Archive | Toddler Feeding

Tips For Choosing Preschool Lunch Boxes

Now that your toddler is starting preschool, he will need a container to hold his eats and keep them fresh until lunchtime. Nowadays, it is not enough to pack a child’s lunch in a brown bag. You have to buy a lunch box that fits your preschooler’s personal style but is totally functional. Here are some things to consider when choosing preschool lunch boxes.

Consider What You Will Put Inside

Not all preschool lunch boxes are the same. Thus, you have to figure out what your preschooler will be having for lunch every day. Once you have figured that out, it is time to pick which type suits your little luncher best.

If you will be packing lunch food that can break or smash, choose a classic lunch box. Classic lunch boxes are available in metal or plastic. They are very sturdy and easy to clean. Plus, they are offered in different colors and designs so your toddler will surely love toting one with his favorite cartoon character’s photo plastered on it. But since they are not insulated, you will need to put an ice pack to preserve your toddler’s food.

If you are packing your toddler’s lunch in plastic containers, a soft lunch box will do. You can take your pick from insulated lunch boxes which keep food fresh, hot or cold for a long time. They are made from polyester, available in cute designs and are machine-washable. However, these bags easily stain and most models have zippers which can be difficult for your preschooler to manuever. Uninsulated lunch boxes are made from vinyl-treated, coated cotton or oilcloth bag. They are lightweight, a cinch to clean and great for tiny hands with their easy to open and close Velcro. The only downside to uninsulated lunch boxes is that it does not have insulation. You will have to buy an ice pack if you put meat and dairy.

Get The Right Size

Size matters when it comes to preschool lunch boxes. Go for a preschool lunch box that is spacious enough to accommodate your toddler’s lunch food, water bottle and juice yet small enough that the contents will not move around when jostled. Also, getting the right size is very important so your little one will not need wheels to bring it to school.

Choose A Design Your Toddler Likes

Your preschooler will be the one carrying the lunch box so see to it that the lunch box you choose pleases your toddler’s taste and complements your toddler’s personality. There are so many cool designs on the market from cartoon characters, superheroes, animals, nature, musical instruments, vehicles, robots, stripes, fairies, florals and so on. Preschool lunch boxes are also available in almost every color, from neutrals to brights to pastels. If you are having a hard time selecting a design your little luncher will love, bring your toddler to the store.

But beyond the design, choose a preschool lunch box that is easy for your little one to handle. Lunch boxes with a fold over the top Velcro closure are ideal for smaller children than lunch boxes with zipper closures.

Make Sure It Is Safe

The most important consideration parents should make when choosing preschool lunch boxes is the safety of the lunch box. If you plan on buying a preschool lunch box made of vinyl or plastic, see to it that it is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), lead and phthalate free as this can be harmful for your toddler’s health and well-being. Most preschool lunch boxes today were made to meet child safety requirements, but just double check the label or ask to make sure there will be no future problems.

Preschool lunch boxes are a fantastic gear for storing and preserving a toddler’s food and drink. Choose one that will reflect your toddler’s inner self. If your preschooler loves carrying it to school, he will be more than glad to eat the healthy lunch inside.

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What To Feed A Vegetarian Child

Deciding to go vegan is a good move for good health. However, if meat is not on the menu for your toddler, feeding your little one can be quite tricky. Here are some tips on what to feed a vegetarian child to make feeding easier for you and your toddler.

Protein Alternatives

When feeding a vegetarian child, see to it there is enough protein in his daily diet. Protein is very important in order for the body to function normally. But since you will not be offering meat and poultry products (which are packed with protein) to your toddler, look for other sources of protein such as beans, legumes, nut and seed butters, dairy products, whole grains, silken tofu (mixed with mashed bananas for a tastier treat), soy chicken nuggets and some meat substitutes like veggie burgers.

Iron-rich Foods

Feed your vegetarian child enough iron in his diet. You can find plenty of green foods that are rich in iron. Examples are dried fruits, soy products, baked beans, broccoli, lentils, spinach and iron-fortified breads, cereals and pasta.

Vitamin B12 Foods

Vitamin B12 is vital for normal growth and development. Vitamin B12 is found in many non-meat sources such as cheese, eggs, soy milk, breakfast cereals, tofu and nutritional yeasts. However, if your vegetarian child refuses to eat dairy, then he will need a vitamin B12 supplement. B12 supplements are necessary to prevent anemia or nerve damage.

