wide range of family foods. What you offer them will depend largely on your cultural background, but it should always be a well balanced diet with a variety of foods.

Sample menu

Breakfast

• Cereal, rice or porridge, finger food (e.g. fruit and toast) followed by a cup of milk.
  Morning and afternoon snack
• Chopped fruit, yoghurt or cheese stick, plus a cup of water.

Lunch

• Sandwiches or pocket bread with avocado, cheese spread, smooth peanut butter, chopped fish or chicken. Plus finger food – chopped fruit, salad or cooked vegetables and a cup of milk.

Dinner

• Fish or meat patties and vegetables, tofu, rice or pasta with sauce, or casserole of chunky pieces of cooked meat and vegetables. Follow with fruit and yoghurt or custard, and a cup of milk.