Should You Limit Your Childs Food Intake at 15 Mo

I never did with my twins, and they ate like crazy until they were two, and then they cut down themselves. Even though they ate so much one is average size for his age, and the other one is so active that he's still real skinny.

They definitely should be having a morning and afternoon snack. Children need these snacks to keep their blood sugar even keel. It is unhealthy for them to each just 3 meals like adults do. In fact, it is suggested that adults eat 6 smaller meals a day to also keep their blood sugar in line.

I just think as long as it's not harming them, its okay. They must need the food. They eat a lot before age 1, because they are growing so much. So as long as they are not throwing up, or gaining way too much weight, it's fine. Don't worry about it!

It sounds to me like your children have normal appitites, 4 pancakes between 3 children is not that much food. And yes, they do need snacks! A child's blood sugar can drop much faster than an adult's, and when they have low blood sugar they are likely to be cranky and throw tantrums. Remember that your children are still growing, and that they sometimes will go through a growth spurt and need more food than usual for a few days. If you try to put a very young child on a diet then that child is acctually MORE likely to grow up to be overweight. If your are concerned about your children's weight then talk to their doctor. Just make sure that the food you give them is healthy and that they get plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep, they can self-regulate and not overeat unless you "teach" them to overeat by pressureing them to clean their plate.

This was something I was worried about also and addressed it with the pediatrician. According to my children's pediatrician you should NOT limit your child's food intake. Their tummies are little and can handle smaller amounts of food at a time. My daughter grazes all day long (or at least it seems that way) or she eats 6+ pancakes and fruit at one sitting. Just try to make sure to be offering healthy snacks. Also, they do not worry about a child's weight until they are 2 yrs. Also, remember all children are different. Out of 4 children my youngest is the only one that, at that age, seemed to eat me out of house and home.

That is not too much to eat. They should be having a morning and an afternoon snack and maybe even more for breakfast and other meals if they are hungry for it. Unless a Dr. has told you that your child is severely obese I would not worry about them eating an excess amount. My 18 month old can eat 2 or more pancakes by herself plus fruit and milk for breakfast. They consider her weight to be low. She eats like crazy but is a very active child. I think you should relax. The little ones will let you know when they are not hungry. Pushing the plate away or playing with their food, possibly saying no or shaking their head no can let you know when they are full.

Hi M.,

My son is 16 months old and I've wondered the same thing since he just loves to eat. But I do believe they are eating so much for a reason - they are going through a growth spurt, or simply burning so much energy with their newfound walking/running skills. I don't think it's worth it to get too concerned about them eating too much at this age. I've heard much worse stories about kids not eating enough, which seems much more concerning to me.

Enjoy them!

If you are limiting unhealthy options and valueless calories, then anything else they want to eat, they probably need! Until we are retrainied by culture to eat at given times, places and for solace, people eat because they are hungry. Children do this naturally, until we teach them otherwise. If they are hungry and you give them healthy options, they will stop when full. Limiting healthy foods when they are little can have adverse consequences, since we don't always know they are experiencing another growth spurt until we notice their eating habits have changed! Growth spurts vary in timing and length, increased activity requires more calories. They need more food, often before we know it.

SAHM of seven

M.,

I add my vote to let them eat as much as their body says they need.

One thing - if those are white flour pancakes they are eating, switch them to whole wheat. White flour is not only lacking nutrition, it sends messages to the brain triggering you to want to eat more. Switch them to whole wheat on things like pasta and flour and brown rice. Not only will their meals be more nutritious, they will be satisfied earlier with less empty calories.

Let them eat until they are full and disinterested, just make sure they are eating real fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and dairy, not processed convenience foods full of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils.

S.

My oldest is in kindergarten and still has a morning and afternoon snack. That may help them not be so hungry at meal times. It doesn't sound to me that they are eating too much. If you are really concerned I would say to just make sure what they are eating is good for them, fruit, whole grains etc... and you shouldn't have to worry. Probably by two they are going to be way too busy wanting to play and will slow up on wanting to eat.

Hi M.,
I think you've gotten some great input here. Also, from the perspective of having twins, I remember when my twin brothers were little, they ate A LOT. And OFTEN. And they were always skinny little things with lots of energy. Their doc told my mom it was normal for twins to have higher metabolisms, especially since they were born really premature. So I would say feed them at regular times (three meals, with 2-3 snacks in between), give them lots of healthy choices, and let them dictate their intake. Good luck!

