Feeding Recommendations For Toddlers 19 to 24 Months
As your toddler learns more words, has more coordination, and wants more independence - their ability to make food choices and self-feed will increase. Be prepared for mess, food- misadventures, and loads of fun!
Your toddler is continuing to explore how to eat with utensils as they practice with a spoon and fork. They're getting more confident with how to drink from an open cup. All of these advances make your little one think they can do it all by themselves. All babies progress differently, but if you are concerned your child isn’t keeping up with others their age, talk to your paediatrician.
Expect this at 19-24 months
- Less predictable eating habits mean they may eat lots one day and hardly be interested the next.
- Your toddler may hesitate as new foods are introduced, so it may take several tries before they open up. Never insist they finish what’s in their bowl, but rather allow them to rely on their hunger and fullness cues.
- They may exaggerate the chewing action, opening their mouth wider than necessary and causing some food and saliva to dribble out. But that’s to be expected and is perfectly okay.
- They'll prefer the familiar routine of mealtime - seeing the same bib, bowl and utensils is comforting to your toddler.
- Their larger height and weight will usually mean that a high chair is no longer needed as they take their own seat (or booster seat) at the table.
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