Goldfish, Cheerios... Do you have a little one who just wants to gobble snacks galore? Feeding a toddler can be tough. But, have no fear! Pediatric Nutritionist, Vanessa Thornton, is here to help.
Hi,
I have a 13 month old who hates fruits and veggies. I’m tired of resorting to pouches and crackers so that he’ll eat something. I tried making sure he’s hungry at meal times but even then he’ll refuse to eat and I don’t want him to go hungry, so I end up giving him a pouch. He won’t even try it...it’s just so frustrating! Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
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Vanessa T.
Hi Christiane, |
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Cristiane Thank you so much for this. I read the Ellen Satter stuff, I’ll definitely try it. |
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Vanessa T.
Let me know how it goes! Just keep in mind that it takes patience and persistence- he probably won’t come around after one meal but most kids are eventually successful at breaking their picky eating habits. |
Hi! What do you think are the best ways to encourage my daughter to drink more water? She often cries for "juice boxes"? (We only give her the kind that is mostly water, but we don't always have them around and I don't want her drinking them all the time of course. Are there any sippy or straw cups that you recommend?
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Vanessa T.
Hi Michelle, |
My 2-year-old still fights me at meal time! Any ideas for easy, fun meals I can prep with him? I'm hoping that getting him more involved in the process will help.
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Vanessa T.
What a great idea! You can have him help with any recipe as long as you stick to safe, simple steps (think: measuring pasta or shaking the noodles once they are in the strainer). If you want some more toddler friendly recipes he can get more involved in, try these ideas: |
My 1-year-old refuses fruits and veggies. I've heard a little bit about OT being used to help here, but don't know much. Is this a texture thing? Could you explain further?
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Vanessa T.
Hi Kristen, |
Hi there,
When’s a good time to introduce puffs and teethers?
My son is 6 months but has only had puréed solids and some with a bit of texture.
Also when can I start giving cheese in the meal like with pureed potatoes or broccoli ?
Thank you!
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Vanessa T.
Hi Megha, |
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Megha Awesome thanks! :) |
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Vanessa T.
Ah yes! Teething crackers can be used as soon as you feel you baby is ready and would benefit but same rule applies- don’t get in the habit of filling up on these instead of real foods! |