Feeding with Care: Nurturing Your Child’s Growth by Listening to Their Hunger Cues
One of the top concerns for parents of babies 0-3 years is nutrition. If you’ve been thinking about it, you’re already doing a great job! At Flourishing Children, we believe feeding a child isn’t just about filling them up—it’s about culture, love, and connection. These factors influence how we feed, but they shouldn’t be the deciding factors. The most important aspect is paying attention to your child’s hunger and fullness cues.
How we feed babies is just as important as what we feed them. Nature made mother’s milk the best and first option, providing essential nutrients and bonding. Paying attention to your child’s cues builds a healthy relationship with food and supports their development.
We’ve seen caregivers unintentionally overstep boundaries when trying to ensure their child eats enough. Some caregivers have gotten into trouble for forcing kids to eat or withholding food as punishment. These practices are not acceptable. We need to feed children when they are hungry and stop when they’re full. Dr. Emmi Pikler said, “Respecting a child’s hunger and fullness cues helps them build a healthy relationship with food.”
One colleague pointed out that forcing babies to eat when they’re not hungry could be the first experience of “gaslighting.” Gaslighting is when a child’s reality is manipulated, making them doubt their own feelings. When we ignore their hunger or fullness cues, we tell them their body is wrong. This damages their trust in themselves. It’s important to create a safe space for children to trust their instincts and develop a healthy relationship with food.
Each child is different, so adjust feeding to meet their individual needs. Below are the general guidelines for feeding from birth to three years. Flexibility is key, so always adapt to your child’s unique needs.
Recommended Feeding Guidelines for Babies and Toddlers (Birth to Three Years):
Birth to 6 Months:
- Breastfeeding is the best and first option. If necessary, formula is the alternative.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for six months provides essential nutrients and boosts immunity.
6 Months to 12 Months:
- Breastfeeding or formula continues as the primary nutrition source.
- Introduce solid foods like pureed fruits, vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals around 6 months.
12 Months to 18 Months:
- Whole milk can be introduced at 12 months if breastfeeding ends.
- Solid foods: Toddlers can start eating a variety of textures and small, chopped foods.
18 Months to 2 Years:
- Continue offering whole milk or breast milk.
- Provide a variety of foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins.
2 Years to 3 Years:
- Offer whole milk or 2% milk, depending on your pediatrician’s advice.
- Continue providing a balanced diet with foods from all food groups.
Feeding is about more than providing food—it’s about responding to your child’s needs and building trust. By respecting their cues and creating a positive eating environment, you give them a healthy foundation.
Join our community that believes in empowering babies through movement and play—let’s give them the freedom to thrive!
