Feeding Your 18-month-old
So you are feeding an 18-month-old. Sometimes it’s not easy, is it? Is your child saying “No!” to a lot of foods?
Is your child eating just a little bit of food some days? Both these things are normal. Try not to get upset. Your child is not growing as fast as last year. So your child may not eat as much as before. And saying “No!” is a stage that will pass.
What Can You Do?
Your main job is to be sure your child gets the right kinds of foods. Your child needs a variety of foods from these food groups on the Food Guide Pyramid:
- Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta Group.
- Fruit Group.
- Vegetable Group.
- Milk, Yogurt and Cheese Group.
- Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts Group.
Junk foods such as chips, snack cakes, candy and soft drinks are not the right kinds of food for your toddler. Water is a good thirst quencher. Your child’s job is to decide what and how much to eat. Don’t expect your child to eat a lot. Don’t force your child to eat.
Get your child completely off the bottle
This can really help your child eat better. And the bottle at this age can cause Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This can ruin your child’s teeth.
Is Your Child Saying “NO!” to Milk?
This is common. Try not to get too worried. Your child will probably go back to drinking milk soon. Use Flavorings. Give other milk group foods like yogurt and cheese.
|
Food |
Daily Servings |
Serving Sizes |
| Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta |
6 |
1/2 Slice or 1/4 Cup |
| Fruit |
3 |
1/4 Cup Cooked; 1/2 Cup Raw |
| Vegetables |
2 |
1/4 Cup Cooked: 1/2 Cup Raw |
| Milk, Yogurt and Cheese |
4 |
1/2 Cup; 3/4 Ounce Cheese |
| Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans |
2 |
1 Tablespoon; 1 Egg; 1/2 Cup Cooked Beans and Eggs |
This page last updated on 3/10/08.