Tag: toddlers

Posted on by

Toddler constipation-friendly diet

Toddler constipation-friendly diet Microsoft Word – toddler constipation-friendly diet.docx

Here’s a toddler constipation-friendly diet approach, focused on increasing Fibre safely and supporting healthy digestion:


  1. High-Fibre Foods for Toddlers (Aim for 19 g Fibre/day for ages 1–3) Fruits (with skin where possible)

    • Pears, apples, plums, peaches, apricots

    • Berries (raspberries, blackberries especially high in fibre)

    • Kiwi (also naturally helps bowel movement)

    • Prunes & prune puree

      Vegetables

    • Sweet potato (with skin), butternut, carrots

    • Peas, broccoli, cauliflower

    • Green beans, spinach, zucchini

      Legumes

    • Lentils, chickpeas, black beans (mashed if needed)

    • Hummus on wholegrain crackers

      Wholegrains

    • Oatmeal/porridge (can add chia or flaxseed for extra Fibre)

    • Whole wheat pasta, brown rice

    • Wholegrain bread or wraps


  2. Fluid Intake

    Fibre works best with enough liquid:

    • Water: offer throughout the day, especially with meals.

    • Small amounts of diluted fruit juice (prune, pear, or apple juice) can help.

    • Avoid too much cow’s milk (can cause constipation in some toddlers) — keep to ~350–400 ml/day unless advised otherwise.


  3. Helpful Meal & Snack Ideas

    • Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries & a spoon of ground flaxseed.

    • Snack: Pear slices + water.

    • Lunch: Wholegrain wrap with hummus, grated carrot, cucumber.

    • Snack: Prune puree mixed into yogurt.

    • Dinner: Lentil & vegetable soup with wholegrain bread.


  4. Other Tips

    • Encourage active play — movement stimulates digestion.

    • Keep a routine for meals and toilet time.

    • Introduce Fibre gradually to avoid gas/discomfort.

Posted on by

Toddler milk allergy

Toddler milk allergy Microsoft Word – Toddler milk allergy.docx

For a toddler with cow’s milk allergy (CMA), the key is to completely avoid all cow’s milk proteins (casein and whey) while still ensuring they get enough calcium, vitamin D, healthy fats, and protein from other sources for growth.

Here’s a practical breakdown:


  1. Foods to Avoid


    • All forms of cow’s milk (whole, skim, condensed, evaporated)


    • Dairy products: cheese, yoghurt, butter, cream, sour cream, custard, ice cream


    • Hidden sources: milk powder, milk solids, casein, whey, lactose (often contains milk proteins), milk-derived flavourings

    • Many baked goods, processed snacks, soups, sauces, and instant cereals may contain milk—always read labels.


  2. Safe Milk Alternatives


    Choose fortified, unsweetened plant-based or special formulas (check with your pediatrician). Examples:

    • Fortified oat milk (good for baking & cooking)


    • Fortified soy milk (higher in protein)


    • Fortified almond or rice milk (lower in protein—pair with other protein foods)


    • Hypoallergenic formulas for toddlers if needed:


      • Extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF)


      • Amino acid-based formula (AAF)


  3. Key Nutrients & Where to Get Them

    Nutrient Dairy-Free Sources



    Calcium

    Fortified plant milks, fortified cereals, tofu (calcium-set), leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, chia seeds, tahini


    Vitamin D Fortified plant milks/cereals, safe sunlight exposure, supplements if advised


    Protein Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas, soy products, quinoa


    Healthy fats


    Avocado, nut butters, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish


  4. Example Daily Diet Plan (Age 1–3) Breakfast

    • Fortified oat milk porridge with chia seeds & mashed banana


    • Side of berries


      Snack


    • Apple slices with almond butter (if nut-safe) or hummus


      Lunch


    • Mini chicken & veggie patties


    • Steamed broccoli & sweet potato


    • Water or fortified soy milk


      Snack


    • Dairy-free yoghurt (soy or coconut-based) with oats


      Dinner


    • Salmon flakes with quinoa and roasted carrots


    • Side of avocado


      Before bed (if needed)

    • Fortified plant milk or hypoallergenic toddler formula


  5. Tips for Success


    • Always check “may contain milk” labels—depending on allergy severity, cross-contact can matter.

    • If your toddler is in day care or stays with relatives, give them a clear list of unsafe and safe foods.

    • Track growth with your paediatrician or a paediatric dietitian to ensure no nutrient gaps.


    • Some toddlers with CMA outgrow it—your doctor may recommend a supervised milk challenge later.

