3 Mistakes Parents Make When Feeding Toddlers – And How to Fix Them

Feeding toddlers can feel like a daily battlefield – one minute they love peas, the next they act like you've served poison. As a mom and dietitian, I know how frustrating mealtimes can be. But often, a few small changes in how we offer food can make all the difference. Here are three common mistakes I see parents make when feeding toddlers – and what to do instead.

1. Springing Mealtime on Them Without Warning

Toddlers don’t love transitions – especially when they’re deep in play. Calling them to the table with no warning often leads to resistance, tears, or simply ignoring you.

What to do instead: Give a verbal cue 5–10 minutes before the meal. For example: “In five minutes, we’re packing up the toys and coming to the table for supper.” Use a kitchen timer or countdown if your child responds to visual cues. This helps them mentally prepare and gives them a sense of control, reducing the power struggles.

2. Overestimating Portion Sizes

We often expect toddlers to eat like mini-adults, but their nutritional needs and appetites are much smaller. Large portions can feel overwhelming and lead to wasted food or food refusal.

What to do instead: Start with small portions – even just a tablespoon of each food per year of age is a good rule of thumb. They can always ask for more. Trust their appetite and resist the urge to coax or bribe them into eating more than they need.

3. Serving Too Many Foods at Once

While variety is important, a plate piled high with multiple new or strong-flavoured foods can overload a toddler’s senses – visually, texturally, and taste-wise.

What to do instead: Stick to 2–3 foods at a time, ideally including:

• One familiar favourite

• One new or less-liked food

• One neutral or “safe” food (e.g., bread or fruit)

Keeping the plate simple helps your child focus and feel less anxious. And remember, you can always offer more once they’ve started eating.

The Bottom Line: Feeding toddlers doesn’t have to be a fight. With a little planning, a lot of patience, and these simple tweaks, you can help your child build a positive, lifelong relationship with food.

Want more tips like these? Follow me on Instagram @clarkedietitian for realistic, family-friendly nutrition advice.