Baby Self Feeding

A new era in eating

A new era in eating

12 + months
Article
Aug 19, 2024
6 mins

Gone are the days of spoon-feeding them purées, it’s time to roll out the wipeable mat for your independent eater! Let your toddler lead the way on their adventures in food. 

Now that your little one is officially a toddler, mealtimes are a whole new exciting experience—for them and you. Not only are they taking control of their spoon now, they might also be telling you what they want to eat. And while there might be a bit of mess in the beginning, it’s all part of the fun. You can look forward to enjoying family meals together—a time to connect and catch up, with everyone enjoying the same dishes. As they master their self-feeding skills, it’s more important than ever to offer your toddler a variety of nutritious foods, and let them decide if, and how much, they want to eat.

The birthday cake dilemma

At their recent first birthday, did you struggle with the decision as to whether to let your baby eat cake for the first time? Special occasion foods, such as birthday cake, only appear on the table for celebrations. As long as you respected their cues—allowing a taste, without any pressure, you can feel comfortable that you followed the principles of responsive feeding. The key is to emphasize the link between specific foods and family events.

Research in older children shows that the more parents say a food is never allowed, the more likely the children will overindulge in it when given the chance. What’s more, restricting food makes it harder for your toddler to recognize their own hunger and fullness signs, and can lead to them becoming overweight when they’re older.

Set a good example and they’ll gradually start eating the same healthy meals that you enjoy—and if you feel improvements could be made in your own diet, now is the time to make them. Remember that your toddler-age child will look to you for examples. If you end each meal with a sweet treat or dessert, they’ll likely want the same too. Follow our checklist below and let them explore their tastebuds for themself.

  1. Cut up soft foods so they’re easy to eat

    By now, your toddler will have practiced eating different textures and they may even have several teeth. Remember, they’re still learning how to chew and swallow. Be sure to cut up their food into small, bite-sized pieces. These should be no larger than 1.5cm (1/2 inch) to enable them to pick up what they choose and easily gum or chew it.

  2. Keep offering a variety of healthy foods

    Sometimes toddlers need to try a new food up to eight times before they decide they like it, so don’t give up! A recent study showed that toddlers who had tried more fruits and vegetables at 14 months old, enjoyed a wider range of fruits and vegetables between three and four years of age. Continue to offer a variety of healthy foods and let them explore—with all their senses—new colours, textures, and flavours when they’re ready. They’ll decide what and how much they want to eat.

  3. Hold the salt and sugar

    Don’t worry if you think your toddler’s food tastes plain—they don’t need the added salt or sugar that you may have become accustomed to, and introducing these at a young age means they may develop a taste for them as they grow up. You can always add a little flavour with herbs or spices. Set aside a portion of the family meal for your little one first, before adding any extra salt or sugar to the rest of the family’s meal—or treat this as an opportunity for you all to cut down.

  4. Watch that they don’t overfill their mouth

    Now that they’re feeding themself, keep a close eye on your toddler to make sure they’re not packing too much into their mouth at one time. Offer just a few finger foods or diced pieces at a time, which can break up easily in their mouth. Check to see that they’re finished them before you offer any more.

  5. Make sure they’re seated, supervised, and safe

    Sitting at the table during mealtimes not only lets your toddler enjoy this special family time together, it may also mean they have a healthier diet and better eating habits when they’re older. Strap them into their highchair and pull it up to the family table. Never leave them unattended. Serve all meals—including snacks—at the table. Do the same thing when you are out and about.

  6. Avoid choking risks

    As they become more confident in their independent eating, be even more mindful of choking risks. Avoid offering large chunks of any kind of food, and watch out for things that are round, hard, sticky, small, or chewy. Whole nuts, seeds, and popcorn, are off the menu. Carrots and green beans must be cooked and diced, grapes and cherry tomatoes quartered, sausages cut up lengthwise and sliced, and nut butters spread thinly on bread, before serving to your toddler.

  7. Don’t give favourites as rewards

    Avoid offering their favourite foods in an attempt to get him to eat something, or as a reward for trying something they don’t like. This may only reinforce their lack of interest in new foods and makes them less likely to develop a taste for them.

  8. Offer water in a cup

    There’s no room in your toddler’s little tummy for empty calories from sugar-sweetened beverages. Offer water or milk (breast milk, whole cow’s milk, or growing-up milk) in a cup at every meal and snack time.

 

 Keep on track

With such an array of new foods to offer, it may be difficult sometimes to keep up with what your toddler is eating over the course of a week. Print out our handy Food Tracker, stick it on your fridge, and fill it out every day to see if your little one is eating from each of the five food groups, giving them the nutrients they need to grow big and strong for more adventures.  

Introducing new foods - A new era in eating

What patterns did you notice in your toddler's diet? Do they eat foods from each of the food groups on the days you checked? What, if any, food groups does your little one seem to be missing? 

Sources

Dattilo AM Programming long-term health: Effect of parent feeding approaches on long-term diet and eating patterns. In: Early nutrition and long-term health, mechanisms, consequences and opportunities. Ed., Saavedra and Dattilo, Elsevier, 2017: 471-95.

Mallan KM, Fildes A, Magarey AM, et al. The relationship between number of fruits, vegetables, and noncore foods tried at age 14 months and food preferences, dietary intake patterns, fussy eating behavior, and weight status at age 3.7 years. J Acad Nutr Diet 2016; 116(4):630-7.

