1) TOP TIPS on feeing your toddler

• Your toddler should eat three main meals a day, with two to three snacks between meals. Your toddler will eat best when their meal times are in a routine based around their sleep times
  
• Tasty snacks to give your toddler include pieces of fruit, rice cakes, crackers, breadsticks and sticks of vegetables dunked in houmous or cream cheese
  
• It is OK for your toddler to eat simple food, such as pieces of fruit and vegetables cut into chunks. Always encourage your toddler to feed themselves by giving them finger food as this aids development
  
• You should always ensure that there is no added salt or sugar in any of the food you give your toddler. It is also recommended that you do not give your toddler honey until they are at least 1 year old
  
• Always ensure that you give your toddler full fat dairy and milk products as this is important for development. As a drink your toddler should have breast milk or formula until they are 1 year old
  
• You should always encourage your toddler to drink from a cup without a lid. Your toddler should drink about 6-8 cups per day of mainly water. Small amounts of fruit juice are ok, but no fizzy drinks. Fruit juice is best served with meals and should be diluted with water
  
• It is recommended that all 1 – 5 year olds take a vitamin A, C and D supplement. However if your child is drinking formula milk and / or eating a healthy and well balanced diet this may not be necessary. If you are unsure speak to your health visitor for further advice
  
• If you suspect your toddler has a food allergy seek expert advice from your GP or a dietician
  

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2) TOP TIPS on preventing fussy eating

• Make sure your toddler is comfortable and sitting upright when they are eating, preferably at table height (with the help of a booster seat or similar)
  
• Make sure your toddler is not eating at times when they are too tired
  
• Allow plenty of time for meals. Stay relaxed and calm as your toddler can always sense your frustration
  
• Make meals fun. Serve food on colourful bowls and offer a variety of food in different colours, shapes and textures to keep things interesting
  
• Don’t worry if your toddler doesn’t seem to like or want to try certain foods. Leave it and try offering it again in a week or two. Sometimes you have to present food up to 20 times before they will try it
  
• Don't offer a lot of food. Keep portions small, you can always offer seconds. And don’t worry if your toddler doesn't’ eat much at one meal. Appetites vary so they will often make up for it at the next meal
  
• Ensure your toddlers food has been cooled adequately enough so they don’t burn their mouth as this could put them off trying foods. And make sure the food you are offering is not too dry and therefore hard to swallow
  
• Praise your toddler when they have eaten well and don’t get frustrated if they don't. You don’t want your toddler to develop an unhappy association with mealtimes and food
  
• Set an example. Let your toddler see you eating, enjoying a variety of food.
  

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3) TOP TIPS on dealing with fussy eating

• Your toddler will always eat best when their mealtimes are in a routine based around their sleep times. They will also eat better if they are not the only one eating but included in the family mealtimes
  
• Get your toddler involved at mealtimes. Encourage your toddler to help set the table so they know it’s time to eat. Let your toddler choose what they would like to eat (from a limited option) as this gives them more sense of control
  
• Encourage mealtimes with friends as seeing other children of the same age eating solid foods can help encourage your toddler to do the same
  
• Encourage self feeding. Although this can get messy it’s good for your toddlers development
  
• Be aware of how many snacks you give your toddler throughout the day. Toddlers who snack a lot are less likely to have a balanced diet, which in turn can lead to constipation. If your toddler does not eat well at one mealtime, do not let them fill up on snacks afterwards as this will have a knock on effect at the next mealtime. And your toddler will soon learn that by not eating at mealtimes they will get snacks instead
  
• Make sure your toddler isn’t filling up on sweet drinks between meals. Not only are these not good for their teeth, they can leave little room for food at mealtimes
  
• Don't take things personally. Fussy eating could be your toddlers way of exerting their independence and asserting some control over their life. Toddlers will push the limits of your authority many times
  

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All fussy eating habits can be changed. They just take the right approach, patience, consistency in dealing with the situation and time!