Posted on by

Toddler eating veggies

Toddler eating veggies Microsoft Word – Toddler eating veggies.docx

Getting kids to eat vegetables is a bit like trying to get a cat to enjoy a bath — possible, but it takes strategy, patience, and maybe a touch of trickery.

Here’s a practical mix of tips that usually works:


  1. Lead by example

    Kids are more likely to eat veggies if they see you enjoying them. If you act like broccoli is a treat, they might start believing it.


  2. Start small and familiar

    Offer tiny portions — even just one pea or carrot slice. Small steps feel less intimidating.


  3. Make them part of the process

    Let kids pick vegetables at the store or help wash, chop (with kid-safe tools), and stir them. Ownership boosts willingness to try.


  4. Get creative with presentation


    • Make smiley faces or rainbow plates.


    • Serve with fun dips like hummus, tzatziki, or yogurt-based dressings.


    • Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.


  5. Sneak them into favorites


    • Add finely chopped carrots, spinach, or zucchini into pasta sauce.


    • Blend butternut squash or cauliflower into mac & cheese sauce.


    • Use grated veggies in muffins or pancakes.

  6. Pair with something they love

    Mix veggies into foods they already like (cheese toasties with tomato, tacos with hidden peppers, stir-fry with sweet teriyaki sauce).


  7. Offer variety, no pressure

    Research shows repeated exposure without forcing works best — it can take 10–15 tries before a child accepts a new veggie.


  8. Make it a game


    • “Eat the rainbow” challenge — try a veggie of every colour in a week.


    • Give silly names (“superpower carrots,” “dinosaur trees” for broccoli).



  9. Serve them when they’re most hungry

    Put veggies out as a starter or snack before the main meal when hunger levels are high.


  10. Stay calm and consistent

Avoid battles at the table — pressure and bribery can backfire. Just keep offering them regularly.

Posted on by

Toddler diet plan

Toddler diet plan Microsoft Word – Toddler diet plan.docx

Here’s a practical, balanced toddler diet plan that covers the key nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.


Balanced Diet for a Toddler (Ages 1 -3)

1⃣ Daily Food Groups

Food Group Servings per Day* Examples


Fruits & Vegetables 5–6 (½ cup cooked or raw = 1 serving) Carrot sticks, mashed sweet potato,

banana slices, berries, avocado


Grains & Starches 3–4 (¼–½ slice bread, ¼–½ cup cooked

pasta/rice/oats = 1 serving)


Protein 2–3 (30–60g cooked meat/fish, ½ cup beans/lentils, 1 egg)

Whole wheat bread, oats, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato


Chicken, fish, eggs, lentils, chickpeas, tofu


Dairy (or fortified alternative)

2–3 (½ cup milk/yoghurt, 15–20g cheese) Full cream milk, yoghurt, cheese, fortified

soy or oat milk


Healthy Fats At least 2–3 tsp/day Olive oil, nut butter, avocado


*Servings are toddler-sized, not adult-sized.


2⃣ Sample Day’s Toddler Diet Plan Breakfast

  • Oats cooked with milk, topped with mashed banana and cinnamon

  • A few blueberries on the side

    Morning Snack

  • Sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes

  • Cheese cubes

    Lunch

  • Mini whole wheat pita stuffed with shredded chicken, lettuce, and avocado

  • Steamed carrot sticks

    Afternoon Snack

  • Apple slices with peanut butter (thin spread for safety)

    Dinner

  • Baked salmon flakes

  • Mashed sweet potato

  • Steamed broccoli


    3⃣ Key Tips for Toddler Diets

  • Offer variety — rotate foods to expose them to different nutrients and flavors.

  • Watch portion size — toddlers’ tummies are small; frequent small meals are best.

  • Limit added sugar & salt — flavor with herbs, spices, and natural sweetness from fruit.

  • Hydration — water is best between meals; milk up to ~400–500ml/day.

Posted on by

Limiting toddler screen time

Limiting Toddler screen time Microsoft Word – Limiting Toddler screen time.docx


  • Under 18 months:


    Avoid screens altogether (except for occasional video calls with family).


  • 18–24 months:


    If you introduce screens, use only high-quality, age-appropriate content and watch together so you can help them understand what they’re seeing.

  • 2–5 years:


    Limit to about 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, ideally split into shorter chunks.


    The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize that real-life play, interaction, and movement are far more important for brain development than screen-based activities at this age.


    Here’s a practical daily guide to keep toddler screen time balanced and beneficial while prioritizing healthy development:


    Toddler Daily Balance: Screens vs. Real Life


    Morning (wake-up to midday)


  • ✅ No screens first thing — start with real play, movement, and conversation.

  • Activities: free play with toys, outdoor time, story reading, music, puzzles.


    Midday (after lunch)


  • If desired, short screen time session (15–20 min) while you prepare food or have a break.

