Baby Eating Habits ? Which Approach Do You Take

One of the first decisions we make is if we breast feed or bottle feed our baby. This will be an emotional topic which ever option you choose. Nutrition is not just about preparing and serving food its much more complex and our own childhood experiences will have a great influence on this. Most parents will feel that the more their child eats the better. They feel that this is a reflection on their parenting and the more the child eats the more successful the parent. A child whose diet consists of dry cereal and juice will leave their parent feeling frustrated and embaressed, these emotions will not go unnoticed by the child and will have a knock on effect. In the case of a faddy eater this may cause the situation to get worse.

Faddy eating is a normal stage in your childs development. A basic fact is that most children will go through a stage of faddy eating. This usually occurs during the toddler years when they go through a stage of being a bit obsessive about most things in their life. Most children go through an obsessive stage when they will only wear clothes of a ertain color or they will only eat one type of food. This is a very normal stage and will soon pass as long as the parent does not fall into the trap of focusing too much on the problem.

The best approach to faddy eating is to stay calm, the chances of your child starving to death is very slim. As long as the child is drinking a lot of fluids and eating some food during the day he should be okay. Make sure that your child is getting the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, you can do this by putting a vitamin and mineral supplement into his drink, your local pharmasist can recommed one to suit your child. Most children will grow out of this phase, and for those who continue the high stress level of a parent will not help with the situation.

All experts advise to keep all stress and arguments over food to a minimum. The more you focus on this the more you are aggravating the problem. Keep calm and tackle the situation clearly. Some practical tips to help you through this phase are:

It is advisable for toddlers to drink one pint of milk per day. Measure up a pint glass of milk and leave this in the refriderator to be drawn from through out the day. A child should not drink more than this as they will fill up on milk leaving no room in the tummy for solid foods through out the day.

At meal times don't give your child a drink until they are finished their meal as the fluids will give the sensation of being full and they will eat less food. This should encourage them to eat whats on their plate.

The changing of a childs eating pattern will not happen over night. This will take some time and patents. Expect to make gradual progress with this phase.

Your child doesn't have to get all its necessary food requirements at meal times. If your child refuses to sit down to a plate of food don't worry too much. A child can get all his food requirements from small nutritious snacks at regular intervals throughout the day. If your child accepts healthy snacks then these will help provide the range of nutrients they need.

Don't take your childs eating habits personally. Sometimes a parent will get upset if their child is eating at crèche or at another parents house. This is not a reflection on you or your cooking. Sometimes a child will eat when they see another child eating, they wil imitate their peers.

If you are concerned about the effects these eating habits are having on your childs health, don't hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor. As before it maybe that your child will require a supplement during this period to provide some of the nutrients they are currenty missing out on. All supplements are not the same so make sure to get advice from your pharmacist or family doctor.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for parents and consumers on purchasing a variety of baby products which includes baby crib bedding, strollers, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

---

Types of Baby Showers

There are different types of baby showers to cover just about any ocassion. Baby Showers have been traditionally for Ladies only. But in this day and age,... Read More

Under Carpet Heating In The Nursery ? To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night And More!

As new parents, we all want what's best for our babies. There are so many things to worry about, not the least of which are colds, allergies,... Read More

The Colic Baby

When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful and many family members may become upset or on edge. This is most often seen in new... Read More

Introducing Your New Baby to Your Pet

Having a child is a life altering event for you and your family. If you own a pet and are concerned about how your pet will respond... Read More

How To Choose a Baby Formula

Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby, but if you can't breastfeed, or have chosen not to, then learning how to choose a baby... Read More

Baby Safety Checklist - Protecting Your Baby

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many things to do in order to get ready. Making your home a safe haven for your new... Read More

Special Considerations for the Premature Baby

Every parent hopes and prays that their newborn will be healthy and safe. Normally a pregnancy lasts nine months. The gestation of a full term pregnancy is... Read More

Best Baby Shower Invitation Ideas

The best baby shower invitation ideas help everyone to have fun without adding stress on the expectant mother. Planning for a newborn can be overwhelming to each... Read More

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby will need, now that you got the news that you are expecting a bundle of joy. You... Read More

How to Protect Your Baby from SIDS

What do These Things Have in Common: An Epidemic of Baby Deaths in 1890, An Ambassador's Sudden Illness, Swamp Gas, and Old Mattresses?The Answer Could Save Your... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for her! You, the best buddy, have a little work ahead, however. You need to gather together her... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child moved from being an infant, to crawling, to the mobile stage of an active toddler. Now that... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will be outwardly calm, relaxed and delightful and grandparents in particular will dote on her. Aquarians are quick... Read More

The Top Diaper Bags for Stylish and Savvy Moms

Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about mom and her needs: The need to be organized. The need to feel stylish. The need to... Read More

Baby Shower Invitations Ideas

The first thing you need to do before you order invitations or make your own baby shower invitations is to decide on the theme of your party!... Read More

Tale of the Missing Nub

The extent of the memory loss that accompanies new parenthood really surprised me the first few times I experienced it. My task is especially difficult when I... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers and biting frequently go together. It is a painful time for both the toddler and their parents... Read More

Baby Shower Invitations Add Style To Baby Announcements

Baby shower invitations set the tone for the big dayBaby shower invitations reflect the joy you feel at this special time in your life. Pregnancy is often... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts. By necessity type baby gifts, I mean items which every expecting mother needs. These items are usually... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as everyone enjoys it. There is no right way or wrong way-anything goes well. But the idea should... Read More

Babys First Days at Home

The moment that you have waited for has finally arrived: the day you bring your newborn baby home from the hospital. Like all other expectant parents you... Read More

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby names can be loads of fun! Rather than giving your baby boy a name like Jacob, John... Read More

Naming Your Baby - How to Get the Most out of Your Babynaming Ceremony

You've engaged a celebrant and you've picked the day. So how do you ensure that the naming ceremony for your baby goes smoothly and is memorable for... Read More

Stem Cells Taken From A Babys Cord

Stem Cells..An increasing number of parents are storing stem cells from their baby's cord. Hopefully these will not be needed, but if your child develops leukaemia or... Read More

Welcome an Adopted Baby into the Family with an Adoption Baby Shower

The addition of a new child to a family is a wonderous occasion! An adopted baby is just as much a miracle as any other and should... Read More

14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux

Many of the things listed below will help with your baby's discomfort and spitting up, eliminating the need for medication.POSITIONING STEPS FOR REDUCING REFLUXPositioning During and After... Read More