how toddlers eat

12個月到18個月以後的孩子（toddlers)吃飯規律會有所變化。

>他們會比以前吃得少
>會開始挑剔食物
>喜歡自己動手探索食品
>開始對某些食物非常喜歡或非常討厭，而且喜歡與不喜歡的食物三天兩頭變。

這是因為孩子15個月起生長速度減慢，身體需要的食物量減少。

給孩子喂食的小竅門：

by all means help toddlers with their meals, but dont forget to let thme feed themselves with their fingers or their own spoon.

have the food ready BEFORE sitting toddlers in their high chairs

offer small frequent meals at REGULAR times.

offer foods that include some of their (current) favourites.

aim to make mealtimes enjoyable for the whole family... not a battleground.

encourage toddlers to eat at table.

if the family normally has dinner late, toddlers may be tired and will need to eat earlier.

toddlers may use mealtimes to gain attention.. use distractons, or remove them from the table and re-offer once a short time later.

if children are given snacks, make sure they've not of sugary, salty or fatty foods.

toddlers may like finger foods such as cheese sticks, fresh fruit pieces, chunks of vegis, plain biscuits, bread... and the OCCASIONAL treat.

(information from NSW wentworth area health service).