Wyoming WIC

1 TO 1½ YEARS

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NOW I'M A TODDLER.

Over the next year, I will change a lot. Some days I’ll eat a lot, and other days I won’t eat as much. That’s normal for toddlers. I need your help as I learn to eat. Your job is to give me food at mealtimes. My job is to decide how much to eat. Trust me to eat what I need!

WHAT

  • I can eat what you plan for meals and snacks. You don’t need to make something special for me. I will learn to eat what the family eats. I need you to trust me. You may need to mash or cut up foods so it's easier for me to chew and handle.
  • Let me decide what and how much I will eat from your offered foods.
  • When planning meals and snacks, it helps to consider foods our family enjoys including our cultural traditions and favorites. Offering new foods with familiar foods helps me to try new foods when I’m ready.
  • If I don’t like a new food, that’s okay! Offer it again at another time. It might take 10 or more times before I decide to try it. It helps me when you are matter of fact about food; avoid cheering me on or pressuring me to try.

HOW

  • Offer me foods from a small plate or bowl.
  • I want to choose if I use my fingers or my spoon. Please be patient if I am messy.
  • Cut my food into small, bite-sized pieces no bigger than your thumbnail.

WHEN

  • My routine is important (see the example below of a routine). Let’s try to eat at similar times each day.
  • If I don’t want to eat at a meal or snack, remind me I will have another chance to eat at the next meal or snack time. Don't let me graze in between – that will ruin my appetite for the next meal or snack.
  • I only need water between meals and snacks.

WHERE

  • I learn by watching you. Sit with me and eat the same foods that you offer to me.
  • Teach me I am part of the family. Bring me to the table with you.

Here is how you can help me do well with my eating:

Have 3 or 4 foods at meals. Let me eat 1 or 2 or 3 of them or none.

Help me try new foods.

  • Have a food I like along with a new food.
  • Offer new foods one at a time.
  • Prepare foods in different ways. I might like it raw instead of cooked, or with a dip instead of plain.

Dish up small amounts for me. Let me choose to eat or not eat, even if the food is on my plate. Don’t make different food if I don’t eat what is at the meal.

I will try new food, but it takes time. When I see you eating something, I think, “someday I will eat that too.” Even if I don’t eat it today, I will get used to seeing and smelling the food and watching you enjoy it.

Here is how you, too, can sneak up on new food and learn to eat it:

  • Look but not taste.
  • Taste but not swallow.
  • Swallow but not eat any more.

LET ME DECIDE WHAT AND HOW MUCH OF THE FOODS YOU OFFER.

PLEASE DON’T PRESSURE ME TO EAT MORE OR LESS THAN MY BODY NEEDS. IT HELPS ME IF YOU TRUST ME TO KNOW HOW MUCH OR HOW LITTLE TO EAT FOR MY BODY.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I EAT?​

During my second year of life, less of my nutrition is still coming from breast milk or formula and more from table foods. I continue to learn about new foods. I’m trying new tastes and textures. My foods will change as I learn and grow.

For me, amounts are still small. I may be eating more whole foods that are soft, cut up, or foods I can pick up by myself.

My appetite can change from day to day. So, don’t worry if I eat more one day and less the next. Keep offering me new foods and add on to favorites I enjoy. We’ll learn together. Eating together should be enjoyable for both of us.

Offer meals and snacks about every 2-3 hours, including something before bedtime. My tummy is small, so I need snacks between meals to give me energy and to grow.

Create a satisfying meal or snack by offering 3-5 foods at meals and 1-2 foods at snack time. A serving is 1-2 tablespoons or a quarter slice of bread. Let me eat until I show you I am full.

Here are some examples of what meal and snacks might look like on my plate.

Many of these options can be made with WIC-approved foods!

