Parents often get a lot of advice from family and friends. Below are some typical words of wisdom you might hear and the facts that support them.
Why This is Good Advice:
The human body is amazing. It has the ability to give us signs of hunger and fullness. We have this power as soon as the first meal is enjoyed after birth. Think about it: When have you seen a newborn overeat? When a baby is full, they become disinterested or distracted. The same is true when a newborn is hungry. They will tell us they are hungry by licking or smacking their lips, squirming, putting their fists in their mouth. Your child will naturally know when they are hungry and full.
Why This is Good Advice:
Typically, a child will eat what they need within the first 10 minutes of sitting down at mealtime. Some days they might eat everything on their plate and ask for more. Other days they might only eat the fruit. Be sure meal and snack times are consistent and include a variety of nutritious choices.
Tips To Remember:
- Trust your child will be able to regulate their hunger and fullness needs.
- Be sure to allow plenty of play time for your child to burn some energy and work up an appetite between meals.
- Offer only water between meals and snacks.
Still Worried About Your Child’s Eating Habits?
- Try asking yourself: How are they growing? Their growth chart should consistently climb upwards. All children have growth spurts and natural slower periods of development. Look at the chart as a whole picture.
- Speak to your health care provider if you have concerns about your child's health.