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Wondering how others do their meals. Do you have a set amount that you give the kids? Most of my kids are around 18 months old. Until now all the kids are pretty normal eaters for their age. For example lunch today they had half a sandwich that had chicken, cheese and lettuce in it, about 4 sliced cucumbers and 3 baby carrots and a glass of milk. Most of the kids eat most of it. Some leave the veggies. But I had a new kid start 18 months old and he seems to have an incredible appetite. The kids all get 2 snacks and lunch a day. I am thinking the child isn't actually hungry but just likes what he is eating and wants more. So far I give what is a normal portion for his age. But this one seems to be eating the same amount as my 12 year old. What do you do in your daycare? Feed everyone the same lunch? The dad made a comment about his appetite today. I asked if he gets full or he will keep eating. He said he will stop eventually. I told the dad I was giving the child an appropriate sized lunch for his age.
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My understanding is that a child that age will eat what is needed for their body. Unless outside influences are present they will self limit well. I would guess maybe he is in a growth spurt ... The 18 month old here would eat quite a bit more than you are serving. I know our food program requires that you Offer seconds. So I would say double what you normally feed should suffice. Unless he was obese or on medication I would offer him healthy food until he was full. I also only do one glass of milk and then offer water.
You could try upping his liquids (water) at snack and in between snack and lunch and see if that helps. I wouldn't want a hungry baby tho either- -
Yeah I'm in Canada so there is no food program. It would be impossible for any of the kids to be hungry. We have a snack at 9, lunch at 11:30 and snack again at 3. He eats so quick, barely chews. I put the food down, turn around and its all gone. I actually I have been finding all of the kids eating less at lunch because of snack, with the exception of this little guy. I'll try adding some extra liquids for him and extra veggies at lunch.Comment
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I give all babies, all toddlers and all older kids the same basic amount for their age group. If a particular child is still hungry (after eating EVERYTHING on their plate) I will offer extra veggies and water. If they are STILL hungry, they unfortunately need to wait until the next meal time.Comment
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Here are the guidelines for meals:
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I think your serving sizes are small, appetites & metabolism vary. I would double his veggies at the first serving. For seconds, I offer 1/2 serving sizes but I do allow them to have as many vegetables as they eat/until they are gone. I have a (new) 18mo in care who ate an entire grilled chicken wrap, 1/2 cup green beans & 1/2c broccoli, then had seconds of veggies then a 6oz yogurt & 1/2c diced strawberries 2 1/2 hours later.Comment
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I also think your portion size is a little too small. You may want to add some fruit and I always give kids water at every meal,even if we have milk.It helps them fill up and sometimes they are just thirsty when they think they are hungry.
Yesterday we had cottage cheese,crackers,cucumbers,cherry tomatoes and apple slices with water. I have children ages 1-4 and they all have different appetites and none are over weight.
The one year old eats more than the 4 year old. I give then the suggested serving size,if they finish I give the little ones more veggies and I ask the older ones what they would like more of.
Sometimes they say eveything so I will give them very little of each component(example: 1 spoonful of cottage cheese,1 cracker,a couple pieces of fruit and vegetable. I never give seconds of milk,only more water.
I only have one boy who will eat two whole plates and ask for more. I also teach the children to slow down when they eat.
I have one year old that I only give one bite at a time,I've tried to give her the whole plate and she shoves everything in her mouth and is done eating in less than 3 minutes,then screams for the other 27 minutes while the other kids are still eating.
If they ask for more,which they some times do at snack(yesterday,granola bar,banana and milk) I just let them know its a snack,not a meal and that they will be eating dinner soon.
I never let them over eat.I feel it is my job to serve healthy foods and the corrct portion size.Like I said,it may vary from child to child but I will not let them over eat,which some children try,especially with foods they like.Comment
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Actually looked at that list I am definitely giving enough.
lunch 1 to 2 year old 1/2 slice of bread, 1 oz of meat, 1/2 cup of milk and and 2 fruits/veg 1/4 cup each.
My kids for example yesterday would have had an entire slice of bread, definitely an oz of chicken, half a slice of cheese, lettuce. Plus the cucumbers and carrots. and a glass of milk. If anything I might be giving a little less of veggies. That is only because they usually don't eat it. But if they have eaten all of it I give them more.Comment
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Keep in mind that those guidelines are for 1-2 years. BIG difference between a small appetite 12mo and a big appetite 23mo. My JUST 2yo dcb eats as much as the 4yo, and he is small for his age.Comment
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I have big eaters-all my kids are 12 mo. to 3 and the 12 mo. old kids eat as much as the 3 year olds and like others have said, none of my children are overweight. I honestly let my kids eat as much as they want during lunch, if it's available, especially the veggies and fruit. I don't like to limit what they eat at lunch especially if it is healthy, if they are hungry, they're hungry.
For snack, depending on what it is, I do limit, but if it's something healthy I will let them have a little more. All of my kids eat very well for all snacks/meals.Comment
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