If you have a toddler, you’ve probably experienced the battle of the plate—one day they love strawberries, the next day they won’t touch them. One week they devour veggies, the next, they refuse everything that isn’t beige. Toddler eating habits can be unpredictable, frustrating, and stressful—but they don’t have to be.
The key? Consistency, patience, and a few clever strategies.
1. Make Mealtime Fun
Toddlers are sensory learners—they love playing with textures, colours, and shapes. Try:
✔ Cutting food into fun shapes (use cookie cutters for sandwiches or fruit).
✔ Making colourful plates (bright fruits, veggie “rainbows,” or mix-and-match bowls).
✔ Creating DIY meals (let them build their own wraps, pizzas, or smoothie bowls).
2. Get Them Involved
Kids are more likely to eat food they’ve helped prepare. Let your toddler:
✔ Stir, sprinkle, or mash ingredients.
✔ Pick fruits and veggies at the store.
✔ Help plate their meal (even if it’s a little messy!).
3. Offer Choices, Not Ultimatums
Instead of asking, “Do you want broccoli?” try:
✔ “Would you like broccoli or carrots today?”
✔ “Do you want your apples sliced or whole?”
Giving toddlers a sense of control can reduce food refusals.
4. Stick to a Routine
Toddlers thrive on predictability. Offering meals and snacks at the same time each day helps regulate hunger cues and reduces random food rejection. Avoid grazing all day, as it can lead to mealtime battles.
5. Keep Portions Toddler-Sized
A toddler’s stomach is small—about the size of their fist! Offering too much food can be overwhelming. Start with small portions and let them ask for more.
6. No Pressure, No Battles
Forcing toddlers to eat often backfires. Instead, use the “You decide, I decide” method:
✔ Parents decide what’s on the plate and when mealtime happens.
✔ Toddlers decide if they want to eat and how much.
This removes pressure and helps toddlers develop a healthy relationship with food.
7. Sneak in Nutrition (Without the Fight)
If your toddler refuses certain foods, get creative!
✔ Blend spinach into smoothies.
✔ Grate veggies into sauces or muffins.
✔ Add protein and fibre to their favourite snacks.
One of the easiest ways to boost toddler nutrition without the fight? The Optivance Toddler Smoothie. Packed with essential vitamins, protein, and gut-friendly prebiotics, it’s a quick, delicious option for fussy eaters. Serve it in a cup, mix it into yogurt, or pour it into a Subo bottle for on-the-go nutrition!
8. Lead by Example
Toddlers learn by watching. If they see you enjoying balanced meals without stress, they’re more likely to follow suit. Eat together whenever possible and keep mealtimes relaxed.
9. Embrace the Phases
It’s completely normal for toddlers to go through food jags (when they want the same food over and over) or suddenly reject foods they once loved. Keep offering a variety of foods without pressure—most phases pass with time.
10. Remember: It’s a Long Game
The goal isn’t to get your toddler to eat a “perfect” meal every time—it’s to build healthy eating habits over time. Keep meals low-pressure, involve them in the process, and make food fun!
Want an easy way to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need? Try the Optivance Toddler Smoothie—a fuss-free, nutritious option for even the pickiest eaters.
Final Tip: Some days, they’ll eat everything. Other days, they’ll eat next to nothing. That’s normal. Keep offering, keep modelling, and most importantly—don’t stress. You’ve got this! 💛
