12个月到18个月以后的孩子（toddlers)吃饭规律会有所变化。

>他们会比以前吃得少
>会开始挑剔食物
>喜欢自己动手探索食品
>开始对某些食物非常喜欢或非常讨厌，而且喜欢与不喜欢的食物三天两头变。

这是因为孩子15个月起生长速度减慢，身体需要的食物量减少。

给孩子喂食的小窍门：

by all means help toddlers with their meals, but dont forget to let thme feed themselves with their fingers or their own spoon.

have the food ready BEFORE sitting toddlers in their high chairs

offer small frequent meals at REGULAR times.

offer foods that include some of their (current) favourites.

aim to make mealtimes enjoyable for the whole family... not a battleground.

encourage toddlers to eat at table.

if the family normally has dinner late, toddlers may be tired and will need to eat earlier.

toddlers may use mealtimes to gain attention.. use distractons, or remove them from the table and re-offer once a short time later.

if children are given snacks, make sure they've not of sugary, salty or fatty foods.

toddlers may like finger foods such as cheese sticks, fresh fruit pieces, chunks of vegis, plain biscuits, bread... and the OCCASIONAL treat.

(information from NSW wentworth area health service).