At 19 months, your little toddler is becoming more independent — and that can mean mealtime battles. Suddenly, the “try it, don’t like it” attitude pops up, and new foods might get a firm “no thanks.” But don’t worry! This is totally normal and a key time to build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
🍽️ Understanding Your Toddler’s Eating Style
Toddlers at this age can be picky or selective — it’s their way of exploring boundaries and developing taste preferences.
Key things to remember:
- They may want to eat only a few “favorite” foods one day, then suddenly reject them the next.
- Appetite can vary day to day.
- Growth slows compared to infancy, so smaller portions are normal.
🥦 Tips to Promote Balanced Nutrition
- Offer Variety — Without Pressure
Serve different colors, textures, and flavors on the plate. But don’t force your toddler to eat. Just keep offering new foods alongside favorites. - Make Mealtime Fun
Use colorful plates, arrange food in shapes, or name foods with fun words. Get your toddler involved by letting them pick between two healthy options or “help” you prepare snacks. - Set a Routine
Consistent meal and snack times help regulate appetite. Offer 3 meals plus 2–3 small healthy snacks per day. - Appropriate Portions
Toddlers need only about a quarter to a third of an adult portion. A good rule of thumb: about 1 tablespoon of each food per year of age.
🍎 Snacks Are Your Friend
Snacks aren’t just fillers—they can be nutritious boosts! Choose healthy options like:
- Sliced fruit or veggies
- Yogurt or cheese cubes
- Whole-grain crackers
- Small portions of nut butters (if no allergy concerns)
💊 What About Supplements?
Most toddlers eating a varied diet don’t need supplements, but sometimes pediatricians recommend:
- Vitamin D — especially if little sun exposure
- Iron — if anemia risk or picky eating is severe
Always check with your doctor before starting supplements.
🚫 Handling Food Refusal
- Stay calm and patient—pressure often backfires.
- Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.
- Keep mealtime pleasant and distraction-free.
- Try reintroducing rejected foods in small amounts later on.
❤️ Building a Positive Food Relationship
Remember, your toddler is learning about food and mealtime manners, too. Model healthy eating by sharing family meals and showing enjoyment of a variety of foods.
Celebrate small victories, and keep offering nutritious choices without stress. Healthy habits formed now will support your child’s growth and well-being for years to come.
