Feeding Toddlers and Young Children

Things You Can Do

Kids Can Be Picky

• Set a good example. Kids will copy what and how you eat.
• Reward your child with hugs and kisses, not food.
• Serve a new food many times until it is accepted.
• Introduce a new food with ones that your child already likes.
• Give fun names to foods, like “little trees” for broccoli.
• Give kids finger foods so they can learn to eat by themselves.
• Help your child learn to like many different foods.
• Have your child help choose and prepare healthy meals and snacks.

For Healthy Eating

• By 12 to 15 months, your child should drink from a cup, not a bottle.
• Children ages 1 to 2 need whole milk for healthy brain development. Low-fat milk and dairy products are healthier for children over age 2.
• Children need a variety of foods, so don’t let your child fill up on milk or juice. Limit milk to 3 cups (24 ounces) a day. Serve real fruit instead of juice when you can.
• Limit high-sugar foods. They can cause tooth decay.
• Most fast foods are high in fat. When you eat out, ask for lower-fat foods such as fruits and vegetables or baked or grilled food.
• Avoid giving your child soft drinks. They can make it harder for his body to get enough calcium.
• If your family needs low-cost or free food, call Food or WIC Works. Visit www.wicworks.ca.gov.

Prevent Choking

• Cut food into small pieces. Remove bones, seeds and pits.
• Avoid food in round shapes. Cut hot dogs in strips and grapes into fourths.
• Avoid hard or chewy foods, like raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, large dried fruits, chewing gum or tough meats.
• Make sure your child is seated when he eats or drinks. Don’t let him walk around with food, a bottle or a cup.
• If your child chokes, he can’t make noise to get your attention. So watch him while he is eating.