Calcium-rich Foods

Dairy products such as egg, cheese, soy milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium. Generally, most vegetarian children love eating dairy. But, if your toddler is being picky, feed your little one broccoli, navy beans, sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables and orange juice which are also great sources of calcium.

Vitamin C Foods

To improve the absorption of nutrients, serve some vitamin C-rich food at every meal. A bowl of cereal topped with strawberries, pasta with tomato sauce, papayas, lemons, grapefruits, kiwi, dark leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers and a cup of orange juice will seal the deal.

Vegetarian Soups

Children love soup. Soups are full of flavor. Make sure you include vegetables when making soup to ensure your vegetarian child is getting sufficient servings of vitamins and minerals. Prepared soups such as vegetable and tomato are very tasty. But, they may contain beef or chicken broth so see to it you read the labels carefully.

Energy Foods

Energy foods contain plenty of calories for ideal growth. Feed a vegetarian child a variety of energy foods packed with carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and cereals, dairy goods, fruits and vegetables, nuts, spreads and oils. These are foods that will help your vegetarian child put on weight and develop muscle tissues naturally.

Vitamins and Supplements

Vegan children need vitamins and supplements to ensure they are getting the nutrients found in meat and poultry. Make sure your toddler gets his dose of vitamins every day. It would be best to consult with your pediatrician for the right supplement and dosage.

Feeding a vegetarian child is not as complicated as it seems. Be imaginative. Experiment so you can come up with vegetarian dishes that are not only healthy but colorful and appetizing.

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What To Feed A Sick Toddler

A sick toddler normally loses his appetite which makes feeding a struggle. However, it is essential for a toddler to take in as many nutrients as possible to boost his immune system. These foods are perfect for keeping a toddler well-fed when he is feeling under the weather.

Plenty of Fluids

First of all, it is very important for a sick toddler to stay hydrated than stay fed. Whether it is a case of diarrhea, vomiting or low-grade fever, the body needs all of the water it can get in order to counter the infection. This way, even if your toddler rejects to eat but is able to drink, his immune system is still continuing to function. Make sure your toddler stocks up on these fluids:

  • Water
  • Milk
  • Oral rehydration solution (e.g. Pedialyte)
  • Broth
  • Popsicle
  • Apple juice
  • Hot cider
  • Orange juice mixed with ginger ale
  • Warm and fresh lemonade

Soups

For colds, sore throats and a congested nose, feed your toddler warm foods such as soups. Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory components and acts as a vaporizer, reducing nasal mucus which helps in your toddler’s breathing. You can add cooked macaroni or whole wheat cracker crumbs if your toddler has some appetite. Serving tomato soup with milk also helps. Just dilute the tomato soup with milk instead of water. It will reduce the tomato’s acidity and provide a tasty and creamier concoction.

BRAT Diet

The BRAT (bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast) diet consist of foods that are tasteless and low in fiber. These foods are best offered for toddlers who are suffering from gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis and vomiting. These foods are great sources of vitamins and minerals that will not upset the stomach.

CRAM Diet

Another alternative that can sooth an upset tummy is the CRAM diet. CRAM stands for cereal, rice, apple sauce and milk. These foods have more fat and protein content making it a more effective remedy than BRAT according to child health experts.

High-fiber Foods

Offer your toddler foods rich in fiber if he is constipated. Breads, cereals, apples, oranges, raspberries, artichokes, broccoli, carrots, celery, green peas, lentils, prunes and prune juice help stimulate bowel movement to keep stools regular.

Yogurt

Non-fat yogurt is a cool and smooth food you can give your sick toddler. Yogurt is nutritious and easy to eat and digest. Plus, the probiotics can actually help fight off some of the bad bacteria that dwells in the stomach which are very helpful in treating diarrhea, typhoid and vomiting. Just make sure you avoid offering sugary yogurts to your little one as his tummy can reject sweet foods which will only aggravate his condition.

Regular Diet

If your toddler has fever, continue with his regular diet. Your toddler still has the appetite to eat but only in small amounts. Add dips, sauces or butter to his food to increase calorie intake. Give him crackers, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pudding or his favorite food.

The main idea is to keep your toddler healthy even when he is sick. Keep him hydrated and offer comfort foods. But, never force your toddler to eat. Just offer small, frequent meals throughout the day. His appetite will return once he is feeling better.

