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 is the nutritional value of a banana muffin? ›

Muffins, banana (1 medium - approx 2 3/4" to 3" diameter) contains 53.5g total carbs, 51.4g net carbs, 12.4g fat, 6.6g protein, and 348 calories.

Are banana nut muffins good for you? ›

Omega- 3 helps in lowering the risk of heart attack. A banana nut muffin is also a great source of Vitamin B6 and folate, which again promotes your heart health. ď Ź Rich In Fibre A banana nut muffin offers both soluble and insoluble fibres which are both good for your health.

How do I give my toddler green vegetables? ›

Here are a JOLEE tips that may help your toddler eat more green vegetables:
  1. Offer vegetables as a snack: Toddlers may be more likely to eat vegetables if they are offered as a snack, rather than as part of a meal.
  2. Serve vegetables with a dip: Many toddlers enjoy dipping their food in sauces or spreads.
Jan 7, 2023

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.

How should a 2 year old eat a banana? ›

As babies and toddlers grow, you can continue to offer banana whole and partly peeled or start to experiment with offering banana cut into small bites. A small piece of banana offers a great way for toddlers to start mastering the skill of spearing foods with a little fork.

What makes a muffin healthy or unhealthy? ›

Signs of a healthy muffin recipe are whole-food ingredients like fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, and low-fat milk and yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative). Fats from plant-based oils or moderate amounts of butter can be incorporated into a muffin recipe — remember, you are making 12 servings.

Why are muffins healthy? ›

In addition to being low in calories, certain English muffins contain high amounts of fiber and several other important vitamins and minerals. Whenever possible, choose whole wheat English muffins and add healthy toppings like hummus, eggs, or nut butter to maximize the nutritional value of your morning meal.

Are muffins healthy or unhealthy? ›

"They can be packed with added sugar and low in fiber, sending your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster before you even get to work," says Charlotte Martin, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CPT. Yet, muffins can be a healthy breakfast option if you make them at home yourself.

What are the benefits of eating banana muffins? ›

Healthy Banana Muffins
  • Helps to lower blood pressure – Bananas are known for their potassium content. ...
  • Soothing to the digestive tract – The fiber in bananas called pectin can help to normalize bowel function.

How many bananas are 1 cup? ›

1 banana: 2/3 cup chopped | 1/2 cup mashed. 1-1/2 bananas: 1 cup chopped | 3/4 cup mashed. 2 bananas: 1-1/3 cups chopped | 1 cup mashed.

How much fruit should a 12 year old eat a day? ›

Daily Fruit Table
Daily Recommendations*
Children4-8 yrs1 to 2 cups
Girls9-13 yrs1½ to 2 cups
14-18 yrs1½ to 2 cups
Boys9-13 yrs1½ to 2 cups
9 more rows

Can my 2 year old have up and go? ›

However, as it is low in fat, it isn't recommended for little ones less than 2 years of age, as they need the extra energy that full cream products provide. IS UP&GO SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN? Yes, UP&GO products are safe for pregnant women to consume, in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How do I get my 12 year old to eat vegetables? ›

Use praise when your child tries vegetables

If you praise your child each time they eat or try vegetables, they'll be more likely to eat vegetables again. Praise works best when you tell your child exactly what they did well – for example, 'I love the way you tasted your pumpkin and broccoli!

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.

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.

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