How much should infants and toddlers eat?
It is frequently hard to tell how much food a toddler actually eats, because so much ends up in her hair or smeared on her face. If her growth rate remains steady, you should not worry. A good rule of thumb is 1 TB of each food for each year of age. This does not sound like much, but keep in mind your baby’s stomach is small. A meal for a 9-month-old could include 1 tablespoon each of peas, applesauce, pureed rice, and pureed chicken. Ages 2 to 6 years: how much should they eat? A child in this age range is eating meals with parents or peers at day care or school. Less food ends up on his face, so you have a better idea of how much he is really eating. Remember, a child’s stomach is about as small as his fist. Avoid serving adult-sized portions. If your 4-year-old only eats half a sandwich at lunch, do not serve a whole sandwich. Let him ask for more if he is hungry. If you are eating out, pick the smallest-portion item. Do not let your 5-year-old order a double bacon cheeseburger. A r
