As per the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), babies should be introduced to solid food in addition to breast milk (or infant formula where breast milk is not available) after they turn 6 months old. It is important that babies be introduced to healthy eating from the beginning so that they are encouraged to eat well and stay healthy. Healthy eating involves eating balanced, nutritious meals at regular, fixed times during the day.
Most babies are weaned by the time they turn a year old. A toddler should have a balanced diet plate with healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as healthy snacks. Balanced meals include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables cooked (in healthy oils) in specific proportions in addition to milk and dairy products. Water is the recommended drink with every meal and snack for babies and toddlers and sugary foods and aerated drinks are best avoided. The quantity of food consumed in each meal is also significant in keeping the child healthy.
Children do not always wish to eat food that is ‘healthy’. It is also likely that they probably like the taste of junk food more than that of the balanced diet you offer during mealtimes. There are a few simple ways to make mealtimes interesting for toddlers while ensuring that they are eating healthily.
- Give your toddler options to choose from – Children love to assert their independence and giving them a chance to choose gives them a feeling of autonomy. Even if it is a choice between two healthy fruits or vegetables, the power of choice often encourages them to finish their meal.
- Try to have family meals – If not all, try to have at least one meal together as a family. Watching the parents, elders, and siblings eating together and eating healthy food can motivate toddlers to eat healthier as well.
- Involve your toddler in food shopping and cooking. By giving the child an opportunity to select the food that they eat from a shop or farm, their interest in eating the produce is also increased. Toddlers are also more likely to try out a new food if they have been able to participate in its preparation.
- Help them to snack smarter – whether it is a mid-morning snack or an evening snack, keep the portion sizes small and rich in protein and fiber so that it keeps the toddler free from hunger pangs between meals without filling them up too much. Fruits, nuts, and boiled eggs are some healthy options that can be offered as a snack.
- Allow your toddler to eat by himself/herself – Babies are able to have finger foods by themselves by the time they are around 9 months old. By around 18 months of age, they can try eating with a fork and spoon on their own. Provide the toddler with ample opportunities to do so, while being at hand to assist them when required.
Self-feeding gives the baby a sense of achievement and is an important milestone. When toddlers move from finger feeding to the use of dishes and cutlery, it is important to give them many opportunities to practice their skills. Allowing them to have their own dishes and cutlery encourages them to try eating on their own. PIGEON’s Do-It-Myself Cutlery Set is designed to help your toddler improve his / her scooping skills. The PIGEON feeding set consists of a feeding dish and feeding plate with non-slip bases, and a fork-and-spoon set (with a travel-friendly storage case) that has stoppers to prevent toddlers from over-inserting the fork prongs or spoon tips into their mouths. The BPA-free feeding set is safe for your baby and is a great way to motivate your toddler to eat independently.
As part of the weaning process, your baby would have been using a sippy cup. Make the transition from breast milk/feeding bottle to sippy cup to straw bottle easier with the Mag Mag All-in-One Set. With three interchangeable tops and firm grip handles, the training cup set helps to develop drinking skills. The PIGEON Tall Straw Bottle is ideal for toddlers while traveling. The straw bottle has a large capacity, is leak- and spill-proof, and comes with retractable handles (for easy storage).
Healthy eating is important at every age but by beginning early, there are significant advantages gained in terms of health, growth, and development. By eating healthy and staying active during early childhood, a toddler can reduce their chances of developing lifestyle diseases like obesity, Type II diabetes, heart disease, and certain kinds of cancers when they grow older as well as improve the quality of life he/she will lead.