    Tiger’s Neighborhood*).


  • Sit with them if possible — talk about what they see.


    Afternoon


  • More physical play (running, dancing, climbing) and social interaction.


  • Keep screens off to encourage imagination.


    Late afternoon/early evening


  • ✅ Optional second short screen time session (15–20 min) — ideally interactive (drawing apps, sing-along videos).

  • Avoid anything too stimulating right before bed.


    Evening (wind-down)


  • No screens at least 1 hour before bedtime to help with sleep quality.


  • Bedtime stories, cuddles, quiet music instead.


    Key Tips


  • 📱 Total per day: Aim for around 1 hour or less, broken into short segments.


  • 🖐 Watch together: Turn it into a learning moment by asking questions (“What colour is that?” “What’s the cat doing?”).

  • 🎯 Prioritize active, hands-on activities over passive watching.


  • 🚫 Avoid background TV — it distracts from play and conversation.

Posted on by

Nap disaster day survival guide

Nap disaster day survival guide Microsoft Word – Nap disaster day survival guide.docx

Here’s your "Disaster Day" Survival Guide for when naps go wrong during the toddler sleep regression or nap transition.


toddler_sleep_tracker.xlsx


If the Nap is Skipped Entirely

  • Quiet Time Instead: 20–30 mins in a dim room with books, soft music, or a comfort toy. Even if they don’t sleep, it helps them reset.

  • Early Bedtime: Aim for 6:00–6:30 p.m. to avoid overtired meltdowns.

  • Keep the Afternoon Calm: Avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime — no rough play or screen time.


    If the Nap is Short (<1 hour)

  • Don’t try a second nap — it usually pushes bedtime too late and makes night waking worse.

  • Mini Rest Break: Offer 10–15 minutes of cuddle time, stroller walk, or quiet play in the afternoon.

  • Bedtime Bump: Move bedtime up by 30–60 minutes.


    If Bedtime is Delayed (Overtired Toddler Meltdown)

  • Skip Part of the Routine: Go straight from bath to story to bed, cutting out extras.

  • Stay Calm & Predictable: Toddlers mirror your energy — keep your voice slow and steady.

  • Dark, Cool Room: Block out distractions to help them crash faster.


    If Night Waking Increases

  • Keep Interactions Minimal: No play, no snacks — just reassurance and back to bed.

  • Use the Comfort Object: A soft toy or blanket that smells like you can help them self- settle.

  • Stay Consistent: Avoid bringing them to your bed unless that’s something you want to keep long-term — toddlers remember quickly.


💡 Pro tip: The occasional disaster day won’t undo your progress – the key is to bounce back to your normal schedule the very next day.

Posted on by

Toddler sleep regression

Toddler sleep regression Microsoft Word – Toddler sleep regression.docx

Toddler sleep regression is when a child who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more at night, resisting naps, or having trouble falling asleep. It’s common and usually temporary, but it can feel exhausting.


Why it happens (often between 18 months and 3 years):


  • Developmental leaps – new skills like walking, talking, or imaginative play can make their brains “too busy” for sleep.

  • Separation anxiety – toddlers become more aware when you’re gone.


  • Teething – molars coming in can disrupt rest.


  • Nap changes – dropping from two naps to one or shortening naps.


  • New fears – like the dark or “monsters.”


  • Big life changes – new sibling, moving house, or starting with day care.


How to help:


  1. Stick to a consistent routine – bedtime rituals like bath, story, and cuddle signal it’s time to wind down.

  2. Adjust naps – too much or too little daytime sleep can affect night sleep.


  3. Offer comfort – short, calm reassurance if they wake, without turning it into playtime.


  4. Keep nights dark and quiet – minimal talking or light so they learn night is for sleeping.


  5. Encourage physical activity – plenty of play in the day helps tire them out.


  6. Address fears – use a nightlight or comfort object if needed.


  7. Be patient – regressions often last 2–6 weeks.


If the regression lasts longer than 6–8 weeks, is paired with snoring, pauses in breathing, or extreme restlessness, it’s worth checking with a paediatrician to rule out medical causes.

Posted on by

Toddler 2 week nap transition plan

Toddler 2 week nap transition plan Microsoft Word – Toddler 2 week nap transition plan.docx

Here’s a 2-week nap transition plan for a 2-year-old going from two naps to one, designed to avoid meltdowns and night-time chaos.


Week 1: Gentle Shift

Goal: Push the morning nap later, shorten the afternoon nap.

Day 1–3:

  • Morning nap: 9:30–10:15 a.m. (wake them after ~45 min)

  • Afternoon nap: 2:15–3:00 p.m.

