insideKENT Magazine Issue 20 - Sep/Oct 2013 | Page 50

SPECIALFEATURE:BABIES&KIDS food tips for toddlers Children of toddler and pre-school age grow rapidly and are very active, so they need lots of energy and nutrients as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Try to encourage your toddler to eat a healthy and varied diet alongside the rest of the family, as likes and dislikes are often established at this early stage in life. Energy and nutrient requirements As toddlers have smaller stomachs, they need more calories and nutrients in each mouthful of food than adults. Your toddler should have small meals and snacks based on foods from the four main food groups: • Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods • Fruit and vegetables • Milk and dairy foods • Meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein Tips for fussy toddlers It is normal for toddlers to refuse to taste or eat new foods from time to time. Most children will eat enough to keep them going, so there is no need to worry unless your child is clearly not gaining weight. Fortunately, most toddlers grow out of this stage and eventually learn to enjoy a variety of different foods. If your little one is a fussy eater, here are a few tips that may help: • Your toddler will benefit from a routine of regular mealtimes and snacks. • Try to offer your child the same food as the rest of the family and eat your meals together at the dinner table. • Toddlers often benefit from eating with other children so arrange for your child to eat with other children when possible (e.g. with siblings or at nursery). • Give your child small portions and praise them if they finish and offer more. • Make positive comments about the food. • Offer finger foods as often as possible. • Make sure your toddler eats in a calm, relaxed environment away from distractions such as TV and toys. • Try to finish the meal within 20-30 minutes. • Never rush meals or try to pressure your toddler to eat more when he/she has indicated they have had enough. At Little Dish, they know it’s not easy to produce nutritious yet tasty meals for your little ones each day, so they can help. Their fresh meals are made with 100% natural ingredients, with no added salt. They are perfect for toddlers 12 months plus, are ready to eat in minutes and all of their recipes have been taste tested by their team of ‘Tiny Tasters’. You can find their meals in the chilled aisles of Asda, Tesco, Waitrose, selected Morrisons and on Ocado.com. www.littledish.co.uk 50 www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk