Feeding your baby or toddler can be challenging because he likely has definite opinions about what he is willing to eat and what he will not touch. It is important to continue offering a wide range of foods from each food group so your baby or toddler is able to sample new foods and broaden the choices he will consume.
Crackers, Cheese and Fruit
Your baby or toddler needs small meals that include foods from several food groups. Whole wheat crackers made specifically for babies and toddlers are available at most supermarkets and supply fiber to your little one. Cheese increases your child's intake of calcium. Offer different varieties of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and cut into tiny pieces to prevent choking. Fruit will increase your baby or toddler's intake of fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Choose soft fruits, such as bananas, peaches and pears, because they are easier to gum or chew. KidsHealth cautions against offering whole grapes because they are a choking hazard. Cut grapes into quarters or eighths if you serve them to your little one.
Pasta With Tomato Sauce
Small pieces of pasta are a nutritious food for your baby or toddler, particularly if they are made with whole wheat. Annabel Karmel, author of "First Meals and More: Your Questions Answered," suggests using pasta stars because they are small enough that they are not a choking hazard and help encourage independent eating. Use low-sodium tomato sauce mixed with pureed butternut squash as the topping and serve with a spoon. Karmel recommends serving shredded cheese with the meal to increase the calcium and protein content.
Beans and Tortillas With Avocado
If your little one is reluctant to try meat, beans are a good alternative that also supply protein and fiber. Choose a low-sodium variety of canned beans to keep your child's intake of salt low. Warm beans, such as black, pinto or kidney, and serve with a whole wheat tortilla to increase how much fiber your baby or toddler eats. If the beans are large, cut them in half. Use a pizza cutter to cut the tortilla into small squares. A serving of shredded cheddar cheese will add calcium and finely chopped avocado will supply some potassium.
Vegetable Soup
A soup filled with soft vegetables will encourage independent eating as well as provide several nutrients, including fiber and vitamin A. Choose several types of finely chopped vegetables, such as carrots and zucchini, and add to low-sodium vegetable stock. Simmer the soup until the vegetables are very soft. Allow to cool and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Serve with whole wheat bread cut into small squares. Chicken noodle soup is another option that many babies and toddlers enjoy.
References
- KidsHealth: Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year Old
- "First Meals and More: Your Questions Answered"; Annabel Karmel; 2009
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