Meals with your toddler can be tricky, especially if you’re also managing an infant or older children. Kids between the ages of one and three are noisy, messy, and easily distracted. They’re prone to pickiness and food refusal. They’re also completely adorable and fun to be around, so here are some ideas for making meals with them a breeze.

Make sure you have a routine in place.

Children often thrive in structured environments, and we can all drown in chaos, so get a mealtime routine sorted. Sit the family around the table at the same time, if possible, and keep the environment calm and pleasant. Put the screens away and turn the television off. Let your toddler observe all of you eating and enjoying foods while displaying good table manners they can copy.

Offer a variety of foods.

There’s a whole world of food out there that your toddler can enjoy. As a parent, it’s your job to bring it home and prepare it for them to try in a safe, familiar space. Encourage them to try new things without forcing them. Be patient, and try presenting the food in a new way if you encounter resistance.

Make your meals fun.

Your child will have grown up and left before you know it, believe us! It happens fast. Make the most of your time with your toddler, and if you love to cook—or even just to eat—share that joy with them. Make every meal positive and fun for them, and you’ll make memories you’ll keep for years to come.

Don’t stress about the mess.

Toddlers aren’t the tidiest of creatures. You’ll teach them better habits for household tasks in good time. For the moment, they can benefit from being allowed to explore new food textures and tastes. Buy them bibs and smocks to protect their clothes. Sit them in a spot where they can play about a bit without anything getting in the way, and set down a plastic mat or newspaper to catch spills.

Never use food to bribe, reward, or punish children.

Children can develop unhealthy associations with food if you use it to bribe, reward, or punish them. Instead of doing this, try praising them for trying new things or showing good banners. If you must have a reward system, we recommend a start chart.

Portion sizes

Offer your child the portion sizes recommended for their age group. Respond to their eating cues and don’t force them to eat.

What are some tips for a successful meals with my toddler?

From Unii’s Toddler Nutrition Journey, we share tips for successful meals with toddlers.