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The Benefits of Organic Food To Toddlers

Organic foods are the trend these days. Due to its increasing popularity, a lot of parents are divided between feeding their children organic food and conventionally produced food. So how can you decide which is good for your toddler’s health? It is actually pretty simple. All you have to do is to know the benefits of organic food to toddlers. Here is some information to help you out.

Reduces Exposure To Toxins

Feeding your toddler organic foods decreases his exposure to antibiotics, fertilizers, pesticides and growth hormones found in conventional meat and vegetables. Organic foods are grown untreated and do not contain any modified organisms. According to child health experts, children who are exposed to such toxins at an early age are more susceptible to develop medical problems and developmental delays. This is because their immune systems are still immature, making their small bodies collect deadly levels of pollutants quicker.

Offers More Nutrition

Studies have proven that organic foods are more nutritious as compared to commercial foods which is extremely beneficial in boosting a toddler’s cardiovascular and digestive system. For instance, organic milk has more antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (a substance that helps fight-off cancer) because the cows eat high levels of fresh grass, grass cover feed and clover pasture.

Minimizes Illnesses

Because organic foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals and do not contain any chemicals, a toddler’s risk of developing allergies and other diseases (e.g. asthma, cancer and skin disease such as eczema) are significantly reduced.

Makes Introduction of “New Foods” Easier

Toddlers can be picky eaters. Your little one might be hesitant to try out something new especially if it is green and tasteless. Organic foods help your toddler transition to new foods at his own pace. Untreated cranberries, organic graham crackers, organic yellow squash, baby carrots and asparagus are perfect examples of finger foods your toddler can try and accept in his daily diet.

Organic Food Tastes Better

Toddlers crave for food that are appetizing. With organic foods, you will not have any problem making your toddler eat because fruits, vegetables and meat are fresher which means they taste better.

Good For The Teeth

It can be very difficult to control your toddler’s desire for sweets. But with organic foods, you can take control on how much sweet your little one can eat every day. Organic foods do not contain additives such as artificial sweeteners, food dyes and other ingredients that can cause damage to your toddler’s teeth. Colorful, nutritious frozen pops made from organic yogurt, organic banana covered with sunflower seeds and organic yogurt topped with granola are perfect treats that will satisfy your toddler’s sweet tooth without harming his teeth and health.

The advantages of organic food are evident. So do not be afraid to try this option. Not only are organic foods healthier, tastier and makes feeding easier but it will be better for your child, your family and Mother Nature.

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Toddler Feeding – Foods Toddlers Should Eat Every Day

The only way to make sure your toddler is eating right is to strike a balance between what he is eating and what he should be eating. This toddler feeding guide will help you figure out what foods you should feed your toddler every day.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are very essential to your toddler’s diet. These are packed with fiber, vitamin E and magnesium which can help reduce your toddler’s risk of asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Toddlers need approximately 6 servings of whole grains per day. Serve your toddler bread, cereal, crackers, oatmeal, rice, muffins and pasta. These foods are very versatile since you can toast, spread sandwich filling, serve and mix them with other food.

Dairy Products

Dairy foods are packed with calcium and protein which are very important for the development of strong bones and teeth. The recommended intake is 4 servings per day. This could be a glass of whole-milk (at least 500 to 800 milligrams), soy milk, cereal, low-fat yogurt, fortified fruit juice, pudding and cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or string cheese).

Fruits

Fruits are the perfect healthy snack. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential to a child’s health. Give your toddler ½ cup diced fruit or ½ of a medium piece of fruit each day. Apple, banana, blueberries, cantaloupe, orange, seedless grapes, strawberries and watermelon are easy for a toddler to consume.

Vegetables

Vegetables are probably the most complicated food to serve to children. However, vegetables are a must in every individual’s diet because they are rich in nutrition and contain unique disease-preventing elements. To make vegetables more appetizing for your little one, choose small cooked veggies (e.g. lima beans, peas, corn) and slice boiled carrots, squash, spinach, eggplant, sweet potatoes and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. You can also serve these with your toddler’s favorite dip or add them to soups and pastas to ensure he gets 5 portions of veggies a day.

Protein-rich Foods

Protein contain nutrients such as vitamin B, iron and zinc that helps build and restore tissues in the body that children need to grow. Toddlers need about 2 servings of protein every day. Fish like cod, tuna, sardines and white salmon, meat, chicken, turkey, beef, tofu, beans, hummus and shrimps are the best sources of proteins.