I agree with many other posters...don't limit food intake! I know its easy to get paranoid with all of the "worst case scenarios" on t.v. programs and the news ...you know the 60 lb toddler that can put away 2 #10 cans (institutional sized) of Chef Boyardi Raviolli, 20 McNuggets, and his own bucket of KFC. These really are the exception, and I think often the mother's are to blame because they overfeed these kids for unhealthy (psycholgically speaking) reasons.

I had a lot of success with the "SuperBaby Super Foods" book by Ruth Yaron (at Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles) It has detailed charts with suggested feeding amounts and schedules for infants to toddlers. It also has great healthy recipes (even some good ones for the finicky crowd) and other useful dietary information.

Another good resource is any cookbook written by Annabel Karmel (I just love her stuff!). She puts detailed serving suggestions broken down by age in her cookbooks too.

What I love about Annabel (she's a big chef in the UK) is she has great gourmet recipes that kids love. My hubby is a picky eater, and loves just about everything `Annabel' that I make. This really has cut down on making "separate" meals for the picky-eaters in my house. She also has a website with the suggested feedin charts and recipes as well. Go to www.annabelkarmel.com.

If you suspect your kids have a true eating disorder, I'd consult with your pediatrician for an evaluation. They'd be able to confirm your suspicions and recommend a proper dietary solution.

Last but not least..I'd stop worrying. My kids did it all. it seems to be cyclical or go in phases. For months they'd refuse certain foods and live off of yogurt only, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then all of a sudden they can't get enough of everything I serve them.

When they go through these "I gotta eat everything..and lot's of it" phases, they really do put away the food, yet they are very, very skinny and tall for their ages. My doc assures me this is normal and to just feed them what they want, when they want it, short of candy and pop of course. She doesn't recommend it (LOL) and I just don't serve it! When they go to grandma's that's another story.

I hope this helps and Bon Appetit! :)

You probably shouldn't limit how much they eat, just what they eat.

I did daycare for 5 years. I fed breakfast at 7:30 AM, then lunch at 11:15 AM, and then a snack at 2:45 PM. Then all the kids ate supper between 5 or 6 PM and all had a bedtime snack as well. (I don't feel that they need a morning snack unless you don't feed lunch until noon or later. Then a snack at 9:30 or 10 AM would be a good idea!)

As long as you're feeding nutritious foods, let them eat. They are growing tons at this age. I buy all organic crackers for my 3 year old and infant to munch on. And definitely offer fruits and vegetables for their snacks. And usually only use organic wheat flour as well when I'm making foods. I have noticed that the organic foods seem to feel all of us up faster. So, we tend to eat less then.

Make sure that you only give smaller portions at first so they have to ask for seconds. The more you put on a plate the more kids usually eat. So, don't encourage overeating by giving too much. And also limit desserts. If you feed nutritious foods children are not made to overeat, they are taught it.

Hope this helps.

Mandy

All kids are different in what they can eat. My older son is a HUGE eater and has always been right in the middle of the percentages for his weight if not on the low end. My little guy is a light eater, and I am thrilled if he eats a whole pancake.

There are times when my 3 year old will eat as much as me! It sounds like you are doing a great job, and to just keep feeding them and they will be fine.

Most toddlers eat 3 meals plus 2 snacks a day if not a 3rd bedtime snack (depending on bedtime and dinnertime schedules).

J.

Hi M.
I agree with Cara. You should not limit there food intake my children are 5 & 8 and still have a morning and afterschool snack. If you start to make food an issue now it will be an issue for the rest of there lives. at this age they do not know how to over eat. Have Good Day:)T.

I wouldn't worry about what society says on how much or how little we should feed our kids. They are growing kids and need that fuel for their active life. Everyones matabolism is different. Your kids may have that fast gene. When kids are hungry they will eat, if not they won't! Your kids are only 15 and 12 months old so let them eat! Have fruit available all the time, because fruit is empty calories! Most of it falls on the floor anyway! I never believed in depriving my kids of food and they are healthy. Stop worrying and do what you feel is right. Just because they eat a lot doesn't mean they will become obese.Every child is different!

Unless they are overweight there is no reason to limit their food. Even if they are overweight you need to talk to a pediatrician before limiting calories. At this age, and for a few more years, they should be getting a morning snack and an afternoon snack. It won't be very long before you won't be able to get them to eat anything! Don't worry about that either, they will eat when they get hungry!

