Is your toddler eating healthy food at right amount? – #rethinktoddlerportionsizes

Am I feeding my child the right amount and the right food”

The above question always hits me hard at every meal time (sometimes during snack time as well). I am sure there are many parents out there just like me worrying if their infant/toddler is given the healthy food at the right amount they need for their age.

DD1 is still chubby and just on the right path on her growth chart. Seeing her always chubby, it was initially difficult for me to accept that DD2 may be a small built like me! So, there are days, though I myself was aware that I am going over the limit of her diet I have been trying hard to push two more mouths in!!!!!

Which is the right food and Right Size?

 There is Tuna, rice, pasta, fruits and veg and to add to it there is also a tea time with (oh, yes! Don’t forget those) biscuits! And when she happily joins me for the tea time, I never say no to her! All I would be thinking is “2 more biscuits isn’t going to harm her!” And then, when it is summer, a few portion of ice cream would have been gobbled thinking it would cool down their body to fight the heat!

And, Yes!!!!!! I agree, there were days when I have been dealing with a Sick child, mopping the floor with my tears, worrying that all my effort of finishing that bowl of rice had gone in vain!

So, How much is too much?

When there was a chance from the Infant and Toddler Forum and Mumsnet to learn about Infant/Toddler feeding habits and the right food and portion, I happily jumped in to grab my place. 

The recommended rice portion for the Toddler who is 4 years is around 2-5 table spoons but you would be shocked (just as me) if you see how much I have been giving her on many days! 

There were lovely Tips and tricks to encourage the fussy eater and to choose the best food at right portion. 

Happy family meal time, multiple tastes and rewarding the child would help to encourage the child to enjoy her meals. (forget about the mess, all you need is your toddler to spend the day without hunger). And, remember not to fill your child’s plate with same as much as you have on yours!

This is definitely something I have been doing for many days until I logged into the Infant Toddler Forum to see what I am feeding my child.

A survey of 1000 UK mums and dads revealed that 79% of parents routinely offer portions bigger than the recommended size range for toddlers when offering popular meals, drinks and treats. And, Yes, I could be one of them! 

Here is a video I found very helpful and loaded with plenty of useful tips I am sure you will love it, So, please have a look .  

There is a link on Infant Toddler Forum to help you check if your toddler is getting the right food at the right time and right portion! Register at tot-it-up, your toddler food tracker and give it a go. There has been a lot of junk going into DD2’s meal and snack time, so I am going to cut it down, retake the test and then will post the picture 🙂

You can you join in the conversation over on Facebook and Twitter  with  Infant & Toddler Forum’s #rethinktoddlerportionsizes campaign.

Next time, when you offer food or snack to your toddler, 

I would love you to comment about your style! 

• have you been feeding your child too much?
• were you confident that you are giving the healthy options to your child and maintaining the right portion?I
• If you have answered “No” to both question, I hope you dropped in at Infant Toddler Forum and I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Disclosure: I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity.