How to Get My Toddler to Eat: 8 Strategies for Parents

Introduction

Feeding a toddler can be an unexpected challenge. Even though they may appear to suddenly develop strong opinions about what they do and do not want to eat, the root of the problem is often much deeper. When faced with this dilemma, it’s important for parents to understand why their child is refusing food and how to encourage them to try new things.

The term “toddler eating problem” is used to describe a range of issues that can arise in children between the ages of 1 and 3. These include picky eating habits, overeating, or a refusal to try new foods. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 25 percent of toddlers have some degree of difficulty with eating.

This article will explore eight strategies to help parents get their toddler to eat. Through these strategies, parents can build trust and a positive relationship with their child around food, while also helping them explore new tastes and textures.

Introduce New Foods Gradually

One of the best ways to get a toddler to eat is to introduce new foods gradually. Start by offering small amounts of new foods alongside familiar favorites. This allows your child to become more comfortable with unfamiliar flavors and textures without feeling overwhelmed or pressured.

Research has shown that this approach is effective in helping kids become more adventurous eaters. A study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that when parents presented new foods in a non-threatening manner, children were more likely to accept and enjoy them.

When introducing new foods, it’s important to keep the presentation simple and inviting. Offer one or two new items at mealtimes, rather than an entire plate of unfamiliar foods. It’s also helpful to give your child some control over how much they eat. Allowing them to decide how much to take on their plate can help them feel more comfortable and confident.

Here are some tips for introducing new foods:

• Start with a single new food at a time.
• Let your child touch and smell the food before trying it.
• Allow your child to choose how much to put on their plate.
• Encourage your child to take small bites and chew slowly.
• Praise your child for trying new foods, even if they don’t like it.

Make Mealtime Fun

Mealtime should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both parents and children. Making meals fun can help engage your child and encourage them to try new foods. This can be done through various activities, such as playing games, singing songs, or talking about the day.

A study published in the journal Appetite found that when parents made meals more interactive and engaging, children ate more and reported higher levels of enjoyment. Additionally, research has shown that children who are exposed to pleasurable mealtime experiences are more likely to develop healthy eating habits.

Here are some tips for making mealtime fun:

• Set aside a few minutes every day for family meals.
• Talk about your day or play a game at the table.
• Use colorful plates and utensils to make meals more appealing.
• Create a “no screens” rule during meals.
• Encourage your child to help prepare meals.

Offer Choices

Giving your child some control over what they eat can help them feel empowered and more willing to try new foods. Offering choices is an effective way to do this. When giving your child options, be sure to provide healthy alternatives. This can include different types of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Research has shown that providing choices can increase a child’s willingness to try new foods. A study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that when parents offered children two or three options for each meal, the children were more likely to try the new foods.

Here are some tips for offering choices:

• Present two or three options for each meal or snack.
• Allow your child to choose which food to eat first.
• Give your child control over how much to eat.
• Encourage your child to try new foods.
• Be flexible and accommodating to your child’s preferences.

Set a Good Example

Children learn by example, so it’s important for parents to set a good one when it comes to eating. Modeling healthy eating habits can help your child develop their own positive relationship with food. This includes eating a variety of nutritious foods and enjoying mealtime.

Research has shown that when parents lead by example, children are more likely to follow suit. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that when mothers ate a variety of healthy foods, their children were more likely to do the same.

Here are some tips for setting a good example:

• Eat a variety of nutritious foods.
• Enjoy mealtime and talk about what you’re eating.
• Demonstrate proper table manners.
• Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.
• Encourage healthy snacking throughout the day.

Avoid Force-Feeding

It can be tempting to try and force a child to eat when they refuse certain foods. However, this can create an adversarial relationship between parent and child and cause more harm than good. It’s important to remember that children are capable of deciding when they’re full and don’t need to be forced to eat.

Research has shown that forcing a child to eat can have negative consequences. A study from the journal Appetite found that when parents used pressure or coercion to make their child eat, the child was less likely to eat the food and more likely to develop unhealthy eating habits.

Here are some tips for avoiding force-feeding:

• Respect your child’s appetite and fullness cues.
• Avoid pressuring your child to finish their food.
• Don’t use food as a reward or punishment.
• Never force your child to try new foods.
• Praise your child for trying new foods, even if they don’t like it.

Keep Trying Different Strategies

It can take time for children to develop healthy eating habits, so it’s important to be patient and persistent. Keep trying different strategies until you find what works for your child. Some strategies may work better than others, and it’s important to stay open to new ideas.

Research has shown that when parents are persistent in their efforts to encourage healthy eating, children are more likely to develop healthy habits. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that when parents kept trying different strategies, their children were more likely to eat a variety of foods.

Here are some tips for keeping trying different strategies:

• Stay open to new ideas and approaches.
• Be consistent in your efforts to encourage healthy eating.
• Be patient and don’t give up if your child doesn’t immediately respond.
• Be willing to adapt your strategies as needed.
• Seek support from other parents and professionals if needed.

Conclusion

Getting a toddler to eat can be a challenge, but there are strategies that can help. Introducing new foods gradually, making mealtime fun, offering choices, setting a good example, and avoiding force-feeding are all effective ways to encourage your child to explore new tastes and textures. Keeping trying different strategies and being patient and persistent can help your child develop healthy eating habits.

By following these strategies, parents can help their toddlers learn to enjoy healthy meals. With patience and persistence, parents can foster a positive relationship with food and help their children become more adventurous eaters.