Health Tip: Don't Overfeed Your Toddler

(HealthDay News) -- Toddlers and preschool-aged children still have tiny tummies, so it's important to feed them portion sizes that are appropriate for their age to teach healthy eating habits.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lists these guidelines to help you feed toddlers and preschoolers appropriate portion sizes:

  • Start with a small serving size -- always smaller than yours -- and let your child ask for more food if still hungry.

  • Try a tablespoon per year of age of each food served.

  • Pay attention to your child's signs of fullness, and remove food when your child begins playing with food or becoming restless.

  • Don't push the "clean plate club" adage of your youth, and instead teach children to stop eating when they are full.

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