Toddlers love to explore, and exploring different types of food is one of the many areas where your child is likely to be trying new things. However, while it’s safe to let your child try most of the things you eat, there are a few things you should avoid.
First, there’s low fat or skimmed milk. Until your child is two years old, he or she needs the high fat content of whole milk. Unless your doctor has advised you to switch to low fat, because of concerns about heart trouble or obesity, it’s best to stick to full cream milk until your child is older.
Next, there’s the size of the food in question. Choking is a real hazard for small children, and any foods you prepare or share with your child should be cut into pea-sized pieces. Dice or grate vegetables, cube cheese, and cut cherry tomatoes or grapes into quarters before serving. Don’t give your child sticky or soft foods like marshmallows or peanut butter, and be careful when serving hard foods, like boiled sweets or nuts. Never let your toddler eat unsupervised in the car or anywhere else, and if you’re using gum numbing teething medication, be careful that your toddlers swallowing is not impaired. Even older children should be discouraged from eating when they are distracted, as choking remains a risk.
Introduce any new foods gradually, and if you suspect your child may have an allergy, have him or her tested by your paediatrician.
First, there’s low fat or skimmed milk. Until your child is two years old, he or she needs the high fat content of whole milk. Unless your doctor has advised you to switch to low fat, because of concerns about heart trouble or obesity, it’s best to stick to full cream milk until your child is older.
Next, there’s the size of the food in question. Choking is a real hazard for small children, and any foods you prepare or share with your child should be cut into pea-sized pieces. Dice or grate vegetables, cube cheese, and cut cherry tomatoes or grapes into quarters before serving. Don’t give your child sticky or soft foods like marshmallows or peanut butter, and be careful when serving hard foods, like boiled sweets or nuts. Never let your toddler eat unsupervised in the car or anywhere else, and if you’re using gum numbing teething medication, be careful that your toddlers swallowing is not impaired. Even older children should be discouraged from eating when they are distracted, as choking remains a risk.
Introduce any new foods gradually, and if you suspect your child may have an allergy, have him or her tested by your paediatrician.