Healthy Fats

Children need fats in their diets to be healthy. Healthy fats supply vitamin E, zinc and nutrients that are necessary for brain growth and formation of hormones. The key is to know which fats are good and bad. Saturated and trans fats are “bad fats” because they increase cholesterol and weaken the immune system. Monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats are “good fats” since they are good for the heart and one’s overall health. Foods that contain “good fats” include nuts (peanuts, pecans, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds), pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, tofu, avocado, peanut butter, olives and fatty fish (e.g. tuna, salmon and mackerel). The suggested daily intake of healthy fats for toddlers is 2 servings.

Keep in mind that this is just a guideline. Not everything on your toddler’s plate has to be a “super food”. As long as you offer a couple of servings of these foods every day, your child is guaranteed to get the nutrients he needs to be healthy and strong.

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Common Choking Foods For Toddlers

Introducing solid foods to your toddler is an exciting adventure. Your child is exposed to a variety of food, encouraging him to eat more which is beneficial for his nutrition. However, the following foods for toddlers can jeopardize his safety.

Hard Candies and Gums

Hard candies, chewing gums, gummy bears, fruit roll ups, caramels, jelly beans and even marshmallows are very dangerous to toddlers. They have a tendency to slip down your toddler’s throat easily and get lodged there. Also, since candies and gums are not good for your toddler’s teeth and health, these items should be avoided entirely.

Popcorn

Everyone loves munching on popcorn, especially children. However, this food is a popular choking hazard. The size, shape and texture of popcorn make it a very easy food to choke on. Plus, unpopped seeds also increase the choking risk and even if seeds are too tiny to choke on, they can still get wedged in your toddler’s airway and lead to an infection. Save this food when your toddler is older. But if you must offer popcorn, make sure you keep a close eye on your child.

Hotdog

Hotdog is probably one of the most coveted foods of children. But did you know hotdogs are also very unsafe? Not only does hotdog contain very minimal nutrients, but the roundness of a hotdog makes it easy to get stuck in your toddler’s windpipe and since it is squashy, it can adapt to the shape of the airway making it hard to remove. To reduce the risk, cut a hotdog lengthwise and then slice them into small pieces (noodle-like strips).

Nuts

According to child health experts, toddlers ages 1 to 4 should avoid eating nuts. Nuts are hard and tiny, making them hard to chew with baby teeth and they can glide down whole and get jammed in your toddler’s throat.

Apples and Grapes

Sure, fruits contain plenty of vitamins and minerals toddlers need. But, certain fruits with seeds such as apples and grapes pose a choking risk to toddlers. Why? Because the dry and hard texture of apples and the tiny shape of grapes can easily get caught in the narrowest area of a toddler’s throat. Make sure you extract the seeds, peel and slice apples and grapes into small pieces or mash them.

Carrots

Carrots are healthy but they also pose a suffocation risk because of their firm and dry shape and texture, making them very hard to chew. Hence, it is very important that you puree them or slice carrots into thin strips before serving.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is very difficult to ingest, even adults have a hard time swallowing it. Thus, give your toddler just a few servings of peanut butter as possible (spread a thin layer on bread or crackers) and make sure you give him something to drink.

Remember that toddlers are more exposed to choking hazards, hence, being cautious is a must and safe eating practices should be observed. Always serve small servings. Teach your toddler to sit while he is eating, to eat slowly and swallow before opening his mouth.

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Common Toddler Feeding Mistakes Parents Make

Keeping your toddler in tiptop shape includes managing what your toddler eats. However, there are certain toddler feeding blunders parents make. Here is how you can avoid them.

Mistake # 1: Setting A Bad Example

The most common mistake parents make when it comes to feeding their children is setting a bad example. If you do not eat well yourself, how can you expect your toddler to do the same? Eat a lot of nutritious foods in front of your toddler. If you say no eating of chocolates before dinnertime, do not sneak out and grab a bar. When your toddler sees you enjoy fruits and vegetables, he will more likely have a healthy attitude towards eating right.

Mistake # 2: Force Feeding

If you pressure your toddler to eat a certain food, you create a power struggle which will only upset the two of you and make him feel he has no freedom. Remember, children do not accept new foods right away. They need time, so try not to make a big fuss when your toddler refuses the food you offered. Serve him foods you know he will like and just try again after a couple of days.

Mistake # 3: Short-order Cooking

Do not serve your toddler a different dish just because he is a picky eater as this will only increase the bad habit. Offer your toddler the same food you prepared for the family but give him choices. For instance, if you are having sandwich for breakfast, have him choose between peanut butter and jelly or tuna filling. If you are having vegetables for dinner, make sure there is at least one item your toddler will enjoy. Hide vegetables in food (e.g. broccoli mac and cheese, puree vegetables and mix them in dips or sneak them into soups or meat).

