Is My Toddler Eating Enough?

Many parents worry that their toddler is not eating enough and mealtimes have become a newfound battle. Toddler eating can be very inconsistent- and that is perfectly normal. Their fluctuating appetites and growing independence leads to unfamiliar eating patterns that leave you worried your child is not eating enough. So, how can you know if your toddler is eating enough?

1. Keep in mind toddler serving sizes

   When your child only eats a small portion of their food, it is easy to think they are not getting enough to eat, but their bellies are not the same size as ours! A toddler’s stomach is about the size of their first. Reframe your expectations around portion sizes and remember that they do not have the same nutritional needs that you do. On average, we would expect them to eat about 1 tbsp of each food component (protein, grain, fruit/vegetable) for each year of age at each meal. For instance, your 2-year-old may have: 2 tbsp shredded chicken, 2 tbsp rice, and 2 tbsp diced cucumber. You should present your child with an age-appropriate amount of protein, grain/starch, and fruit/vegetable at each meal. As the parent, it is your responsibility to offer these components, and it is your child’s decision what and how much they’re going to eat.

   
   

2. Honor your child’s hunger cues

   The older we get, the more we tend to ignore our body’s hunger and fullness cues- whether that is due to busy schedules or restrictive eating, learning to recognize these cues is something we can all benefit from. Your infant and toddlers are likely more in tune with their needs than you may think- trust your child’s needs when they are communicating hunger and fullness. Showing excitement to see foods, using hand signs, losing interest in their food or getting upset/fussy in their chair are cues that they may be hungry or full. Allowing them to recognize their cues is crucial to their development and long-term relationship with food. Consistent meal and snack times will foster a predictable routine while allowing your child to decide how much they want to eat. 

   
   

3. Consider the weekly average

   Toddler eating is not consistent- some days they barely touch their food and other days they are having seconds and thirds of dinner. Instead of battling them to eat more, consider if their average weekly intake balances out. It is completely normal for your toddler to eat more at some meals and less at others- what matters is their overall intake.

When to Seek Help

With all this considered, you may still come to the conclusion that your child may not be eating enough. If your child is not gaining weight or has stopped meeting developmental or behavioral milestones, reach out to a healthcare professional that specializes in pediatric feeding. A Registered Dietitian can provide clarity if your child is meeting their nutritional needs, how to support them, and recommend other professionals that may be needed such as an occupational and/or speech therapist.

Written by intern Lauren Johansson. Finalized by Emily Dorko.