Common Eating Patterns 1 - 5 years

1-2 years

• Appetite drops as growth slows
• Learns to drink from cup, usually weaned
• May cut back to 2 cups of milk a day
• Likes to feed self but likely needs help
• Copies others and will mainly eat family foods
• When cutting teeth, may have difficulty chewing
• Has acute taste buds and can detect slight differences in foods
• Is developing likes and dislikes; likes sweets
• Likes to touch and play with food, responds to food texture
• Learns to say no and be more independent

2-3 years

• Improved muscle control, can use spoon and fork
• Desserts/sweets desired and asked for
• Will be willing to wait a bit for requests to be filled
• Usually will eat raw veggies, but may refuse salads
• Green veggies become more acceptable

4-5 years

• May return to food jags or go on food strikes
• Is influenced by others (i.e. children, tv ads, teachers)
• Likes plain cooking and foods separated on plate
• Dislikes most mixed food dishes and gravies
• By age five, often has fewer demands and will accept available food
• Appetite is gradually decreasing

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