Mistake # 4: The Clean Your Plate Rule

Asking your toddler to finish his food will only result to overeating and make him uncomfortable with food. Serve your little one child-size portions so he is more encouraged to eat. Also, if he stops eating because he is full, let him leave the dining table.

Mistake # 5: Giving Up Too Fast

Just because your toddler did not like green beans once does not mean he will never like it again. According to pediatricians, it takes about 10 to 15 tries before a toddler accepts new food. Let him watch you eat it. Place a few servings on his plate. Have him touch it, put it in his mouth and let him spit it into a napkin - eventually he will accept it.

Mistake # 6: Depriving Sweets

Minimizing your toddler’s sweet and sugar intake is fine, but completely eliminating them to his diet is not okay. Children love sweets and the more they are deprived, the more likely they will overeat them. Plan balanced snacks. Allow him to eat dessert after dinner. Try healthier dessert alternatives such as low-fat pudding or yogurt or strawberries with whipped cream.

The secret to avoiding these mistakes so you can provide your toddler a nutritious diet is to strike a balance between controlling his foods and giving him some freedom of choice.

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Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Kids

Health experts recommend everyone to start the day with a hearty breakfast. However, when you have busy mornings and a picky eater, this can be impossible. But, there is hope. Here are some healthy and quick breakfast ideas for kids every parent can try.

Cereal

Cereal is a convenient, child-friendly breakfast food for children. Cereal is loaded with carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Buy at least 2 or 3 different brands of cereal so your toddler can mix and match them. Go for whole grain, high fiber cereals since they are packed with more nutrients than sugar-based cereals. Here are some of the best breakfast cereals for children:

  • Cheerios
  • Earth’s Best Tot Cereal Bars
  • Nature’s Path EnviroKidz Penguin Puffs
  • Kix
  • Wheaties

To make it tastier, let your toddler choose a mix-in (e.g. milk, yogurt, almonds, honey, banana or dried berries) of his choice.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is considered as a child’s comfort food, especially during the cold season. It is very easy to prepare. Plus, you can top it with a handful of sliced apple, sprinkle almonds, raisins and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg or top it with maple syrup to make it extra scrumptious.

Eggs

Ask you little one if he prefers scrambled eggs, a sunny side up or an omelette. You can serve the eggs on top of toasted bread, bagels or English muffins or with cheese, sausage, bacon or cold cuts (ham, salami or roasted beef) on the side. This breakfast food will truly keep your toddler full and merry for hours.

Pancake

This one is another classic breakfast food for children. You can buy instant whole wheat pancake mix from your local grocery and add slices of fresh fruit, raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, grated carrots to the batter for added nutritional value. Top it with honey, whipped cream or plain yogurt and serve.

Waffles

You can either buy a box of frozen waffles or mix up the batter the night before and simply toast them in the morning. Again, offer some toppings such as berries, bananas, strawberries, peaches or apple sauce to make it more nutritious.

Fresh Fruits

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals and they can be prepared in many ways. You can slice at least 5 to 6 kinds of fruit into        small cubes and combine all of them in a big bowl and top it with unsalted granola or nuts or fat-free whipped cream.

Or, you can make fruit kabobs. Chop up your toddler’s favorite fruits and thread onto wooden skewers. Serve it with a bowl of coconut dip or plain yogurt mixed with honey.

Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothie is another all-time favorite. It can satiate your toddler’s sweet tooth because it is sugary yet very rich in vitamins and minerals. Add a handful of bananas, strawberries, mangoes, watermelon and low-fat yogurt or milk in a blender. Pour the mixture into a glass and add a silly straw to make it more exciting.

With these fun and super easy to prepare breakfast ideas, preparing breakfast for your toddler and making sure he does not skip the most important meal of the day need not be a struggle anymore.

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Toddlers and Milk – What To Do When Your Child Will Not Drink Milk

Milk contains vitamins and minerals that are essential in keeping toddlers in tiptop condition. But, during the transition from milk to solid foods, some toddlers stop drinking milk. With the help of these strategies, parents can make toddlers and milk the best of friends once again.

Start Small

Offer small amounts of milk. You can start by giving your toddler 1 glass of milk during lunch and dinner and gradually increase the amount. This way, you avoid overwhelming him when you order him to finish it before he can get something else.

