Getting through a meal with a toddler sometimes feels like a battle. There will be standoffs, negotiations, and hopefully, at some point, a few bites taken. And while we all know those determined little minds and burgeoning personalities are what make the toddler stage so memorable, it’s those same traits that make us want to scream silently into the pantry once in a while. If you’ve got a kiddo who struggles at mealtimes, you’re in luck. We spoke with pediatric dietitian Dahlia Rimmon for insight on how to make feeding toddlers better for everyone, and came up with eight ideas that are easier to implement than you might think.
1. Make sure they feel comfortable in their high chair.
No one wants to sit down for a meal on an uncomfortable chair, including toddlers, and when this happens, it’s terribly hard for them to focus on the meal in front of them. According to Rimmon, they’ll put all their energy into escaping their seat. “An uncomfortable kiddo won’t stay seated at the table,” she says. “Make sure the high chair has a footrest to provide stability and comfort. I like the Mockingbird High Chair and the Stokke Tripp Strapp.”
If your high chair doesn’t have a foot rest, attach one of your own, like the Nibble and Rest Footsi®. Instead of dangling feet, kids are more firmly planted and can concentrate on what’s in front of them, making mealtime smoother for everyone at the table.
2. Always offer safe foods with new ones.
When it comes to feeding toddlers, don’t expect them all to dive into a plate full of fish and veggies. If they love mac and cheese, serve it up alongside that scary-looking piece of broccoli. “Accepted foods make kids feel safe. They’re more likely to eat something new if they feel comfortable at mealtime,” says Rimmon.
3. Serve realistic portion sizes.
You might not realize it, but the portions we serve ourselves or are served in restaurants are way bigger than necessary, meaning we sometimes overserve our tiny diners, too. “Large portions of food can be visually overwhelming,” explains Rimmon. “Much like when they’re uncomfortable, kids are less likely to eat if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Serve small portions; you can always refill their plate.” If you need a visual for how big a toddler portion should be, check out Kids Eat in Color for guides on everything from protein and breads to snacks and sweets.
4. Eat with your kiddo at least some of the time.
Eating alone might be a treat as a parent, but for a toddler? Boring. Take the time to sit down and enjoy dinnertime with your child. If they see you eating those green peas and carrots, they might be intrigued enough to try. “They want to be just like us. Modeling healthy eating habits at shared family meals can reinforce and encourage the same,” suggests Rimmon.
5. Use feeding tools that are comfortable for them and avoid mishaps.
No one wants to look like a fool, not even a toddler. Not being able to properly grip a utensil or take a drink is frustrating for anyone! Luckily, there are tons of toddler-appropriate tools on the market, so this is an easy fix.
Grabease Baby Utensils are designed with tiny hands in mind, so they’re perfect whether you’re feeding your toddler or they’re a newly solo eater. The silicone ezpz Tiny Bowl has a built-in placemat and a suction cup that secures the bowl to the table or high chair—and it’s perfect for everything from cereal and yogurt to rice and pasta. Check out some of our other favorite feeding tools and utensils for babies and toddlers.
6. Don’t make a big deal about messes.
This one will be a struggle at times, but it’s important because kids need to focus on eating instead of trying to stay clean. According to Rimmon, “messy meals are part of the package when eating with kids. Let them get messy with their food. Don’t worry if food falls on the floor or gets on their face. Keep mealtime as stress-free and positive as possible. No one wants to be walking on eggshells during mealtime.” And if it seems like they throw their food on the ground as soon as the plate hits the tray, there’s both a reason and a solution to that problem!
7. Pay attention to timing.
We get it. You’ve got kids coming home from elementary school, starving and needing attention, while your toddler is entering the witching hour. It’s easy to toss them a snack or two so you can focus on other things, but pay attention to when and how much you serve. If your kid had a snack too close to mealtime, they won’t be hungry, and getting them to try that deconstructed meatloaf is going to be a struggle. At the same time, waiting too long makes for hangry littles who can’t focus long enough to actually put food in their mouths. It’s all about serving up the right amount at the right time.
8. Have fun with it.
Okay, so having the time to make a fruit rainbow when you’re dealing with making a meal for the whole family might seem laughable, but if you do have a few moments, consider making a smiley face pizza quesadilla, arranging their food in a fun way, or incorporating a game, like this tasting game that works wonders with picky eaters. Trust us, being present and making the moment memorable will go a long way.