Feeding a 1-Year Old : The Journey Continues

Ever wondered what feeding a 1-year old looks like? Check out a recap of my experience plus a sample of what the little guy has been eating recently below! 

During the first year of feeding my little one, especially month 5-12, I felt like feedings changed on a daily basis. Check out my post on feeding my little one during the first year for more details. Since 12 months to now things have continued to change. Not only is the little guy getting better at feeding himself but he is also trying new foods and textures.

One amazing thing I have learned over the past 14-months is how great an infant or toddler is at listening to their hunger and satiety cues. My little guy will often whine or cry when he is hungry, point to food or sign “more” when he wants more food and then shake his head no or often start throwing his food or plate on the ground when he is full..example A…..

Thank goodness for our dog!

Some meals he eats everything and at other meals he barely eats anything. If he barely touches his lunch it’s very likely that he will eat more at dinner. I think the biggest take away I have learned is that if I’m offering a variety of foods at meals and snacks he will end up getting everything he needs to grow and develop. As I mentioned infants and toddlers still have an innate ability to regulate their intake. Unfortunately many of us adults have lost touch with this ability due influences from outside cues and social norms.

This is a sample of what my little guy has been enjoying lately..

Breakfast(8am): 1/2 cup whole milk,  overnight oats (mix of oats, whole milk yogurt, whole milk, peanut butter, banana, chia seeds), blueberries OR blueberry banana pancakes (mashed banana, egg, cinnamon, frozen blueberries) topped with whole milk yogurt

Snack(1030am): clementine and string cheese

Lunch(1230pm): 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 whole wheat pita with hummus, 3-4 sliced cherry tomatoes OR sweet potato sticks, egg cooked with spinach, avocado slices

Snack(330pm): yogurt smoothie OR 1/2 cup whole milk with whole wheat crackers

Dinner(6pm): typically left overs or what we are eating

lentil soup with potato, cooked zucchini and mushrooms, sliced grapes OR Pizza whole wheat pita topped with tomato sauce, whole milk mozzarella and broccoli then baked in the toaster oven

Snack(8pm): 6 ounces whole milk

Other things that are totally normal that I’ve experienced so far..

Your little one may love avocados or tomatoes one day and then the next barely touch them! That’s ok. Keep offering these foods and they will eventually try it again.

Your little one may love fruit but not touch any vegetables (or vise versa). Again keep offering these items and over time they will try them.

Of course some infants and toddlers have feeding issues. If your concerned regarding your little ones eating please speak with your pediatrician and reach out to a registered dietitian.

Stay tuned for my next post about how to introduce your toddler to a spoon!

Have any questions or topics that you would like me to discuss or have concerns about your little one, contact me here!