Make It Tastier

Change the taste of milk to make it yummier so your little one develops a liking for it and enjoys having it every day. Buy chocolate or strawberry milk. These are fool-proof. Toddlers love colors and seeing their milk in a different color aside from white will make them excited to try it. Or, you can try mixing his milk with chocolate or strawberry syrup. Using semi-sweet chocolate in place of the syrup also works.

Offer Choices

Try different kinds of milk. You can choose from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, soy milk, skim milk or lactose free. Often times, a change of taste is all it takes to make your toddler drink more milk. But, do make sure that your toddler is not allergic to any of them. Seek your pediatrician’s go signal first before experimenting.

Another effective tip is to serve him dairy products such as curd, custard, cheese, yogurt, low-fat ice cream or pudding.

Make The Delivery Appealing

Make drinking milk a fun activity by giving him his own glass, using a fun straw, a sippy cup with a Superman design or a special container. Remember, toddlers do not pay any attention to boring things so think of ways to present milk in an attractive manner.

Add Milk To Your Toddler’s Foods

A sneaky yet very effective way to ensure your toddler gets his daily milk intake is to get milk into your toddler’s diet. Pour milk over his cereal. Use milk when making dips and creams. Instead of water, add milk when making soup. Cook macaroni and cheese. Or, make a fruit drink with the milk. Simply add slices of apples, bananas, mangoes, strawberries or any fruit and milk to a blender. Mix them well and you have a fruit drink your little one will enjoy.

Make Milk The Only Drink Available

Do not give your toddler an opportunity to choose his beverage by placing juice and soda on the table. If you do not give him options, he has no choice but to drink the milk.

Drink Milk Yourself

Toddlers love mimicking their parents and what better way to encourage your toddler to drink milk than by drinking milk yourself. Drink milk on a regular basis. Drink in front of your toddler. Better yet, drink together, clink your glasses and say “Cheers!”.

There you have it. By following the tips mentioned above, you can get your toddler to drink milk in a blink of an eye.

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Weaning A Toddler From Breastfeeding

As your child grows older, changes must be made. One of these changes is to stop breastfeeding. But, change is never easy and is often unwanted, especially by toddlers. Here are some tried and tested tips for weaning a toddler from breastfeeding.

Take It Slow

When you begin the weaning process, take it slow. Your baby nurses not only to feed but also to feel a sense of security only you can provide. If you go cold turkey, your baby may feel he is unwanted. For example, you may choose to wean your baby from breast milk at noon but continue breast feeding at night. Or, try replacing one nursing session for a bottle or sippy cup with milk. Cutting the duration of the nursing sessions also helps. Remember, weaning does not happen overnight, so give him time to adjust.

Distract Your Toddler

The best way to take your toddler’s mind off it is to provide a diversion. Avoid sitting in your favorite breastfeeding spots with your toddler. When he starts to whine, offer him his favorite snack, play or read a book together, cuddle him or head out for a walk.

Be Creative

Now is the perfect time to introduce your toddler to a variety of nutritious foods. Combine different dips and spreads with vegetables or crackers. Slice his favorite fruits, place them in a bowl and add some cream to make it flavorful. The key is to make his food look as eye-catching as possible so he is encouraged to eat and enjoy his meals.

Explain

Even if your toddler is not yet a pro at talking, he can understand you. Give him a simple explanation about this change. Use words he can comprehend when talking to him. Say something like, “Honey, you are going to be a big boy. Big boys have a lot of fun eating different foods. You do not have to nurse now.”.

Affirm Your Love

Reassure your love for your precious angel. Shower him attention and affection. Snuggle. Hold his hand. Give him a hug and a kiss. Play together. Go on a day trip. This way, your little one will know that you are not abandoning him, you are just bidding farewell to breastfeeding.

Be Firm

It is normal for your toddler to be resistant during the first few days of weaning. In order to wean your child from breastfeeding effectively, do not give in to his complains, pleas, crying and outbursts. It might be agonizing to watch your toddler in pain, but eventually, your toddler will get used with the idea.

Celebrate

Each time your toddler feeds from a bottle or cup, praise him for a job well done. Simple things like treating him to ice cream, taking him to the zoo or giving him extra 5 minutes to play in the playground will seal the deal.

Remember, weaning your toddler from breastfeeding takes time and effort. But as long as you are consistent and considerate of your toddler’s temperament, the transition will go smoothly for the both of you.

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