4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2024)

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4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (1)
Thanks to Enfa*grow for sponsoring this post.4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2)

I can remember when each of our kids started to become picky eaters, so to hopefully help you, I am going to share tips below that are practical and easy to begin.

At one year old they were enjoying all of those delicious vegetables and fruits. By 18 months, they were throwing their apple on the floor and reaching for a cracker. I don’t know what it is or how they seem to learn it, but it has happened with all four of our kids.

Did you know that, on average, toddlers are only getting about 25% of the brain-nourishing DHA many experts recommend? DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and it is important for their brain growth (85% of brain growth happens within the first three years of a child’s life).

Today I want to give you four tips to keep your toddler eating healthy foods.

Make a smoothie popsicle. Our kids loved these at a young age! I filled them with all of those healthy fruits and veggies that they didn’t want anymore. They gobbled them right up!

Try supplementing their diet with Enfa*growIt just helps ensure that your child is getting the nutrients he/she may need. They really need that DHA – an importantnutrient that’s particularly hard to get from the foods toddlers typically eat. DHA can be found in foods like fatty fishes and I can tell you that we really don’t eat that around here.

I hear this over and over again. Our doctor has told us this and even our chiropractor told us to start using them. They both said that if we can find foods thathaveprebiotics, to try that. The suggestion that I gave for #2 is helpful because Enfa*grow makes toddler drinks that haveDHA and probiotics (among other things like calcium, vitamin D & Iron). I just get the drinks that they make for kids ages one to three. It is a powder (they make ready-to-drink boxes, too). You can see more here. https://bit.ly/V8JSy3.

I bought the cookbook from Jessica Seinfeld about sneaking veggies into your kid’s food and I have been using it for years. Our favorite recipe from there is definitely the coconut chicken. It is fantastic!

You can find some great recipes on the Enfa*grow website, like this one:
Banana Muffins

Makes about 18 muffins

Ingredients

4 scoops Enfa*grow® Toddler Next Step™ Vanilla or Natural Milk powder
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
5 tsp baking powder
1tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups oats
2 eggs, slightly beaten
6 tbsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 cup mashed bananas

Directions

Preheat oven to 400° F.
Mix all dry ingredients (Enfa*grow powder,flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and oats) in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and pour in the eggs, oil, waterand bananas.
Stir with a fork until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Fill well-greased muffin tins 2/3 full.
Bake at 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean.

BONUS #5.Let it be available
Read this post on how I help our kids to eat more fruits & vegetables:
4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (8)

Do you want to try Enfa*grow for your kids?
You can have a chance to win the Enfa*grow gift package (ARV $38) that will include the following:

One Toddler Transitions Can (21oz.)

One Toddler Next Step Natural Milk Flavor Can (24oz.)

To enter, simply leave a blog post comment below about why you want your toddler to try it!

*NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C. 18 YEARS AND OLDER ARE WHO ALREADY HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AND VALID E-MAIL ADDRESSES ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion begins 9/8/2014 at 12:00 AM PST and ends at 11:59 PM PST on 9/24/2014. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Official Rules, eligibility, prize descriptions and odds disclosure are available at <https://www.thesitsgirls.com/sweepstakes-official-rules/> . Sponsor: Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, 2400 West Lloyd Expressway, Evansville, IN 47721.

I received compensation and free Enfa*grow for this post. Enfa*grow would be happy to help you with your question. Please contact them at 1-800-BABY-123.

4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (9)

Categorized as: Kid Friendly Recipes, Kids, Staying Healthy!, YourModernFamily

4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (10)

Hi there!

I’m Becky, a former elementary school teacher turned certified child development therapist and blogger. I work at home with my husband and together we are raising (and partially homeschooling) our four children in the Carolinas. I love diet co*ke, ice cream, and spending time with my family.

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4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

Is banana healthy for toddler? ›

Bananas have several nutrients, including fiber and essential vitamins, which make them a healthy fruit for babies as well as kids, teens, and adults.

What are the healthy options for toddlers? ›

The best foods for toddlers include:
  • Protein foods like meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy.
  • Dairy such as milk, yogurt, cheese or calcium-fortified soymilk.
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Grains such as whole wheat bread and oatmeal.
Sep 6, 2022

What should a toddler be eating? ›

It's important for toddlers to eat different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy and fortified soy alternatives. Choose foods and drinks that don't have added sugars and are lower in sodium. Try different flavors, colors, and textures to find out what your child likes.

