Helping Your Baby Enjoy Parties with Healthy Food Choices
Being invited to other kids’ birthday parties can be an exciting opportunity for your little one, but it may also make you anxious about the kind of food your baby will eat there. You have no control over the food served at others’ parties. What do you do then?
Today we will discuss just that.
Understanding Your Little Eater
1) Trust your toddler's intuition: Toddlers are remarkably good at self-regulation when it comes to eating. They instinctively recognize when they're hungry, full, and when to stop eating. Give your child the autonomy or control to decide how much they wish to eat.
2) Approach to food: Children's approach to food is very different from that of us adults. Unlike Now, let’s look at tips that can help you confidently manage your toddler's food choices when attending birthday parties.
Tips for a Stress-Free Party Experience
1) Focus on what babies eat at home: Special occasions like birthday parties are occasional indulgences, so don’t worry much about what your toddler is eating once in a while. While you have no control over the menu at someone else's party, you can ensure your baby eats nourishing food most of the time (at home).
2) Avoid controlling what babies eat at parties: We don't want to make children feel like these foods are off-limits. Instead of saying "no" to certain foods, maybe guide them towards a balanced mix.
3) Feed them at home before the party: If you're uncertain about what food will be at the party, let them eat at home before you leave. So they will end up eating less at the party.
4) Lead by example: Your baby is observing and likely to follow your food choices at the party, so reach out for the healthier food options when possible.
5) Pack your own snacks: If you are worried about the kind of food or if your baby has aversions/allergies, carry their food with you.
6) Relax and have fun: Don’t let stress overshadow these precious moments. Remember, these get-togethers are opportunities for you and your baby to create fantastic long-lasting memories.
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