Fussy eating toddler

Is your toddler a fussy eater? Dont be worried, every 8 out of 10 toddlers are fussy eater. Dhruv is a very fussy eater, its not that he refuses food, he just finds it more fun when he is allowed to watch cartoon and eat or eating while scribbling on the walls. MAny will say that its not the right habit to put toddlers into, but toddlers physchology is different, I feel that I should allow him to enjoy what he is doing rather that making him  sit with family and eat. I mean he will anyways do that as he grows older why put him into strict habits so soon.

I have noted down some points which will ease the pain of feeding a fussy toddler -

1. Dont hyer-ventilate if your toddler is refusing to eat; he is probably full - he might be hungry again at the next meal or at snack time.

2. Serve him healthy wholesome food for breakfast-corn flakes, milk, nuts and a fruit

3. Never be worried that your toddler isnt getting enought food.

4. If he wants to eat something from your food dont discourage him, give him a small bite it will not harm his stomach

5. Introduce new foods one at a time and in small quatity. Make sure you include at least one thing you know your toddler likes at each meal.

6. Look for ways to boost the nutritional value of the dishes your toddler enjoys. You can use olive oil, add nut in the breakfast cereal, add a dash of lime in the usual upma.

7. Encourage your toddler to touch or smell any new food. If you are worried that his hands are dirty i would suggest that let him touch or smell it and then try to gently wipe away his hands with baby wipes.

8. Toddlers appetites are affected by their growth rates. You will find that for 3-4 months he is having a growth spurt and  is being a very nice kid while eating and the next 6 months you will find that he is more interested in other activities apart from eating.

The good news is that the tendency to reject new foods fades as children get older. Remind yourself that one day your child is likely to eat and enjoy a whole range of foods, even if it’s very frustrating now!