Toddlers: They Are What They Eat
You've said good-bye to baby foods, bottles, and may no longer be breastfeeding.
Welcome to toddlerhood.
Your child is now sitting at the dinner table and you may be spinning in circles (perhaps literally!) trying to ensure that they are eating foods that will support their optimal health and development.
Certainly, eating organic foods is one way to ensure quality. However, organic foods may be more expensive. Even when watching your budget, there are ways to eat organically. Experts recommend the purchase of certain organic foods more than others, and the following list of foods show those that are most prone to pesticide residue.
A few organic and toddler-friendly foods to buy include: apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, lettuce, celery, and potatoes.
Toddler-friendly foods that have been noted as having the least amount of pesticide residue (not essential to buy organic) include: broccoli, bananas, avocados, papayas, sweat peas and corn (frozen), and pineapple.
Another choice you can make for your child is to choose milk that is free of rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone). This is a genetically engineered hormone that was produced to act in the same way as the natural growth hormone produced by cows. Injection of this artificial substance leads to increased milk production in cows. However, the hormone is still new. Many are concerned about the long-term effect of ingesting this hormone. You do not have to buy organic milk to obtain milk that is free of rBGH. Simply look for labeling that notes the product is "rBGH free."
As you serve up food for your toddler, here are a few other tips to keep in mind:
- Try, try, and try again. It is not recommended to "do battle" with a toddler to get them to try a new food. Be patient. Use positive words and model desired behavior (eat up!). If a toddler doesn't eat a food provided, offer it to them another time, another way. Your child may not touch raw broccoli, but may love cooked broccoli seasoned with a little garlic.
- Unless your pediatrician is concerned about your child's growth (weight), there is no reason for you to be. Toddlers will stop eating when they are no longer hungry. Some days they may eat more than others. Some days you may wonder if they are surviving on air. Offer foods and plenty of liquids (primarily milk and water). When a child is finished, respect that they are done.
Healthy choices and a positive environment…toddlers are what they eat.
