Development
Your child has become a toddler. Toddlers speak, play simple make-believe games and show interest in other kids. They take pride in their many new accomplishments, and want your approval as much as it might seem otherwise.
Safety
Chasing after toddlers to prevent accidents is a great way for parents to catch up on the workouts they may have missed in the previous 24 months. Eventually they discover their own balance between "hovering" and "watchful encouragement."
Feeding skills
You develop a thick skin, putting foods in front of your toddler only to have them refused over and over again. Parents of toddlers eventually see their persistence pay off. When kids have been given a variety of food options over time, they may eventually make choices that will surprise you.
Choking hazards
Toddlers aren't quite past the age where choking is still a concern, so the same cautions apply as with previous ages. Parents should avoid:
- Grapes, berries or raisins
- Nuts, sunflower seeds
- Potato chips
- Popcorn
- Fruit that is underripe, dried or unpeeled
- Corn
- Hard candy, whole marshmallows, jellybeans, gum
- Cough drops
- Raw or undercooked vegetables
- Hot dogs or uncut luncheon meats
- Fish with bones
- Nut butters served alone on a spoon
- Ice cubes
- Snacks using toothpicks or skewers
Sample menu plan
Breakfast
125 mL (1/2 cup) milk**
1/4 banana
125 mL (1/2 cup) Cheerios cereal
1/2 slice whole wheat toast
5 mL (1 tsp) non-hydrogenated margarine
Mid a.m.
125 mL (1/2 cup) yogourt
Lunch
125 mL (1/2 cup) milk
1/2 cheese sandwich
30 mL (2 tbsp) carrots - cooked, diced (raw sticks for older children)
Mid p.m.
50 mL (1/4 cup) milk
50 mL (1/4 cup) Cheerios cereal
125 mL (1/2 cup) cut up melon
Dinner
125 mL (1/2 cup)milk
60 grams (2 oz) diced chicken breast
30 - 45 mL (2 - 3 tbsp) long grain rice
30 mL (2 tbsp) green peas
5 - 10 mL (1 -2 tsp) non-hydrogenated margarine