7 Truths About Feeding Toddlers

Feeding toddlers is one tough job… but somebody’s gotta do it! Here are some truths to keep your sanity [and sense of humor] when it comes to feeding your little one.

I don’t think there’s really any way to prepare yourself for life with a toddler. From tantrums, to unexpected love-hugs, to personality growth and changes, I often feel like I’m living with my teenager self all over again. One truth about living the toddler-life is how challenging feeding toddlers can be. And this is coming from a registered dietitian Mom who wants nothing more than her boys to LOVE and enjoy healthy foods. So I’m keeping it real, true toddler-style, and sharing some common truths about feeding toddlers. Get your mop and floor cleaner ready!

1. They’re honest. Brutally honest. You know that politically correct smile your true love gave you when you first made he or she a meal they disliked, but they were too kind not to hurt your feelings and say how they really felt? Well toddlers don’t know what PC means and haven’t quite gotten the memo on that polite interaction just yet.

2. They flip-flop on likes and dislikes. Joey goes for weeks without eating blueberries and then one day he’ll pop a few like I’ve been depriving him his whole two years of life. And just when I think he’s about ready to spit out the chicken or beef I make for dinner, he’ll act like the grill-master of the family. Moral of the story? Don’t expect anything. Just keep doing your job of serving nutritious meals.

3. They’re unique— meaning they typically have strange food preferences. I’ve seen grilled cheese dipped in everything from yogurt to applesauce and clementine’s dipped in BBQ sauce and marinara. While the sight sometimes makes me nauseous, as long as my guys are actually eating their meal I’m happy!

4. They’re messy. No bib or floor mat or hungry dog can prepare you for the mess that comes with feeding a toddler. You might find yourself giving a bath more than once a day. Take a deep breath and embrace the reality of feeding a toddler!

5. They’re loyal. When toddlers love a food, they LOVE it unconditionally. For my boys it’s BBQ sauce and marinara sauce. All is right in the world when they see either one on their plates or dinner table. Warning: if you are a guest for dinner at my house, don’t be surprised I advise you to skip the BBQ sauce. A few too many double dips have taken place with that bottle!

6. They’re creative. You better believe my little angels become Picasso’s as soon as they realize they can paint with their food. On their chair, the dining room table, heck on one another’s face! As long as there is SOME food hitting their mouths, I’m ok with the mess and want them to enjoy mealtime… for now.

7. They’re smart. You better believe both boys know where the cereal cupboard is. And that Mom will usually let them have a snack of cereal before bed… even though at dinner she proclaims, “that’s it no snack after dinner!” I’m the she. And yes I’ve said that. But they keep asking for snacks… even when I switch the cereal location! Perhaps I should change this truth to “they’re stubborn or persistent.”

One thing is for sure when it comes to feeding a toddler: they keep you on your toes. So tell me, what’s one thing you’ve learned about cooking for and cleaning up after a toddler?!

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Comments

Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
January 26, 2016 at 9:50 am
These are all so true! I’m so thankful we have a dog because she really does help, though sometimes I have to send her out of the room because it’s just TOO much. Sigh… I’m not much for messes but I’ve had to learn it’s OK here and there. I completely agree that they can be fickle and they definitely go through phases. It’s tough when you make something you just know they’re going to love and then they don’t. At all. Sigh… other times they completely surprise me by what they polish off – or like you said, what they pair together. Strange combinations, but hey, whatever works! I just keep feeding them healthy foods and let them decide what and how much to eat. All we can do, right?!
amyc says
January 26, 2016 at 1:46 pm
I’ve learned that they eat like birds.. no matter how hard you try.. and that somehow, they are still a.o.k. So, I suppose I should worry less.
I’ve also however learned that spacing out those meals and snacks is critical to successful eating. It wasn’t until I took a big step back to look at why my son seemed to only eat snacks that I realized his meals were only 1.5 hours after snacks and seriously, who WOULD be hungry for anything green after they had something yummy so recently? 😀 Do you have a magic time span between meals and snacks? Do you do juices at all, I’ve found that juice with a snack will totally kill the appetite for the next meal!
- Katie says
  January 26, 2016 at 1:55 pm
  Yes! They are little grazers and ironically enough their growing slows substantially after 2 so they aren’t as hungry as they were the first few years of life. As far as meals and snacks go, I totally notice the “not hungry for dinner” strike if snack was less than 1.5 hours before. We usually do OK with about a 2 hour separation and save drinks like juice or milk for mealtime only. Water with snacks. And I don’t bring out the sippy cups with water or milk until halfway through their meal.. or else they will just drink and not eat!! Thanks for asking that great question Amy!
Anu says
July 20, 2018 at 6:15 pm
hi there – love your post! Had a question for you – what is the bottle you had in one of the pictures – i think where he is eating chips and hummus? Do you use that for milk as well? Thanks so much! Anu