Breakfast

cut up kiwi
cut up whole wheat toast with jam
scrambled eggs
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup
- OR -
sliced strawberries
mini pancakes with maple syrup
hard-boiled egg wedges
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup

Lunch

sliced banana
green beans
black beans & brown rice
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup
- OR -
sliced cantaloupe
cut up cheese pizza
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup

snacks

peanut butter on banana slices
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup
- OR -
crackers with cheese
water in an open cup
- OR -
hummus with cut up cucumber and red pepper slices
water in an open cup
- OR -
graham crackers
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup
Offer snacks between meals. They help tide me over between meals. Plan for two during the day and one before bed.

dinner

cheeseburger with ketchup cut into finger sized pieces
sweet potato fries
sliced green bell peppers
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup
- OR -
diced strawberries
mashed peas
grilled, chopped chicken
pasta with butter
breastmilk or whole milk in an open cup

A serving is approximately 1-3 tablespoons of a food. Offer 3 to 4 food items at a meal and build from there. Let me eat until I show signs I’m full. I might close my lips, turn or shake my head, or raise my arm. Let me stop eating and get down when I’m done.

Food Groups

These are examples of foods that are in each food group. I may eat more or less than the amount of each food shown.

Family Meals

  • Let's enjoy eating together.
  • Please turn off all our TVs and cell phones. It helps us relax and focus on our meal.
  • Put me in my highchair or booster seat, support my feet, and sit at the table with me.
  • I'm learning to eat and develop lifelong positive eating habits by eating with you.
  • I am learning to eat by myself. I need lots of practice using my hands and my spoon. Let me touch my food. Don't worry if I get messy – that's how I learn.

Look what I can do!

  • I am learning how to use a spoon.
  • My legs are getting strong. I love learning how to walk with you.
  • I may know how to say some words. Please read, talk, and sing to me so I can learn more.

I LOVE MY CUP

  • I drink from an open cup now, not a baby bottle. This helps protect my teeth.
  • Ask WIC for ideas if I need help changing from my bottle to my cup.
  • Offer me water to drink between meals and snacks, not a sweet drink.

Let's Play

  • I learn a lot when I play.
  • I learn even more when you play with me.
  • When we play, it helps me grow smarter, stronger, healthier, and happier.
  • Play helps me sleep better.

Keep me safe and healthy

I need check-ups and shots to stay healthy. I should visit the doctor at 12 months, 15 months, and 18 months.

Ask my doctor if I need a lead test to keep my brain healthy. Talk to my doctor to find out if I get enough vitamin D, too. I need it for strong bones and teeth.

I need a nap every day. I learn to fall asleep when you lie me down when I’m tired but not so tired I’m already asleep. This is another way for you to learn my cues and trust me to fall asleep.

Please take me to the dentist for regular checkups. Brush my teeth front and back, 2 times a day. Use a small, soft toothbrush with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Interacting with family and friends can help me build strong social bonds. This can be in person or video. Screen time for other uses is not recommended.

Always buckle me into my car safety seat when we are in the car.

OFFER ME SAFE FOODS

  • I can try these foods now: cow's milk, whole eggs, egg whites, and honey.
  • Cut my food into tiny, bite sized pieces so I don't choke. Cut grapes and hot dogs the long way.
  • Don't give me foods that I can choke on: raw hard vegetables, whole grapes, chips, nuts, popcorn, dried fruits, whole hot dogs, chunks of meat, or hard candy.

Sun Safety

  • It's better to dress me in sun-protective clothes, like hats, shirts, and swimsuits with UPF 50, instead of relying only on sunscreen. If you don't have special sun clothes, use tightly woven fabrics and a hat with a wide brim.
  • Try to keep me in the shade from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. You can check the UV index on your phone; if it's 3 or higher, I need full sun protection.
  • Use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, especially for my sensitive skin. Stick sunscreen is great for my face and ears. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours and after I swim.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause burns, so protect me then too. If you have questions about my skin or sunscreen, ask my doctor.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/whats-the-best-way-to-protect-kids-skin-from-sunburn.aspx _gl=1*17zbb3b*_ga*MTI2NTg3MTE5LjE3MTU4OTExOTY.*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTcyMjM3OTY0MS4yMC4xLjE3MjIzNzk3MzQuMC4wLjA

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position