As your toddler grows, they’ll naturally want to explore self-feeding—messy hands and all. Encouraging this milestone is crucial for their development and can be a fun experience for both of you. With a little patience and the right approach, you can help your child enjoy a variety of foods while building healthy eating habits for life. Petit Bowl is here to make this journey easier by offering nutritious, ready-to-eat meals crafted specifically for babies and toddlers, ensuring mealtime is both wholesome and stress-free.

Dealing with Picky Eating

Picky eating is a common phase, but with some creativity and consistency, you can turn mealtime into an enjoyable experience:

1. Be a Role Model
   Toddlers are natural imitators. When they see you enjoying a variety of foods, they’ll be more inclined to try them.

2. Introduce Foods Repeatedly
   It can take up to 15 tries before a child accepts a new food. Petit Bowl meals offer a variety of options with familiar flavors that make introducing new ingredients, like vegetables and grains, smoother.

3. Pair New Foods with Favorites
   Serve something new alongside your toddler’s go-to dish. For instance, Petit Bowl’s broccoli vermicelli can be a hit when paired with a side of their favorite veggie sticks.

4. Make Mealtime Fun
   Give foods playful names or turn meals into an adventure. Let them explore textures and colors, which is easy with Petit Bowl’s vibrant meal options like veggie stir-fry.

5. Stay Relaxed
   Avoid battles at the table. Petit Bowl meals are designed to take the guesswork out of healthy eating, giving you peace of mind that your child is getting the nutrients they need—even on days when they’re picky.

How Much Should Your Toddler Eat?

Toddlers’ appetites can vary from day to day, but offering balanced meals and snacks ensures they’re getting what they need over time.

• Offer at least three meals and one or two snacks daily. Petit Bowl’s portioned meals are perfect for meeting these needs without waste.
• Serve small amounts at first and let your child ask for more if they’re still hungry.

If you’re concerned about your child’s eating patterns, avoid restrictive measures and consult your pediatrician.

Supporting Healthy Eating

1. Milk Matters

   • From ages 1 to 2, whole milk supports brain development. After age 2, switch to low-fat milk and limit it to 2 cups (16 ounces) per day.
   • Pair milk with nutrient-packed Petit Bowl dishes to create a well-rounded diet.

2. Swap Juice for Whole Fruits
   Whole fruits are higher in fiber and nutrients than juice. Petit Bowl meals incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, making it easier to skip sugary juices.

3. Limit Sugary Treats
   Reserve sweets for occasional indulgences. Petit Bowl’s naturally sweet fruit and veggie purees, like banana or apple, are a great way to satisfy cravings without added sugar.

4. Focus on Iron-Rich Foods
   Iron supports growth and energy. Petit Bowl’s meals include options like lentils and whole grains to help combat deficiencies.

5. Encourage Hydration
   Toddlers often forget to drink water. Keep water accessible throughout the day, and consider pairing it with Petit Bowl meals to maintain hydration.

Preventing Choking

Keeping mealtime safe is a top priority:

1. Supervise Eating
   Always have your child sit and eat under your watchful eye.

2. Prepare Food Safely
   Petit Bowl meals are portioned and textured appropriately for little eaters, reducing choking risks.

3. Avoid Risky Foods
   While your toddler is still developing chewing skills, avoid hard foods like raw carrots or popcorn. Petit Bowl’s recipes use soft-cooked vegetables, perfect for young mouths.

4. Learn First Aid
   Enroll in a first-aid class to feel prepared in case of emergencies.

Petit Bowl: Your Partner in Feeding

Feeding toddlers can be a rollercoaster, but Petit Bowl is here to make it easier. Our range of ready-to-eat, preservative-free meals is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of babies and toddlers while saving you time. With meals packed with iron-rich vegetables, wholesome grains, and delicious flavors, you can focus on creating positive mealtime experiences for your little one.

Whether it’s helping your child discover new tastes or ensuring they’re getting balanced nutrition, Petit Bowl supports you every step of the way. Together, we can make healthy eating a happy habit!