Toddlers
Important Developmental Milestones
10-12 months: eats coarsely chopped table foods; bites throughs soft whole foods such as cereal bars & avocado slices
12-14 months: brings filled spoon to mouth, turning it over en route
13-15 months: adequately chews some meats and raw vegetables; takes bites of whole foods, both soft and hard
15-18 months: scoops food and brings spoon to the mouth with some spilling
19-24 months: chews meat competently
20-22 months: holds a small open cup in one hand while drinking
24 months: brings spoon and fork to the mouth with hand palm up; mature rotary chewing pattern observed
Mealtime Advice
-
Offer structured meals and snacks
-
Provide 2-3 age-appropriate foods in small amounts
-
Encourage your toddler to use her fingers, dippers or utensils to self-feed
-
Model eating and engage your child with conversation
Common Challenges
-
Gagging or spitting out food
-
Refusing to self-feed
-
Continued reliance on milk/formula for primary nutrition
-
Texture preferences and food refusals
-
"Picky eating"