WHAT NOT TO HAVE IN TODDLER DIETS
The 12- to 18-month-old child should not have the
following foods:
| Cocoa |
Condiments |
| 'I'ea |
Spices |
| Coffee |
Nuts |
| Hot fresh breads and rolls |
Popcorn |
| Griddle cakes |
Pastries |
| Ready-to-serve cereals |
Chocolate pudding |
| Sweet cakes |
Angel cake |
| Fried foods |
Ice cream |
| Gravies |
Sherbet |
| Sausage |
Candy |
| Salt fish |
Berries or melon |
| Corned beef |
Figs |
| Dried beef |
Dates |
| Eggplant |
Rhubarb |
| Green corn |
Fresh fruits, except those mentioned previously |
| Cucumbers |
|
| Radishes |
|
INTRODUCING FOOD TO BABY
In introducing a new food or line he doesn't like very well,
give him just a taste. Then allow him to eat as much as he likes of the rest
of the meal, including several of his favorite dishes. Experiments conducted
by nursery schools over a period of time show that if a child has a chance to
get used to a food, he'll like it. But he has a better chance to like it if he takes a little at a time.
Now, when food habits are still being formed, it's helpful to present the new or
disliked food (usually it's a vegetable) at
the first of the meal when the child is most hungry. Put a fair serving on his
plate—about 1 tablespoon—of each of the foods for the meal. Give him a small
glass or cup of milk about 4 ounces—and let him eat and drink as he likes. Don't
worry about the amounts or variety he takes.
He may have seconds of any of the food if he wishes. When Baby has satisfied his
hunger, give him dessert in proportion to the amount of other food he has eaten.
A word of caution about the amount of milk you permit him to drink—too many
children are allowed to drink far too much milk. They derive an overabundance of
calories from the milk and then fail to eat an adequate amount of solid food. A
quart a day is too much for a child this age. A pint is sufficient.
If the family meal is going to be so late that your youngster will be extremely
hungry and irritable, feed him first, but if your schedule allows it, let him
eat with the family. Very likely he'll spill some of his food and may even need
a little guidance now and then. Encourage honest effort, but when he starts to
play with the food or tires of feeding himself, take the spoon and food away or
finish feeding him yourself. |