A guide to toddler meal ideas
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating. They may not always be as relaxing as you’d like though! Here are some family meal ideas with toddlers to keep dinnertime a drama-free zone.
- Have the whole family eat at a table as much as possible. Read about the benefits of family meals here.
- Even if your toddler has already eaten, sit them in their highchair at the table, and if they’re showing signs of hunger, offer some of the age-appropriate options from the family table.
- Toddlers are little copycats, so make sure they can see you clearly so you can show them how it’s done.
- Give them smaller portions of what the family is eating on an unbreakable plate.
- Talk to them about the meal, its taste, colors, smells, and textures.
- Don’t focus all your attention on them—help them feel included in the discussion with the whole family.
- Trust your toddler to know their own hunger and fullness cues. Don’t worry if they don’t clear their plate.
- Do offer a variety of healthy foods, for baby and the whole family.
- Don’t switch on the TV or have phones or screens during mealtimes.
- If eating out, try choosing times when your toddler will be awake and ready to eat. Some restaurants are more kid-friendly than others.
- Make sure the restaurant is kid-friendly with highchairs, child-sized meals, and child-friendly plates and cutlery.
- If they have a tantrum in a restaurant or café, try taking them outside or to a quiet corner for a moment. They could just be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy environment.
Related articles
Toddler meals ideas | Nutrition and Feeding for Your Growing Toddler
By one year of age, your little one should be eating a variety of foods from the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. He’s likely discovering new tastes, textures and skills.
9 mins to read
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
2 mins to read
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Some days, the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercise—particularly if you’ve had a sleepless night. But keeping active can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
2 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen—and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.
2 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start.
2 mins to read
Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after a baby
If you’ve decided to go back to work and are preparing to become a working mom, you’re more than likely navigating a rollercoaster of emotions.
3 mins to read
Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!
2 mins to read
How to help a picky eater
Wondering how to help a picky eater? Developing a palate takes time. So we’ve prepared a menu of useful tips to help turn your picky eater into a food lover.
2 mins to read
How to provide a healthy toddler diet
A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.
2 mins to read
Tips on planning a toddler birthday party
Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.
3 mins to read
How to help toddler tummy problems
Painful toddler tummy problems, including toddler diarrhea and toddler constipation, are horrible for parents and babies alike.
2 mins to read
What to consider when choosing a daycare
Wondering how to pick a daycare to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a daycare, from childcare costs to location.
2 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps
It can be exciting to watch your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps.
2 mins to read
Potty training : When to start
No matter how eager you may be there is no "right" age to start potty training your little one.
4 mins to read
Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read
Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Separation anxiety in toddlers is a normal and healthy part of development though it can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
1 min to read
Baby talk: How to encourage baby’s first words.
Your baby’s first words are likely to happen after a few months of baby talk.
2 mins to read
What should my 12-24 Month Old Toddler be Eating?
As you probably already know, toddlers are incredibly active and energetic! For their body size, toddlers need to make every bite count with nutritious meals and snacks.
4 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
Recipe Finder
Find recipes for you and your little one.
