Your toddler, the independent eater

Your toddler, the independent eater

Your toddler, the independent eater

3-5 years
Article
Apr 26, 2016
2 mins

-

By now your Toddler is really getting the hang of self-feeding. And you're probably used to messy mealtimes! 

Some things to expect: Now that her hand and finger skills are more developed, she might insist on finger-feeding herself instead of having you help. Be sure to let her. It’s great for her self-feeding skills.

Your little one might also be ready for more tableware during mealtime. He’s making progress on drinking from a cup, and even though he hasn’t mastered the spoon yet, he’s probably having a good time trying. If he is, you’ll likely need to help fill the spoon and get it to his mouth. Remember to encourage him and let him know when he's doing a good job.

Action steps you can take to help

Not all children are the same, so don't worry if she hasn’t mastered all these skills yet. There are still things you can do to support your growing Toddler:

  • Offer two spoons. You hold one while she holds the other. Show her how you use it, and then watch as she copies you. Or if she tries to grab your spoon, switch with her to let her try with yours instead.
  • Keep manageable food on hand. Give your Toddler foods that have a size and texture that easily clings to a spoon. To make learning easier for your child, choose foods that are made especially for Toddlers learning to feed themselves.
  • Be ready with the right utensils. Give your Toddler utensils that have big, soft-textured handles that are easy to grip. Also, make sure his forks have blunt prongs. Look for plates with curved sides that make it easy to scoop food.  Plates with suction cups on the bottom will keep them in place.
  • Try not to use disposable plastic spoons or forks - they break easily and are choking hazards.  They can also have sharp edges that can scratch your Toddler

Practice makes perfect

When your Toddler is eating, be patient and let her practice her feeding skills rather than jumping in right away to help. Remember to let her know and encourage her when she’s done a good job.

Imitation is the best form of flattery

Your child wants to be just like you - she’s always watching and learning to see what you’re doing. Set a good example during mealtime with these tips:

  • Include her in the conversation at the table.
  • Eat a good variety of healthy foods in front of your child.
  • Use table manners, like saying “please” and “thank you.” Your Toddler will soon pick them up.

Related articles

View details Play time is fun time
Article
Play time is fun time

Play time is fun time

Give your child enough time to play. Playing is learning

5 mins to read

View details Leaving babyhood behind
Article
Leaving babyhood behind

Leaving babyhood behind

-

2 mins to read

View details The Power of play based learning: why learning through play is important
Article
The Power of play based learning

The Power of play based learning: why learning through play is important

Children understand the world around them through play – with every new experience, they learn something new and as the experiences stack, so do their skills and abilities.

2 mins to read

View details How to have more happy moments with your child: Building happy memories
Article
Happy Moments

How to have more happy moments with your child: Building happy memories

“I just wish I had more time!” How many times have you said this to friends and family? 

5 mins to read

View details Nestle Nankid Unique Combination Ingredients
Article
Nestle Nankid Unique Combination Ingredients

Nestle Nankid Unique Combination Ingredients

Mom, you only want the best for yo

5 mins to read

View details The Junior Eater from around 12 months and onwards
Article
The Junior Eater from around 12 months and onwards

The Junior Eater from around 12 months and onwards

.

5 mins to read

View details A guide to creating a healthy routine for 3-5 year-olds
Article
Healthy kid’s daily routine

A guide to creating a healthy routine for 3-5 year-olds

As your child reaches through milestones, which include their development, social and cognitive skills, they become masters at their own play.

3 mins to read

View details LACTOKID: For Happy Tummies
Article
Happy Tummies

LACTOKID: For Happy Tummies

5 mins to read

View details WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED HMOs?
Article
WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED HMOs?

WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED HMOs?

`

5 mins to read

View details Juniors are different
Article
Juniors are different

Juniors are different

Juniors think differently, act differently and, most frustratingly, eat differently. They won’t eat what you want them to eat or they play with their food and expect you to play with it too.

5 mins to read

View details Child hygiene
Article
Handwash

Child hygiene

Poor crèche sanitation and hygiene is a major problem in South Africa and remains a high risk area for infection among crèche going children.

5 mins to read

View details Growing Up Happy at Home Tips - Lockdown Play
Article
Growing Up Happy at Home Tips - Lockdown Play

Growing Up Happy at Home Tips - Lockdown Play

Just because you can’t go anywhere physically, doesn’t mean you can’t explore the world. Find educational sites that offer virtual visits like a zoo or a museum and take them through the visit.

5 mins to read

View details Picky eater
Article
Picky eater

Picky eater

Picky eater? You’re not alone.

5 mins to read

View details Water Safety
Article
Safe Water

Water Safety

Waterborne illnesses are a serious threat. If children drink contaminated water, it may lead to diarrhoea. 

5 mins to read

View details Nourishing foundations … ready, steady, go!
Article
Nourishing foundations … ready, steady, go!

Nourishing foundations … ready, steady, go!

Welcome

5 mins to read

View details Great ways to increase your toddler’s tastes
Article
Great ways to increase your toddler’s tastes

Great ways to increase your toddler’s tastes

Expand your toddler's taste and appetite! Follow our helpful tips.

5 mins to read

View details The importance of your child growing up happy
Article
The importance of your child growing up happy

The importance of your child growing up happy

We all love the warm, fuzzy feeling we get when our little ones laugh after a good tickle or two. 

5 mins to read

View details Practical Tips for Developing Language Skills
Article
97318315_l.jpg

Practical Tips for Developing Language Skills

4 mins to read

View details Taste Tracker
Article
Taste Tracker

Taste Tracker

Feeding your little one a broad variety of healthy foods can contribute to his healthy growth patterns now and later.

5 mins to read