4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2024)

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4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (1)
Thanks to Enfa*grow for sponsoring this post.4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2)

I can remember when each of our kids started to become picky eaters, so to hopefully help you, I am going to share tips below that are practical and easy to begin.

At one year old they were enjoying all of those delicious vegetables and fruits. By 18 months, they were throwing their apple on the floor and reaching for a cracker. I don’t know what it is or how they seem to learn it, but it has happened with all four of our kids.

Did you know that, on average, toddlers are only getting about 25% of the brain-nourishing DHA many experts recommend? DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and it is important for their brain growth (85% of brain growth happens within the first three years of a child’s life).

Today I want to give you four tips to keep your toddler eating healthy foods.

Make a smoothie popsicle. Our kids loved these at a young age! I filled them with all of those healthy fruits and veggies that they didn’t want anymore. They gobbled them right up!

Try supplementing their diet with Enfa*growIt just helps ensure that your child is getting the nutrients he/she may need. They really need that DHA – an importantnutrient that’s particularly hard to get from the foods toddlers typically eat. DHA can be found in foods like fatty fishes and I can tell you that we really don’t eat that around here.

I hear this over and over again. Our doctor has told us this and even our chiropractor told us to start using them. They both said that if we can find foods thathaveprebiotics, to try that. The suggestion that I gave for #2 is helpful because Enfa*grow makes toddler drinks that haveDHA and probiotics (among other things like calcium, vitamin D & Iron). I just get the drinks that they make for kids ages one to three. It is a powder (they make ready-to-drink boxes, too). You can see more here. https://bit.ly/V8JSy3.

I bought the cookbook from Jessica Seinfeld about sneaking veggies into your kid’s food and I have been using it for years. Our favorite recipe from there is definitely the coconut chicken. It is fantastic!

You can find some great recipes on the Enfa*grow website, like this one:
Banana Muffins

Makes about 18 muffins

Ingredients

4 scoops Enfa*grow® Toddler Next Step™ Vanilla or Natural Milk powder
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
5 tsp baking powder
1tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups oats
2 eggs, slightly beaten
6 tbsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 cup mashed bananas

Directions

Preheat oven to 400° F.
Mix all dry ingredients (Enfa*grow powder,flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and oats) in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and pour in the eggs, oil, waterand bananas.
Stir with a fork until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Fill well-greased muffin tins 2/3 full.
Bake at 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean.

BONUS #5.Let it be available
Read this post on how I help our kids to eat more fruits & vegetables:
4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (8)

Do you want to try Enfa*grow for your kids?
You can have a chance to win the Enfa*grow gift package (ARV $38) that will include the following:

One Toddler Transitions Can (21oz.)

One Toddler Next Step Natural Milk Flavor Can (24oz.)

To enter, simply leave a blog post comment below about why you want your toddler to try it!

*NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C. 18 YEARS AND OLDER ARE WHO ALREADY HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AND VALID E-MAIL ADDRESSES ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion begins 9/8/2014 at 12:00 AM PST and ends at 11:59 PM PST on 9/24/2014. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Official Rules, eligibility, prize descriptions and odds disclosure are available at <https://www.thesitsgirls.com/sweepstakes-official-rules/> . Sponsor: Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, 2400 West Lloyd Expressway, Evansville, IN 47721.

I received compensation and free Enfa*grow for this post. Enfa*grow would be happy to help you with your question. Please contact them at 1-800-BABY-123.

4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (9)

Categorized as: Kid Friendly Recipes, Kids, Staying Healthy!, YourModernFamily

4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (10)

Hi there!

I’m Becky, a former elementary school teacher turned certified child development therapist and blogger. I work at home with my husband and together we are raising (and partially homeschooling) our four children in the Carolinas. I love diet co*ke, ice cream, and spending time with my family.

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4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

What are healthy foods for toddlers? ›

The best foods for toddlers include:
  • Protein foods like meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy.
  • Dairy such as milk, yogurt, cheese or calcium-fortified soymilk.
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Grains such as whole wheat bread and oatmeal.
Sep 6, 2022

What should a toddler eat in a day? ›

Average Daily Intake for a Toddler
Food GroupServings Per DayNumber of Calories Per Day
Grains6250
Vegetables2 to 375
Fruits2 to 375
4 more rows
Jan 2, 2024

How do I get my toddler to eat properly? ›

Some suggestions include:
  1. Be a positive role model by eating a healthy, balanced and varied diet together as a family.
  2. Serve the same foods as the family eats.
  3. Remember that toddlers need small meals and regular snacks.
  4. Don't worry too much – a toddler's appetite and food intake can vary daily.

Are bananas good for toddlers? ›

Bananas have several nutrients, including fiber and essential vitamins, which make them a healthy fruit for babies as well as kids, teens, and adults.

What are the 10 healthy tips? ›

  • Measure and Watch Your Weight. ...
  • Limit Unhealthy Foods and Eat Healthy Meals. ...
  • Take Multivitamin Supplements. ...
  • Drink Water and Stay Hydrated, and Limit Sugared Beverages. ...
  • Exercise Regularly and Be Physically Active. ...
  • Reduce Sitting and Screen Time. ...
  • Get Enough Good Sleep. ...
  • Go Easy on Alcohol and Stay Sober.

Do 2 year olds wear diapers? ›

There is no set age for when to stop using nappies, but children usually show signs they are ready to use a toilet or a potty between 18 months and 3 years. Some of the following are signs that your child may be ready: Your child notices when they are doing a wee or poo, or when they think they need the toilet.

How much should a 14-month-old weigh? ›

Your 14-month-old child's growth

At 14 months, boys weigh about 20 to 28 pounds and measure about 29 to 33 inches tall. Girls weigh 16 to 27 pounds, and measure around 28 to 32½ inches tall, though, as always, there's a range.

Which range of calories would be appropriate for a 10 year old girl? ›

How many calories does a child of 7 to 10 need?
AgeBoysGirls
76,900kJ or 1,649kcal6,400kJ or 1,530kcal
87,300kJ or 1,745kcal6,800kJ or 1,625kcal
97,700kJ or 1,840kcal7,200kJ or 1,721kcal
108,500kJ or 2,032kcal8,100kJ or 1,936kcal

What age is toddler? ›

Most experts suggest toddlerhood starts at 1 year of age. This is the time when many babies are ready to "toddle"—to take those first shaky steps. The toddler age range runs from around 1 year (12 months) to around 3 years of age.

Why won't my 15 month old eat? ›

A toddler who won't eat may simply be expressing a preference for certain foods or a fear of new ones. Sensory problems can also contribute. There are times, however, when a toddler refusing to eat could be a sign of a medical issue like a food sensitivity or viral illness.

What does a toddler need? ›

Your toddler's basic needs are the same as yours – food, sleep, clothing, shelter, and health – they just need more help getting these met, of course! For your child to be able to devote energy to learning and growing, they need to be well fed.

Can a toddler have 2 bananas? ›

Feeding a one-year-old child two bananas every day is not harmful as long as it's part of a balanced diet. Bananas are a nutritious fruit that can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Can I eat 2 apples a day? ›

Eating two apples a day is good for heart health. You can eat any kind of apple, as long as you eat the peel. Apple peels contain many antioxidants that help fight cancer. Researchers suggest that it is best to get antioxidants from fruits and vegetables rather than from dietary supplements.

How many words should an 18 month old boy say? ›

Different web sites and experts cite different numbers—one may say 10 words and another may say 50. But there really is no one “right” number. The average vocabulary at 18 months is about 50 words, but toddlers can say far more or fewer and still be on track.

What foods toddlers should not eat? ›

Toddlers between 12 and 24 months should avoid:
  • foods with added sugars and no-calorie sweeteners, including sugar-sweetened and diet drinks.
  • high-sodium foods.
  • unpasteurized juice, milk, yogurt, or cheese.
  • foods that may cause choking, such as hot dogs, raw vegetables, grapes, hard cheese, popcorn, and nuts.

What foods keep toddlers full? ›

Snacks with fiber or protein help kids feel full longer. Foods with these nutrients take more time to digest. Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein comes from beans, cheese, milk, meats, eggs, nuts, and nut butters.

What foods fill toddlers up? ›

Each of these options contains 5-7 grams of hunger-busting protein in a serving size that's also a satisfying quantity.
  • CLIF Kid Zbar® Protein. ...
  • Yogurt + Berries. ...
  • English Muffin + Peanut Butter. ...
  • String Cheese. ...
  • Whole-Grain Crackers + Hummus. ...
  • Jerky + Popcorn. ...
  • Whole-Grain Cereal + Milk. ...
  • Cheese and Nut Snack Pack.

What's a good breakfast for toddlers? ›

What do pediatricians give their kids for breakfast?
  • Egg sandwiches. Dr. ...
  • Fruit on-the-go. "For my daughter, who's a really good fruit eater, I try to do the things that are easy," Johns says. ...
  • Baked goods with protein add-ons. Dr. ...
  • Eggs all ways. ...
  • Homemade muffins. ...
  • Leftovers from dinner. ...
  • Protein smoothies. ...
  • High-protein waffles.
Aug 10, 2023

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