Hunger signs in newborn| Your toddler’s hunger & fullness cues

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.

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.

Does your little one want plain pasta for dinner every night? Or refuse to eat anything green? Here are some ways to make sure your fussy eater is getting enough variety in their diet.

Your toddler has come a long way since that first spoonful of puree went in (and probably came straight back out again!). Knowing what to expect from your toddler developmentally can help make family mealtimes more pleasant for the whole family. Here’s how you can help continue their journey towards becoming an independent, healthy eater.

Healthy eating habits are set early in life

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.

Did you know? Being a good role model is the most effective way to get your toddler to try new food.

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.

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. As he continues to grow, new food challenges may arise. Variety becomes more important and eating as a family takes centre stage.

Good role models at family meals help your developing independent eater

Mealtimes are a great opportunity for the family to come together to share food and enjoy each other’s company. In addition, family mealtimes have benefits beyond happy shared experiences—eating together with family members can teach your toddler healthy eating habits that may last a lifetime.

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

It’s difficult to find well-balanced meal ideas every day for your toddler. To help you, we’ve got a selection of toddler recipes, which can be adapted to the specific age and developmental stage of your toddler.

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

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.

Did you know? Not getting enough sleep may lead to your toddler consuming extra calories.

In order to meet their nutritional and energy needs, your toddler may need to eat between their main meals. Think of the snacks that you offer as “mini meals”, providing essential nutrition as part of a balanced diet.

By Charlotte Geroudet, Registered Dietitian

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