  • Bedtime: ~7:30 p.m.

    Day 4–7:

  • Morning nap: 10:00–10:45 a.m.

  • Afternoon nap: 2:30–3:00 p.m.

  • Bedtime: ~7:15 p.m. (slightly earlier to help with extra tiredness)


    Week 2: Merge into One Nap

    Goal: Drop the morning nap entirely and stretch to midday.

    Day 8–10:

  • Nap: 11:00–1:00 p.m.

  • Bedtime: ~7:00 p.m. (early bedtime to prevent overtiredness)

    Day 11–14:

  • Nap: 12:00–2:00 p.m.

  • Bedtime: ~7:15–7:30 p.m.


    Extra Support During the Transition

  • If they get cranky before nap in the early days, give a light snack and 15 minutes of quiet time with books before nap.

  • If they skip nap or it’s under 1 hour, move bedtime up to 6:30 p.m. that night.

  • Keep the routine consistent — same nap space, same bedtime rituals.

  • Get plenty of morning sunlight and active play to help them last until nap.

Posted on by

Toddler two week potty training schedule

Toddler two week potty training schedule Microsoft Word – Toddler two week potty training schedule.docx

Week 1 – Introducing & Practicing


Here’s a practical, parent-tested guide to make potty training smoother and less stressful—for both you and your toddler.


Day 1–2: Potty Familiarisation

  • Place the potty in the bathroom (or a familiar space).

  • Let your toddler explore it—sit on it with clothes on first.

  • Read potty books or watch short potty training videos.

  • Change diapers in the bathroom so they associate it with going.


    Day 3–4: Bare-Bottom Practice

  • Keep them in a long T-shirt or dress with no diaper/pants at home.

  • Offer the potty every 30–60 minutes and after waking, meals, and drinks.

  • Praise every attempt, even if nothing happens.

  • Expect lots of accidents—stay calm and clean up together.


    Day 5–7: Adding Underwear

  • Introduce soft, fun underwear (let them help pick it).

  • Continue scheduled potty breaks and prompt them when you notice “potty signs” (fidgeting, crossing legs).

  • Keep outings short and take a travel potty if possible.


    Week 2 – Building Consistency

    Day 8–10: Out & About

  • Keep using underwear at home and on short trips (less than 1 hour).

  • Take potty breaks before leaving and as soon as you arrive somewhere.

  • Bring extra clothes and wipes in your bag.


    Day 11–14: Independence Encouragement

  • Let your toddler take more control—have them tell you when they need to go.

  • Teach them to pull pants up/down and wipe (you’ll still help for hygiene).

  • Keep celebrating successes and handle accidents without fuss.


    Extra Tips for the Whole 2 Weeks

  • Give lots of fluids so they get more practice.

  • Use consistent wording (“Time to use the potty” instead of “Do you need to go?” which they might always say “no” to).

  • End each potty visit with handwashing – make it a fun ritual.

Posted on by

Toddler potty training

Toddler potty training Microsoft Word – Toddler potty training.docx

Here’s a practical, parent-tested guide to make potty training smoother and less stressful – for both you and your toddler.


  1. Know the signs they’re ready


    Potty training works best when your toddler shows readiness cues, such as:

    • Staying dry for 2+ hours at a time

    • Showing interest in the toilet or potty chair

    • Telling you (verbally or through gestures) when they’ve gone

    • Disliking dirty diapers

    • Being able to pull pants up/down


  2. Set up for success


    • Pick the right potty – some kids like a small floor potty, others prefer a seat insert for the regular toilet.

    • Dress for quick access – avoid overalls, belts, or complicated snaps.

    • Potty in sight – keep it in the bathroom (or nearby during early days).


  3. Use positive routines


    • Start with sitting practice – even fully clothed, to get comfortable.

    • Regular potty breaks – every 2 hours, and after meals, naps, or waking up.

    • Read potty-themed books or sing songs while sitting to keep it positive.


  4. Encourage, don’t pressure


    • Praise efforts, not just results (“You tried to go! Good job!”).

    • Avoid punishment or shame for accidents—they’re normal.

    • Use rewards wisely – stickers, a fun dance, or verbal high-fives can motivate some kids.

  5. Handle accidents gracefully


    • Have wipes and extra clothes handy.

    • Simply say, “Oops, accidents happen, let’s try again next time.”

    • Stay calm so your child doesn’t associate potty training with stress.


  6. Night-time Training Comes Later


  • Many children stay in pull-ups at night for months (or even years) after daytime training.

  • Wait for consistently dry mornings before going diaper-free overnight.


✅ Quick tip: Consistency is your best friend—switching back and forth between diapers and underwear during the day can confuse them.