What is a healthy diet for a 3 year old? ›

Include a variety of:
  • Vegetables and fruits including fresh, frozen and canned.
  • Whole grain foods such as whole grain pasta and bread, oats, barley and quinoa.
  • Protein foods such as beans, peas, lentils, nut and seed butters, tofu, meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products.
Nov 1, 2022

Can a toddler have 2 bananas? ›

Feeding a one-year-old child two bananas every day is not harmful as long as it's part of a balanced diet. Bananas are a nutritious fruit that can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Why do toddlers love bananas? ›

Why do toddlers like apples and bananas? They are sweet. Babies and toddlers just naturally go for sweet things. An hour old baby prefers sugar water to breast milk or formula or straight cow's milk.

What are 10 ways to stay healthy for kids? ›

10 Ways to Keep Children Healthy
  • Teach them about hygiene. Wash hand well, and wash them often. ...
  • Choose active pastimes. ...
  • Take family walks and bike rides. ...
  • Let children help plan healthy snacks. ...
  • Have children help choose the produce. ...
  • Walk to school. ...
  • Yard work. ...
  • Bed time.

What age is toddler? ›

Some age-related development periods with defined intervals include: newborn (ages 0 – 2 months); infant (ages 3 – 11 months); toddler (ages 1 – 2 years); preschooler (ages 3 – 4 years); school-aged child (ages 5 – 12 years); teens (ages 13 – 19 years).

What do toddlers need daily? ›

Suggested daily serves are 1 serve of fruit; 2½ serves of vegies; 1½ serves of dairy; 4 serves of grains; and 1 serve of lean meats, eggs, nut or seed pastes (like peanut butter, almond butter or tahini), or legumes. Toddlers need plenty of water – the cheapest, healthiest and most thirst-quenching drink.

Do 2 year olds wear diapers? ›

There is no set age for when to stop using nappies, but children usually show signs they are ready to use a toilet or a potty between 18 months and 3 years. Some of the following are signs that your child may be ready: Your child notices when they are doing a wee or poo, or when they think they need the toilet.

How much should a 14 year old eat? ›

How many calories do teenagers need?
AgeBoysGirls
1411,000kJ or 2,629kcal9,800kJ or 2,342kcal
1511,800kJ or 2,820kcal10,000kJ or 2,390kcal
1612,400kJ or 2,964kcal10,100kJ or 2,414kcal
1712,900kJ or 3,083kcal10,300kJ or 2,462kcal
2 more rows

What are 2 important tips for feeding toddlers? ›

Always supervise young children when they are eating. Encourage your child to always eat sitting down to prevent falls and reduce the risk of choking. Avoid small hard foods such as nuts, raw carrot, hard lollies and popcorn. Offer lightly steamed vegetable sticks instead.

Which range of calories would be appropriate for a 10 year old girl? ›

How many calories does a child of 7 to 10 need?
AgeBoysGirls
76,900kJ or 1,649kcal6,400kJ or 1,530kcal
87,300kJ or 1,745kcal6,800kJ or 1,625kcal
97,700kJ or 1,840kcal7,200kJ or 1,721kcal
108,500kJ or 2,032kcal8,100kJ or 1,936kcal

How much should 4.5 year old eat? ›

How much food children need depends on body size and activity levels. Children aged 4-8 years should aim for 1½ serves of fruit; 4½ serves of vegies; 1½-2 serves of dairy; 4 serves of grains; and 1½ serves of lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds or legumes.

What should a 3 7 year old eat? ›

Preschoolers should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy (or fortified soy alternatives) every day.

Can toddlers have a banana every day? ›

Bananas are an ideal food for toddlers due to their versatility and high nutrient content. Bananas are high in sugar and can sometimes cause constipation. Children older than 12 months should have no more than one-and-a-half bananas per day.

How much banana should a toddler eat? ›

A table of safe banana portions for babies and toddlers based on age group
AgeRecommended Banana Servings (1 Serving = 1 Banana)
9 to 12 months0.5
12 months onwards1
1 to 2 years1
2 to 3 years1.5
1 more row
Sep 7, 2023

Does banana help toddlers gain weight? ›

2. Bananas. Bananas are a great option for a first solid food for babies. In fact, bananas are a great food for babies, kids, and adults at all ages and stages: naturally sweet, soft enough to mash with a fork, and ripe with lots of key nutrients.

Is a banana OK for toddler breakfast? ›

Sample menu for a 1- and 2-year-old

Here's an example of what and how much your toddler might eat in a day. Breakfast: 1/2 cup of iron-fortified cereal or one egg (hard-boiled and cut into chunks, or scrambled) 1/3 cup of fruit, like sliced strawberries, banana, or melon.

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