Managing Picky Eating

Picky Eating Facts

Around 2 years old, a toddler’s growth pattern changes.

They grow taller and lose some of their body fat.

Toddlers frequently have food jags such as choosing the same food every meal for a short period.

Home Food Safety

• Avoid nuts, raisins, seeds, grapes, and hard candies

• Cut hot dogs in quarters lengthwise, then into smaller pieces

• Cut whole grapes in half lengthwise

• Chop nuts finely• Chop raw carrots

finely or cut them into strips

• Start with offering 1 Tbsp of each food for every year of age

• Children are overwhelmed by too much food

• Avoid the phrase “clean your plate”

Portions, Portions, Portions

Toddler Trends

• Typically, young children like sweets and fried foods

• They may ask to try something and then leave it on their plate

• A child may be exposed to a new food 15-20 times before they like it

Tips on Encouraging Healthy Eating

• Don’t become a short order cook

• Always serve at least 1 food the child likes

• Don’t reward eating vegetables with dessert

Suggested Serving Alternatives

• Mix fruits and vegetables into other foods

• Doctor up fruits and veggies with sauces and dips

What Can You Do?

• Serve finger foods

• Experiment with the temperature of food

• Allow your child simply taste food without having to swallow it