Mealtime Mayhem

"THROW!!!" screams my 14-month old as she hurls a handful of macaroni and cheese across the kitchen. It's mealtime and, as usual, more of my toddler's meal is ending up on the floor than in her mouth. But the messes that meals bring are the least of my woes when it comes to feeding my toddler. What do I feed her? Is it okay that the only thing she ate today is a fruit cup and a slice of cheese? What other kinds of food can she eat at her age? I often worry that the old adage "You Are What You Eat" is true and that my child is going to turn into a noodle any day now!

Here are a few tips to make mealtime more relaxing for you and your little one. First, make sure mealtime is at a time of day when your child is awake and alert. Children are more willing to try new foods and to eat more of what you offer when they're in a good mood. Try using cups and dishware with bright colors that are eye catching. If possible, make mealtimes at the same time the entire family is having dinner. Also, if you have carpet in the area where you feed your child it would be a good idea to invest in a cheap, plastic tablecloth to put under the highchair. This is also a good way to make the aftermath of a meal easier to clean up. Or, if you're like me, buy a dog and let him take care of the mess!

Second, experts say that, when it comes to toddler nutrition, parents should evaluate a child's intake of food by the week, not the day. In other words, don't worry about the fruit cup and slice of cheese thing as long as it only occurs once in a while. What children don't get nutritionally one day they can make up for on another. Toddlers use calories more efficiently and therefore don't need to eat quite as much or as often as before. I usually find myself chasing my daughter around with a spoon full of food pleading, "Just one more bite!" after each meal thinking that she can't possibly be full off of what little she just ate. But, have no fear, children will not let themselves starve. The wonderful thing about toddlers is that, unlike infants, they can tell you when they're hungry (although not always with words!). Offering healthy snacks two or three times a day will also ensure that your toddler has a full belly.

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