Over the next year, I will change a lot. Now I eat more like a baby. Soon I will eat more like you do. You decide what healthy foods to offer me. I decide which of these foods to eat, and how much.

Offer me 3 healthy meals and 2 or 3 snacks each day. Try to have them at about the same time.

Please trust me to eat the right amount. I know if I am hungry or not. My tummy is still little. Give me small portions – 1 or 2 tablespoons. I will let you know if I want more.

Some days I eat lot. Other days I do not eat at all. Toddlers act this way.

I eat better when you eat with me. Let’s enjoy eating together. Please turn off our TVs and cell phones. We can focus on our meal instead.

I do best if I sit when I eat or drink. Put me in my highchair or booster seat at the table with our family.

I can eat most of our family foods, just like you.

I am learning to feed myself. I need lots of practice using my hands and spoon. Let me touch my food. Don’t worry if I get messy. – that’s how I learn

I can try these foods now: cow’s milk, whole eggs, egg whites, and honey.

Cut my food into tiny pieces so I don’t choke. Cut grapes and hot dogs the long way.

Don’t give me food that I can choke on: raw hard vegetables, whole grapes, peanut butter, chips, nuts, popcorn, dried fruits, whole hot dogs, chunks of meat, or hard candy.

I learn a lot when I play.

I learn even more when you play with me.

When we play, it helps me grow smarter, stronger, healthier, and happier.