Quick! My Toddler’s Hungry Now!
Toddlers seem to live right in the moment which requires parents to be very well prepared – especially when it comes to having quick healthy snacks to hand. Watch this video for some tips on how to be prepared when hunger calls.
Do you sometimes feel that your little one gives you merely a few seconds warning when it comes to important things such as going to the toilet or wanting something to eat?
Toddlers seem to live right in the moment – which requires parents to be very well prepared, especially when it comes to having quick healthy snacks to hand to them.
It is better to feed your toddler small, regular meals as they have a limited capacity for large meals. For example, an adult’s stomach is about the size of a grapefruit whilst a toddler’s is the size of their clenched fist.
Toddlers may get hungry every 2-3 hours which equates to 5-6 meals a day, while preschoolers may only get hungry every 3-4 hours.
I have found a lot of success helping parents organise the timing of their children’s meals. Appetites seem to be bigger when dinner is served earlier or provided in the middle of the day.
What’s more, children don’t eat well when they are tired.
Careful planning will also help when you are put on the spot. For example, keep a portion of last night’s dinner ready to serve for lunch the next day.
So what other things can you do?
- Try and keep a regular eating routine and avoid delays to meals.
- Plan small, frequent meals and really consider the timing of your child’s main meal.