Toddlers are busy little folk, and some seem to subsist on air and snack crackers. A growing toddler's body and brain need quality calories, however. Keep in mind that not every meal has to be perfectly balanced. If your toddler is eating vegetables or fruit every day, or even every couple of days, that may be fulfilling the dietary requirements. If you are worried that your toddler is not getting enough vitamin-rich fruit and vegetable servings, discuss his or her diet with your physician. You can encourage your toddler to eat better foods by cutting up soft fruits and vegetables into cracker-sized bites and providing them throughout the day. Many toddlers have trouble sitting through meals but will grab whatever is on offer as they race by from activity to activity. Stimulate a toddler's senses with a colorful and fun presentation. Try preparing food with your toddler to see if that generates any interest. If all else fails, tuck vegetables and fruits into other favorite foods to get them used to the taste more gradually.
