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

What are healthy foods for toddlers? ›

Iron, calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats are important nutrients for young children. Regularly offer your child foods with: Iron: lean meat, fish, poultry, iron-fortified cereals, eggs, beans, peas and lentils, nut and seed butters, dark green vegetables, whole grain foods.

What should my 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.

Is banana nut muffin good for you? ›

One banana nut muffin has 5% of the recommended fibre intake for men and 8% for women. Half of the fibre content comes from banana while other half comes from walnut and flour. ď Ź Boosts Energy Muffin is made of flour which makes them a good source of niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine.

Do toddlers need to eat healthy? ›

Toddlers need to eat healthy to get the nutrients their growing bodies need.

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 month old weigh? ›

14-month-old weight and height

According to the World Health Organization, average weight for a 14-month-old is 20.7 pounds for girls and 22.3 pounds for boys. Average height is 30.1 inches for girls and 30.7 inches for boys.

What age is a toddler? ›

But when and at what age is a baby/infant considered a toddler? Most experts suggest toddlerhood starts at 1 year of age. This is the time when many babies are ready to "toddle"—to take those first shaky steps. The toddler age range runs from around 1 year (12 months) to around 3 years of age.

Why won't my 12 month old eat? ›

There are many reasons infants may be finicky about food. They may be teething, tired, not yet ready for solids, or just don't need as much food as you're feeding them. Familiar foods provide your baby comfort in stressful, busy times. Although picky eating may linger awhile, it rarely lasts.

When kids refuse to eat? ›

Food refusal (either the refusal of new foods or the refusal of foods that were once eaten without any fuss) reflects a basic fear response. This fear response is actually a normal part of a child's development and the majority of children go through this phase, which tends to peak around 2 years of age.

Why won't my 15 month old eat? ›

A toddler who won't eat may simply be expressing a preference for certain foods or a fear of new ones. Sensory problems can also contribute. There are times, however, when a toddler refusing to eat could be a sign of a medical issue like a food sensitivity or viral illness.

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.

What makes a muffin healthy or unhealthy? ›

What Makes a Healthy Muffin? 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).

What foods keep toddlers full? ›

Snacks with fiber or protein help kids feel full longer. Foods with these nutrients take more time to digest. Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein comes from beans, cheese, milk, meats, eggs, nuts, and nut butters.

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