Fussy Eaters

The experts often tell us that in order to ensure that our little ones are instilled with the correct knowledge so that they can learn to understand food and police there own diets, we have to be rigid and sustained in the healthy products we feed them. But what are the main rules when it comes to creating your child's diet? The following points were taken from the American Academy of Paediatrics and the UK NHS guidelines on childhood nutrition, and have been specifically chosen for their relevance to parents of fussy toddlers.

Calories

Many adult diets encourage us to count calories, but with children that is not the best idea. There is a fine line between feeding a child properly, and becoming pernickety about the exact numbers that are passing through them. There are guidelines for calorie intake:

+ The AAP says that 1,000 calories per day is a sufficient amount for a child aged 2-4.

+ The NHS concurs, and both feel that this should be achieved through three set, well spaced-out meals everyday, and two snacks.

However, these guidelines are for healthy children only. If your child is suffering a common illness like a cold, which requires extra nutrients, or if they have a weight or vitamin deficiency, then their intake needs to be tailored specifically ? health visitors will tell you how to make exact changes, well. Also, 1,000 calories is not always a realistic target.

Occasional treats are needed to create the perfect diet, and as every child is different, intake will depend on how active they are, and on their metabolism. All of these things need to be taken into account.

N.B. Some babies are naturally big before they start to crawl or walk. Give larger babies time to loose their extra weight as they become active ? especially if bigger babies are in your genes! Don't worry too much, and let nature take its course. Remember that the above guidelines are for toddlers only.

Portions

Rather than counting your way to dietary success, you could try just monitoring the types of food passing through your child. The AAP recommends:

N.B. A serving equates to a tablespoon per year of age.

+ Two or three servings of either: egg, fish, meat or poultry everyday

+ Two servings of diary product everyday (or two glasses of milk)

+ Three servings of healthy fruit and veg everyday

+ Six servings of cereal grain, potato, rice bread or pasta everyday

Look out for, and try to avoid refined sugar. This is not always easy, but it can cause tooth decay and attribute to weight gain. You'll find this in chocolate, sweets and other products that are best left for special treats and occasions.

Taking all of the above into consideration and balancing both monitoring techniques is probably the best way to go. You must remember though: children are growing and changing everyday, and even though these guidelines are very important, they are only a good place to start, nothing more.

Respect the organic nature of the feeding process, and remember:

+ Encouraging your child to try new foods will instill not only food confidence in them, but an overall confidence which will never fade.

+ If you have a picky toddler, it's very likely they were a hungry baby. If this was the case, all that your child is doing whenever they develop a fad, or change their food intake, is experimenting with the world of food. The majority of picky toddlers have no real in-depth psychological problem ? they merely want to discover more about something in their lives that they feel very comfortable with.

+ Baby see baby do. Eat healthily as a family and you will raise healthy eaters.

+ Sitting as a family to eat will not only encouraged your little one to focus on what they are eating (instead of the TV) it will give you all an excuse to be part of babies development and encourage them to develop table manners, and talk.

+ Butter, salt and sugar are all addictive. If you set an addiction to rich, unhealthy foods rolling in childhood, it will snowball, and will be part of your child forever.

+ Food is fun. Be experimental and playful, and your child will develop a much sought after taste for cooking for their whole lives, and will have many a fond memory of what they were fed as a child.

If you're looking for ways to promote an active lifestyle for your baby or toddler, then how about visiting www.busylittleones.co.uk.

For books on healthy eating for your baby and toddler then visit www.smileybaby.co.uk.

Lucy Curran

---

Using Baby Signing To Communicate With Your Young Child

Baby Signing..Around 20 years ago, two American doctors discovered baby... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More

Tips for Decorating Your Babys Nursery

Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More

Keeping Baby Safe: Your Most Important Role As A Parent

Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety EquipmentOnce your... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Bathtub

Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest... Read More

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

Preparing for New Baby or Traveling with Baby this Summer

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among... Read More

Should I Call The Doctor If My Baby Has A Fever

Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever.... Read More

How Toddlers Can Benefit From Using Computers

It's a fact of life that we live in an... Read More

Will Kids Eat Vegetables? Yes, They Will!

You have made the decision to grow your own vegetables.... Read More

How to Pick the Best Name for Your Baby

Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy... Read More

Preparing A Layette For Your New Baby

First of all, in case you do not know, what... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More

Babies Bring Love, Joy, and Opinions

The old saying "babies aren't born with instruction manuals" has... Read More

Baby Shower for Twins (Or More) Peas in a Pod

Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when... Read More

Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling... Read More

Robeez Shoes ? A Baby Shower Gift That Moms Will Thank You For

Robeez shoes help your baby put their best foot forwardIf... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Gate

Once your baby is out of their crib and playpen,... Read More

Baby Stroller and Pushchairs - Out and About

Having a family day out is not exactly stress free,... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

The Best Birth Gift

If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt... Read More

Baby Boy Clip Art to liven up your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More

Choose Baby Bedding Wisely

Every adorable baby deserves equally adorable baby bedding to complete... Read More

Types of Baby Showers

There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

Babies: How to Get Your Children Excited About the New Arrival

The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More

Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been... Read More

Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

In this article you will be provided with information about... Read More

Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is... Read More

When to Have a Baby Shower

When to have a baby shower is a personal choice.... Read More

Benefits of Making Your Own Homemade Baby Food

Making your own homemade baby food will ensure that what... Read More