When my daughter started eating real food, I was bombarded by Instagram accounts, food suggestions, and advice from other moms about what worked for them. And while I appreciated all the input, I quickly realized I needed to figure out what would work for our family—and for my daughter specifically.
I learned a lot along the way, and while I don’t want to jinx it, she’s become a great eater. Not to mention, she’ll try almost anything.
But even so, it’s important to remember that eating habits ebb and flow. It’s completely normal if your little one suddenly prefers the basics, aka plain buttered noodles (we’ve definitely been there, too).
Here’s what I’ve learned over the last few years, a little real talk.
1. It’s going to be messy!
There’s no other way to say it: feeding your toddler will be messy. Looking back, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised, but I definitely was.
Luckily, we have a dog, so cleanup was sometimes easier (and much more exciting for our furry friend). But on the days when there was no crumb patrol, I was shocked by how much food didn’t make it into my daughter’s mouth.
One thing that can help? Getting a vinyl table cloth from Target or Amazon to put under your high chair. We use The Chair from Lalo and Lalo’s Hook On High Chair when we’re going out since it’s easy to transport.
I also always kept baby wipes at the table for quick cleanups of the high chair tray, hands, face, and yes, the floor. Having them within reach made everything feel much more manageable, and didn’t have to get up and get a washcloth or dishcloth.
2. I always offered what we were having
Everyone is going to do something slightly different when it comes to feeding their little ones. However, I found that once my daughter reached one year, I had a lot of luck giving her exactly what we were having for meals.
Of course I left out heavy spices, and cut everything up pretty small, but after those initial days of prepping food for her specifically, I decided I needed to spend less time in the kitchen. I did always make sure there was one food on her plate that I knew she’d eat, in hopes that would encourage her to eat the others, too.
And honestly? It worked. She tried (and liked) most things.
I’ll never forget her first birthday, she refused to eat her smash cake, but kept reaching for the chickpeas on the adult’s salad. Sadly, her stance on sweets has changed since then, but she does still love most foods.
3. You’re going to need a lot of berries
There’s a reason so many parents joke about toddler berry consumption: it’s real.
We quickly learned to stock up (hello, Costco runs), because berries became a daily staple. Shopping sales at local grocery stores helps, too, but fair warning: you’ll still go through them fast.
One small habit that made a big difference? Washing fruit ahead of time. Being able to grab and serve instantly was a game changer.
You can use a produce wash or simply rinse thoroughly under cold water (scrubbing when needed), says the American Academy of Pediatrics. If possible, prioritize organic options for items on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list.
4. Non-Toxic food containers for kids
Another thing we went through quickly? Kid-friendly dishware. Between daycare and home, we went through a lot of it (and still do).
Look for options that are:
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Free from harmful chemicals
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Dishwasher-safe
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Durable (they will get dropped)
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Easy for little hands to use independently
I’ve loved using colorful, non-toxic options, like Lalo Stainless Steel, because they’re long-lasting, safe, and easy to clean, and they still look great, even after daily use.
5. Everyone does feeding a little bit differently
This one took me a while to fully embrace: no two families do all of this the same way.
What works for your friend, coworker, or favorite Instagram account might not work for you and your little one, and that’s okay.
I found inspiration from feeding accounts online, but I didn’t follow any one method too strictly. Instead, I took what worked for us and left the rest.
At the end of the day, you know your child best.
I hope this helps you on your own feeding journey with your little one. In those early years, I found it so fun to figure out the foods she liked (and didn’t), and the different combinations she grew to love over time. If it gets frustrating, or you feel like you need to simplify, do it. Take a deep breath, and chances are, they’ll grow into adventurous eaters, and you might just find yourself spending more than you ever imagined on groceries like fresh berries, steak, and fish.
Shop our favorite mealtime essentials here. Happy eating!
FAQS:
What are the best toddler feeding tips for introducing new foods?
One of the easiest toddler feeding tips is to offer small portions of the same meals you’re already eating. By serving modified versions of family meals (cut small so they are easy to chew), you can expose your toddler to a variety of foods without extra prep, and encourage more adventurous eating habits over time.
Is picky eating normal in toddlers?
Yes, picky eating in toddlers is completely normal. It’s common for toddlers to suddenly reject foods they previously loved and stick to simple favorites like pasta or fruit. These phases are part of development and usually pass as you keep offering different foods.
How do I reduce mess during toddler mealtime?
Messy eating is a normal part of toddler development, but there are ways to make cleanup easier. Use a wipeable mat or tablecloth under the high chair, keep baby wipes nearby, and choose easy-to-clean surfaces. These simple toddler mealtime hacks can save time and reduce stress.
What is the best dishware for toddlers learning to self-feed?
The best toddler dishware is durable, non-toxic, and easy for little hands to use. Look for options that are free from harmful chemicals, dishwasher-safe, and built to withstand drops. Stainless steel toddler plates and bowls, like those from Lalo, are a popular choice for their safety, longevity, and easy cleanup.