Shelov SP & Altmann TR (Eds.). (2009). American Academy of Pediatrics. The complete and authoritative guide Caring for your baby and young child birth to age 5 (5th ed.). USA: Bantam Books.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergenc… (Accessed August 8 2018) 

Related articles

View details Your toddler menu planner
Article
purees terracycle

Your toddler menu planner

Wondering what and how much you should be serving at mealtimes?

1 min to read

View details 10 steps to successful family mealtimes
Article
Toddler feeding skills

10 steps to successful family mealtimes

Mealtimes are a great opportunity for the family to come together to share food and enjoy each other’s company.

3 mins to read

View details Did you know?
Article
Did you know?

Did you know?

Many children are afraid to try new foods, preferring to eat foods they are used to!

1 min to read

View details Why toddlers need to eat in between meals
Article
Smart snacking - why toddlers need to eat in between meals

Why toddlers need to eat in between meals

Did you know? Toddlers may get up to 25% of the calories they need from snacks.

2 mins to read

View details How to provide a balanced diet for your toddler
Article
Toddler meals_03_ACT_How to avoid mealtime mistakes_01

How to provide a balanced diet for your toddler

It’s easy to fall into bad habits when preparing food for your toddler. Find out how some simple swaps and small changes can make their meals and mini meals healthier.

4 mins to read

View details Storing baby cereals: Freshness & Safety First!
Article
toddler and breakfast

Storing baby cereals: Freshness & Safety First!

You want to serve your little foodie the best in infant nutrition. What you don’t want are bugs in her food—yuck!

1 min to read

View details Lunch ideas for babies
Article
Lunch ideas for babies

Lunch ideas for babies

It’s difficult to find well-balanced meal ideas every day for your toddler.

1 min to read

View details Your smart snacking guide
Article
Smart snacking - Your smart snacking guide

Your smart snacking guide

In order to meet their nutritional and energy needs, your toddler may need to eat between their main meals.

4 mins to read

View details Why do toddlers need fibre and how much should they eat?
Article
Whole grains and fiber_01_EXPLORE_Why toddlers need fiber and whole grains

Why do toddlers need fibre and how much should they eat?

Did you know? Many children around the world are missing out on essential fibre and whole grains.

2 mins to read

View details Baby self-feeding| Your toddler, the independent eater
Article
Baby self-feeding

Baby self-feeding| Your toddler, the independent eater

By now your toddler is really getting the hang of self-feeding. And you're probably used to messy mealtimes!

2 mins to read

View details Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days
Article
Beyond the first 1000 Days_02_LEARN_What about the next 1000 days_01

Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days

Look back at the healthy habits you’ve encouraged, which have helped your toddler grow so far, and look forward to the exciting developments to come.

2 mins to read

View details What should my 12-24 Month Old Toddler be Eating?
Article
Toddler Meal Ideas

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

View details The snack challenge
Article
The snack challenge

The snack challenge

Get inspired! Discover these 5 simple, healthy snack ideas that can be customized for your child, plus a snack-builder for putting together your own nutrient-rich creations.

1 min to read

View details Fiber and Whole Grains Foods for your Toddler
Article
Fibre and whole grains: good food for growing bodies

Fiber and Whole Grains Foods for your Toddler

Choose foods containing high fibre levels and whole grains for your toddler, but what foods are those and how can you make sure your baby is getting the right amount. Find out!

1 min to read

View details Leaving babyhood behind
Article
Leaving babyhood behind

Leaving babyhood behind

His ability to grasp now means your child will be easily picking up his food with two to three fingers instead of his entire hand.

3 mins to read

View details Your toddler’s developing feeding skills
Article
Toddler feeding skills_02_LEARN_Your toddler’s developing feeding skills_01

Your toddler’s developing feeding skills

Your toddler has come a long way since that first spoonful of puree went in (and probably came straight back out again!).

8 mins to read

View details 10 healthy habits to carry on
Article
Beyond the first 1000 days_03_ACT_10 healthy habits to carry on_01

10 healthy habits to carry on

During your baby’s First 1000 Days you have encouraged many healthy habits, so don't let your guard down now! Here are 10 healthy habits to keep practicing.

7 mins to read

View details Did you know?
Article
Did you know?

Did you know?

Healthy eating habits are set early in life

1 min to read

View details What does a “healthy diet” mean for your toddler?
Article
Nutrient gaps -What does a healthy diet mean for your toddler

What does a “healthy diet” mean for your toddler?

Did you know? As they reach 12-18 months old, toddlers may be more likely to miss out on several key nutrients.

3 mins to read

Join

  Join

Your parenting instincts, our support

Super-sized Savings

SIGN UP & GET A CHANCE TO WIN

Sign up for Nestlé Baby & me and automatically be entered for a chance to win a $100* gift card!

For full details, please visit the Terms & Conditions.

EMAILS & SUPPORT

PERSONALIZED EMAILS & SUPPORT

Receive customized emails with useful info, special offers, & more to help guide you through each parenting phase.

Helpful Resources

HELPFUL TOOLS & RESOURCES

Get access to our helpful and interactive parenting tools & resources in one convenient hub.

EXPERT GUIDANCE

We offer science-based advice & specialized nutritional guidance for every stage of the parenting journey—from preconception to toddlerhood.