How to Keep Your Toddler Eating

As much as I love to to try to reason my way through it, the fact remains that my toddler is a picky eater. Food fussiness is a primary issue with most toddlers, and it creates loads of stress for those of us who are ultimately responsible for their nutrition. And since we are all quite sick and tired of holding a wiggling, squealing mini-human down while prying open their tiny mouth (which happens to have at least four rather sharp teeth inside) just to drop in a single diced up green bean, I thought it was time we all had some honest to goodness useful information when it comes to keeping millions of tiny bellies full.

So off I went in search of the be all end all solution for picky eating.

And I think I may have found the picky eater's idea of Valhalla.

Start with one ice cube tray.

Fill each opening with something different. Variety IS the spice of life after all, and it is also extremely enthralling to curious toddlers. Try things like:

1) Banana slices (cut across, not lengthwise, so they fit little hands better)
2) Steamed broccolli trees
3) Cheerios (aka toddler heaven)
4) Cubed canteloupe
5) Cubed cheese
6) Blueberries
7) Diced pancake pieces
8) Lima beans
9) Cooked pasta pieces

and so on, and so forth. Keep an eye on anything that can go bad after a few hours and remove it or replace it as necessary. The entire tray can be refrigerated at the end of the day and reused as needed.

Does your little one tend to get fussy right when Daddy gets home? This can actually be caused by mood swings resulting from a drop in your toddler's blood sugar levels. Think about it. It's been a few hours since lunch, and most likely at least an hour since they've had a substantial snack. Snacking throughout the day will elimate these up and down extremes, and most children adapt back to eating at the table for three squares at around 3-4 years old with little to no problem.

Result? A happy, active, and EATING toddler!

Good luck, and Happy Eating!!