Feeding toddlers

[meladonna]

Hi. I'm concerned that my toddler is not getting enough nutrition from her diet. I'm not stupid enough to give her white bread or hot dogs (well, she does have occassional tofu dogs), but I do think she ends up with more "junk" in her diet than I want her to have. I feel like I have a pretty good knowledge of healthy vs. unhealthy food, but have problems using that knowledge to create toddler friendly meals! I'd really appreciate some healthy, budget-minded, suggestions for mealtime! TIA!

[blue coronado]

yea, i would like some ideas too. my baby love to eat BUTTER. not butter n toast or butter n pancakes...but BUTTER.

we now have a lock on our frig... i found BUTTER remains in my bathroom sink....:eek

[~X~]

One trick: you can top almost anything with melted cheese or tomato sauce, and toddlers will gobble it up. :)

[onlyteri]

I wsa concerned about my 2yr old also. But his doctor told me it is not uncommon for toddlers to favor certian foods. My 2 yrold loves Cherrios! He said it is also common for them to eat good 1 day out of the week. And don't feed them 24 hrs a day set a time for each meal and stick to eat. It has worked for my boy. And feed them what they want long as it isn't junk food.:hello

[Snaughty]

I leave out a plate of diced friut, crackers and other healthful things. When he gets hungry enough he eats whatever is on the plate. HTH

[LucyLooLoo]

I've always heard that a child will get what he needs, nutrition-wise, as long as it's available to him.

DS goes through periods when he won't eat much at all (usually he wants starchy stuff during these phases), then suddenly he'll be eating a ton. It will all balance out. If you're truly concerned, talk to your pediatrician. Mine just suggested giving DS a chewable vitamin. Just don't force the issue with your child or you might risk creating food issues for her (IMO).