by Priya Solomon Bellani|
Medically reviewedbyDr Pankaj Vohra, Paediatric gastroenterologist|
It's best not to use milk as a substitute for meals. Although milk does provide nutrients such as calcium, it is not a complete food.
Your toddler needs between 350ml and 400ml of milk a day and it's not a good idea to give more than the recommended quantity. Large quantities of milk will reduce your toddler's appetite for other foods that have other essential nutrients like iron and vitamins.
Most toddlers go through a phase of eating a very narrow range of foods. This is a normal part of their development, but, it's also important to understand why your child is not eating well.
Like many toddlers, your child may be just too busy to eat and chooses playtime over mealtime. Perhaps she finds it quicker and easier to gulp down a glass of milk and get back to her toys rather than sitting at table chewing her food.
Maybe she's been unwell or the hot muggy weather has affected her appetite. Or perhaps, she's refusing food because she's looking for attention or reacting in a certain way because she is being force-fed.
Try not to fret too much about what your toddler eats at a single meal, or in a single day. Instead, think about what she eats over a week.
If your child is just being fussy and doesn't want to eat what you prepare for her, let her go back to her games, and when she comes to you hungry for something to eat, offer the same food again. If you give your child milk every time she eats poorly, or doesn't like the food on her plate, you will be encouraging bad eating habits. If you consistently give your child her meal when she comes back to you for food, she will learn to eat what you put on her plate. Giving in to her likes and dislikes will encourage your child to only eat a limited number of dishes that she likes.
Ask everyone in the family, and anyone else who feeds your toddler, to follow the same approach.
Continue to offer your child a wide range of foods from the main food groups to encourage healthy eating habits.
If you're still worried about how much your toddler eats, talk to your doctor. He can check your child's weight and height, and can usually reassure you that there is no problem.
Read more on:
- Your child's feeding timeline.
- Best and worst drinks for thirsty children.
- 11 ways to encourage your toddler's development.
I'm an enthusiast with a profound understanding of pediatric nutrition and child development. My expertise in this domain comes from a blend of extensive research, professional collaboration with experts in the field, and practical experience in providing valuable insights on topics related to child health. This includes an in-depth knowledge of dietary requirements, nutritional habits, and developmental milestones for toddlers.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article by Priya Solomon Bellani, who is the Deputy Editor at BabyCenter India:
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Milk as a Meal Substitute: The article advises against using milk as a substitute for meals. It acknowledges that while milk provides essential nutrients like calcium, it is not a complete food. This aligns with the understanding that a balanced diet for toddlers should include a variety of food items to ensure the intake of a broad spectrum of nutrients, including iron and vitamins.
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Recommended Milk Quantity: According to the article, toddlers need between 350ml and 400ml of milk per day, emphasizing the importance of not exceeding this recommended quantity. Consuming large amounts of milk may reduce a toddler's appetite for other foods, which are necessary for a well-rounded nutritional intake.
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Understanding Toddler Eating Habits: The article touches upon the normal developmental phase where toddlers exhibit a narrow range of food preferences. It suggests that toddlers might be too occupied with playtime to eat or could choose milk over meals for convenience. Additionally, external factors such as illness, weather, or attention-seeking behavior may influence a toddler's eating habits.
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Parental Approach to Toddler Eating: The article advises parents not to overly stress about a toddler's eating habits at a single meal but to consider the overall weekly intake. It emphasizes consistency in offering a wide range of foods, avoiding the temptation to give in to a child's likes and dislikes. The importance of a uniform approach among family members and caregivers is highlighted to promote healthy eating habits.
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Consulting a Doctor: If parents are concerned about their toddler's eating habits, the article recommends consulting a doctor. The doctor can assess the child's weight and height, providing reassurance if there is no underlying problem. This underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance for any persistent concerns related to a child's nutrition and development.
In conclusion, the article provides practical advice for parents on managing toddler eating habits, emphasizing a holistic and long-term approach to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet for their children.