I have never limited food intake with my daughter, but I have a friend who was always concerned with her daughter and limits the food she eats. She feels like her daughter would eat CONSTANTLY if given a choice. When snacks are around (like at a family gathering) her child will eat and eat and eat, and will even choose food over playing. Not sure what that is...but she has chosen to limit. Her husband and his family are genetically large people as well so that may be some of her incentive for her daughter as well...teaching self control vs. gorging...not sure. Offer healthy snacks as much as possible and give them often to curb the over hungry feeling. If you're worried about the over weight issue, you could also reduce some of the high fat foods from the daily diet, like milk instead of formula, or a less fattening milk instead of whole milk, etc.

Hi M.,
I would not limit your child's food intake at such an early age unless there is a good reason. My son is going to be 2 next month, and he has a morning and afternoon snack at daycare still. I think that lasts a long time.

If what you're saying is that 3 kids eat a total of 4 pancakes, then that's not much at all. My son has been able to knock off 2-3 pancakes or more on his own for some time now. If each of your twins is eating 4 pancakes, then that's a bit more. I still wouldn't be too alarmed.
-C.

No need to limit a toddlers food intake. Toddlers are completely self regulatory. There was a study done on 18 toddler and even though one ate like an obscene amount of bananas for breakfast (and there were other odd/weird choices made by other kids) over the course of the study they all ate perfectly balanced diets. If you are offering healthy choices, not to worry mama!

I fed my daughter until she said no more. She was chunky and off the charts in weight but she was hungry.

Kids have this natural ability to listen to their stomachs and they know when to stop we adults screw it up by insisting they clean their plates which teaches them to stop listening to their stomachs and over eat they then for the rest of their lives ignore their stomachs and just know when the plate is clean I am done. This is horrible. By age 3 kids have their eating habits established for life.

That's what I've done with my daughter she had to choice to eat as she pleased nothing was ever forced or denied from her. She is a very very good eater not picky at all and skinny as a rail now.

I would also only worry about a afternoon snack after lunch.

Children eat most when they are growing. Do you want them to grow? Stop worrying and keep feeding them healthy food. They'll be fine.

By the way, kids stop growing when they are about 16-20 years old.

Hi there, M.. My daughter is 12 months, and I offer her food (snack or meal) about every three hours. My baby is very low on weight, so I make sure to include/offer a protein every time (string cheese, cottage cheese, meat, yogurt, and just now introducing peanut butter), in addition to a fruit, whole grain or veggie. The "What To Expect..." books, both the The First Year, and The Toddler Years include dietary and portion information for babies, with sample menus. I've found those to be very helpful.

At this age your twins are growing at a fast rate and are very active so when they are eating breakfast feed them. They will stop when they are full. Your twins will go through growth spurts like this all through the growing years. As for the afternoon snacks they definitely need nutritious snacks in the afternoon, they would be loosing important nutrients in their diet if they didn't. Besides, the snacks in the mid-morning and afternoon help with crabiness. I'm guessing that your twins are walking so they are burning up energy fast. God luck!

Depends on the size of pan cake.

Children learn what they are taught.

If you let a child over eat unhealthy food or push it on them the will be obese soon and get life time bad habits.

I got my children and other children to eat healthy pan cake by making egg and water and milk free pancakes .

I added instead of water apple say juice.

For eggs I added fresh berries 1-6tps per batch of 12 -16 cakes.
Apple sauce works wonders .

I made dollar sizes so if they had say four or six it looked like alot but as not.
Good way to fool their minds into they are full and still have them well feed.

I made animal shapes with a drop of batter here n there to make a animal face body and tail, when they pan cake as starting to form I had to add more mix. (Almost ready to flip over.)

And I used cookie cutters.
By heating the pan cake on a cool or cold pan = griddle the cake got well formed not stiff and I could cut the shape with a cookie cutter.

Great way to get the kids into helping.

Have them choice a shape.

The older children have fun picking raisins for eyes, carrots yes shredded carrots for whiskers of a loin. blue berries for mouth, ohh great idea they love is chocolate chip eyes - oh well one unhealthy is ok or use dark chocolate if they are use to it.

