Feed toddler on demand?

[PeppaH]

My toddler has never been a big eater at all, he just has little bits here and there and thats not a problem. Lately though has has been wanting more. So my question is do I just keeping giving more and more as he wants it or just give what I deemed enough and say no after a while??
Whats a suitable amount of snack food for a small sized toddler?

[~BEXTER~]

I'd say it is a growth spurt and i would keep feeding him. As long as it's not junk, lol

Keiara goes through stages of eating lots more then me, the eating not much at all.

If he asking for it, I would give it to him

[Nomsie]

I think he knows his own stomach... so if he wants something to eat, you may as well give it to him... within reason! Of course, I stop my boys from snacking about 1.5hrs before dinner time.

I just make sure what they're snacking on is healthy (fruit, frozen peas, cheese, plain biscuits, ice blocks etc)

And as hard as it is, I don't think there is a suitable size... a tiny child could put away a whole plate of spaghetti and a bigger child might nibble like a mouse. :)

[RmumR]

i'd say feed him when he is asking for food as long as you are providing healthy options for him to choose from. he might just be a grazer who likes to pick throughout the day.
My DD used to be like this then turned into a 3meals with a small morn and arvo snack.
As long as what they are eating is healthy and they are happy let them eat, they'll stop asking once they are satisfied.

When DD was into snacking all day rather than meals i would put a selection of healthy snacks at her eye level in the cupboard so she could grab them when she wanted them.

[PeppaH]

Well he has always been a grazer. Also, yes it is healthy food not junk lol.
I was thinking it might just be a growth spurt though because he is eating more than normal. I just gave him a snack size tub or fruit and it was gone within 5 minutes! Which is fast for him and he doesnt normally eat the whole thing.

Plus he ate a whole plum in record time, a small tart lol (thats a treat) a handful of dried strawberries and a big bowl of breakfast!! He never has eaten so much in such a small space of time! Little piggy

[Bell & Bug]

My DD is doing this atm too. Its driving me mental coz I will give her something and she will eat it all and wont want more, then ten mins later she is asking for a sandwich or cheese or yoghurt or weetbix. Its like how much can she eat!? Lol, bottomless pit me thinks..
I just give it to her, and she eats it all!

[PeppaH]

lol I dont know why Im suprissed my DF's side of the family are all very big eaters...Luckily though they have a GREAT metabolism so they are all nice and thin :thumbsup: They eat a huge plate/bowl of dinenr then go back for more and then go back for a few sandwiches....I do NOT look forward to paying for all this food :no::laughing: