Revised: Monday April 11 2011

Help Your Baby be a Healthy Eater

Raising a healthy eater - Do's and Don'ts

Help your baby be a healthy eater.

Have pleasant family meals:

What to Do:

Bring your baby to the table to join in at family mealtimes.
Talk to your baby quietly and encourage him while he is eating.
Eat at the table, away from toys and the television.
Be patient with new foods.
Know that you may need to try giving new foods many times on different days.
Always stay with your baby when he eats.

Let your baby:

Touch his food with his hands.
Feed himself with his fingers or a spoon when he is able.
Decide how much to eat.

If your baby doesn't seem hungry...

It is normal for babies to eat different amounts of food each day.
It is alright if your baby refuses a meal or two.

If your baby is still hungry after a meal...

Some days your baby may seem hungrier and may want more food than you offer. Offer her more food on these days.
Do not restrict the amount you give her to eat when she seems hungry.
It is normal for babies to eat different amounts of food each day.

What Not to Do:

Pressure your baby to eat more than he wants or use games to get him to eat.
Force food into your baby's mouth.
Use food as a reward or a punishment.
Pressure your baby to eat because this can make him refuse food even more.

You and your baby's responsibilities:

You are responsible for:
- Giving your baby healthy food that's the right thickness for him
- Deciding where to feed your baby
Your baby is responsible for:
- Deciding if he wants to eat
- Deciding how much to eat

For more information:
Region of Peel — Public Health
905-799-7700
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Caledon residents call free of charge at 905-584-2216
To speak with a Public Health Nurse