Also meat like ring bologna or hot dogs or white grilled flat chicken peice diced - sliced make great fillers at night to fill up the hole family and have a complete meal also.

Also I would heat up left over pan cakes or flour soft shells then eat with jelly or cheese or left over meat loaf good.

For the children give 1-2 cakes and 1-2 ttps of fruit in am.

A couple of hours later say give them juice or fruit.

Then maybe 1 more tiny snack folloed by water or watered down juice.

Great way to start poty training when you want to.

For lunch you will find they are not so hungry and the water helps this

D..

Yes, they should be having a small snack in the morning, afternoon and evening. Should have 2 hours between a snack and a meal. At least according to the food program for daycares!

My youngest will be 15 months on Sunday and he eats when he wants as much as he wants. I wouldn't limit food intake. Kids know when they're full and they know when they're hungry. If your twins are still eating they're still hungry. I wouldn't stop a meal because you *think* they should be done. My youngest will be 15 months on Sunday and eats a lot at each meal and at snack times. I don't know where he puts it because he's a tiny little thing but he would eat all day if I let him. He eats breakfast at 7:30, has a morning snack around 10:30, lunch at 12, afternoon snack at 4:30 and dinner at 6.

Hi M., as mother of 2 sets of twins I have not limited their food, they will let you know when they are full. My doctor reminded me several times that twins are playing catch up. I do not think 4 small pancakes and fruit too much. It is also good to give snacks in the morning and afternoon. My youngest twins are almost 3 and I still give them a morning and afternoon snack, fruits or veggies with some kind of cracker. I do come from a family with overweight issues, and I have always been concerned for my children. I have never forced food on them or with held it. I have to say that was the best thing I have ever done for them. My oldest set of twins are 12 and are the picture of health. They will still pick an apple over a cookie. I have to warn you that every kid goes through a time when they wont eat alot and you will think they are starving. I have found out that is normal. My doctor did tell me that when they eat more they are going through a growing period, and he was right. I say no to limiting food. Yes to morning and afternoon snacks. Have fun and enjoy your children.

Hi-
Kids have the ability to know when they are full and they eat when they are hungry and sometimes not on our "regular" meal schedules. It is adults who disregard the brain signal from our stomaches which leads to overweight issues :=)
Kids should have as many snacks as they want, but definitely a morning and afternoon snack. The thing to remember is to offer the fruits and veggies. Grazing is the method that they prefer to eat since their stomachs are so small. It might seem like you are always feeding them but the little, frequent portions help. A schedule just helps them to "plan" their days so they know what to expect - since they have no concept of time
Your kids may also be going through a growth spurt in which you'll see them eat alot for a few days and again, I would just go with the flow. Good luck!

M.,
I am studying to be a registered nurse and I just passed my nutrition classes. She was telling us that the 12 month range kids like consistency of things that they eat. When they get to the 18 mo range give them everything. But but everything I mean good foods. Pancakes are fine, not a lot of syrup. Fruits and grains of any sort. She was telling us that finger foods like peas, bananas cut up, (again fruits and veggies) are a great way for them to feed themselves and feel independent. Another thing I learned is a lot of variety. Give them a little pancake, a little Cheerios, things they can handle and lots of variety. As long as they are getting good foods and not fattening foods it will not harm them. Hope this helps!
C.

I agree with the previous two posts. Don't limit them. If they want to eat then let them eat. Just be sure to offer healthy meals and healthy snacks. As long as they are happy and healthy don't worry about it.

M.,

I also agree with the others. My daughter seemed heavy and weighed 30 pounds at 6 months. I was concerned and ask my Pediatrician because whe loved food and lot of it. She said to let her eat because she needs the nutrition. At 18 months I wanted to switch her to low fat milk but the doc said she needs the Vit. D until age 2. She is now 2 still weighs 30 pounds and has become a picky eater and doesn't eat like she did before. She is also very active and tall and looks much slimmer. I just make sure she eats a variety and try to limit juice more fruits. At age 1 our daycare started adding in a morning snack and afternoon snack. Hope this helps

M.

I have a daycare and according to the food program guildlines, the children should have a fruit, bread/grain, and milk for breakfast and 3 hours later have the next meal whether it be a snack or lunch. I have breakfast at 8:30, lunch at 11:30, and afternoon snack between 2 and 3. This seems to balance out so they are eating everything at each meal because at lunch they have a meat, grain, veggie, fruit, and milk.