From Milk to Meals: Supporting Nutritional Balance and Fussy Eaters with Dr. Kyla
Welcome back, Thrivers, to another episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many parents—fussy eating in babies and toddlers. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Kyla, a paediatric dietitian specialising in fussy eating, join us for an insightful conversation. Whether you're navigating the early days of introducing solids or handling a toddler with a selective palate, this episode is packed with valuable advice.
Understanding Fussy Eating in Babies vs Toddlers
Dr. Kyla highlights the differences between fussy eating in babies and toddlers:
Babies:
Most babies are naturally curious about food, exploring flavours and textures enthusiastically. However, some may struggle, especially if they’ve experienced challenges like prematurity, reflux, or medical interventions. These babies aren’t necessarily fussy but may take longer to build confidence in eating.
Toddlers:
By 18 months to 2 years, toddlers’ growth slows, and their appetite decreases. Combine this with their growing independence and sensory awareness, and you have the perfect recipe for fussy eating. Toddlers may reject foods based on texture, colour, or how they’re presented, making mealtimes more complex. Other factors, like health issues or discomfort during eating, can exacerbate the problem.
When to Be Concerned
Parents often wonder when to seek help for fussy eating. Dr. Kyla suggests:
For Babies: Give them until around nine months to find their groove with solids. If they continue to struggle, show signs of discomfort, or have medical concerns (like reflux or frequent vomiting), consulting a GP or feeding expert is a good idea.
For Toddlers: If your child has a severely limited diet, shows distress at mealtimes, or it’s causing significant stress for your family, reaching out to a feeding specialist can make a world of difference.
The Milk and Solids Balance
Parents often grapple with balancing milk and solids. Dr. Kyla offers these guidelines:
For Babies: Continue milk feeds as the primary nutrition source until eight months, then begin introducing solids more consistently.
For Toddlers: Breastfeeding can continue as long as it works for both parent and child. For formula-fed toddlers, transitioning away from formula after 12 months is recommended. Keep cow’s milk under 600ml daily to avoid iron absorption issues.
Mealtime Tips for Anxious Parents
Dr. Kyla understands how stressful mealtimes can be. Her tips:
Adjust Expectations: Focus on small wins, like your child happily sitting at the table or touching a new food, rather than how much they eat.
Create a Supportive Environment: Serve meals family-style and eat alongside your child to reduce pressure.
Include a “Safe” Food: Always offer one food your child reliably eats to make them feel more comfortable.
Respect Their Autonomy: Allow your child to decide what and how much they eat from what’s offered. Avoid pressure or coercion.
Letting Go of Perfection
Dr. Kyla reminds us that every parenting journey is unique. "Meet your child where they’re at, not where you want them to be," she says. Fussy eating isn’t a reflection of your parenting—it’s a normal part of many children’s development.
When you feel stuck, seeking professional support can be transformative. Whether through her online programs (Baby Mealtimes or Toddler Mealtimes), group coaching, or personalised consultations, Dr. Kyla and her team provide tailored advice to help families thrive.
Parenting is full of challenges, but with the right tools and mindset, mealtimes can become more enjoyable and less stressful. As Dr. Kyla reminds us, “The less pressure we put on eating, the more likely our kids are to explore and enjoy food.”
Remember, every meal is an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together. For more guidance, visit Dr. Kyla’s website at toddlermealtimes.com.au.
Until next time, Thrivers! 🌟