I am becoming MORE CONFIDENT.
I like to try new things. You are my teacher. I try to do what you do, so eat a variety of foods, and I will too.
As I continue to grow, I continue to learn about new foods. I’m trying new tastes and textures. My foods will change as I learn.
For me, the 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. 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.
Create a satisfying meal or snack by offering me a few different foods at eating times.
I eat small portions. A serving is about 3-4 tablespoons or a half slice of bread. Let me eat until I show you I am full.
Offer snacks between meals. They help tide me over between meals. Plan for two during the day and one before bed.
A serving at my age is about 3-4 tablespoons of a food. Offer 3-5 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.
My eating might vary from day-to-day. Don’t worry, that’s normal for me.
Cereal
Pasta
Tortilla
Rice
Bread
Crackers
Bite-sized pieces.
Examples: whole grain bread, white bread, tortillas, rice, noodles, cereals, crackers, pancakes, French toast, muffins, bagels, dry or cooked cereal.
Offer a variety throughout the week based on culture, family traditions, and budget.
Green beans
Carrots
Beets
Broccoli
Sweet Potato
Cauliflower
Bell peppers
Cooked and mashed, sliced, or chopped veggies.
Examples: beets slices, broccoli, cauliflower, yams, potatoes, carrots, green beans.
Offer a variety throughout the week based on culture, family traditions, and budget.
Kiwi
Plum
Nectarine
Blueberries
Apples
Watermelon
Avocado
Mashed, sliced, chopped, canned, or soft fresh fruit.
Examples: applesauce, apple wedges, bigger chunks of banana, pear slices, canned peaches, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew.
Offer a variety throughout the week based on culture, family traditions, and budget.
Breastmilk
Yogurt
Sliced Cheese
Milk
Cottage cheese
String cheese
Examples: whole milk, or low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese.
Offer a variety throughout the week based on culture, family traditions, and budget.
Peanut Butter
Tuna
Beans
Eggs
Tofu
Beef
Chicken
Examples: soft cooked pieces, mashed beans or peas, eggs, peanut butter, cut up hamburger, tofu, and cooked, chopped meat, poultry, or fish.
Offer a variety throughout the week based on culture, family traditions, and budget.
Cupcake
Pudding
Cookie
Ice Cream
Brownie
Offer 1 serving of dessert at the same time as the rest of the meal and allow your child to pick when to eat it at the beginning, middle, or end of the meal.
Offer cookies and other desserts as a snack on occasion. You can offer it with milk if you want.
Offer a variety throughout the week based on culture, family traditions, and budget.
Butter
Cream cheese
Ranch dressing
Gravy
Children need some fat to grow, provide energy, and make food taste good.
Examples: butter, sour cream, cream cheese, ranch dressing, other sauces, gravy.
Quesadilla with guacamole
Pizza
Mac n’ Cheese
Lasagna
Burrito
Sandwich
Some foods are a combination of food groups and make for a tasty meal.
Examples: pizza, casseroles, soup, mac n’ cheese, spaghetti, lasagna, burritos, quesadillas, soft tacos, hamburgers.
I learn a lot from being with you and being active. Let’s be active as a family! We can:
Take me to my doctor for a checkup. Ask how I am growing. I might need a shot or a lead test.
Remind me to wash my hands before eating and when I help prepare foods. I’m learning about safety and hygiene by helping you in the kitchen.
I need simple rules. Please help me limit my screen time to one hour or less per day. Set limits on when, where, and how often we have screen time. Talk about what I’m learning as we watch together and keep me safe from what I shouldn’t see. Let’s focus on each other during meals and snacks, not a screen.
Buckle me into my car seat or booster seat when we drive.
Put sunscreen on me when I play outside.
Always watch me around water.
Keep me away from tobacco smoke, matches, and lighters.
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.
Install this web app on your iPhone: tap and then Add to Home Screen.
Side-Lying Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cross-Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Clutch or “Football” Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Laid-Back Hold
This hold is useful when: