Tips for Toddler Mealtime after a New Baby

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When life changes, so does eating. Having a new baby definitely changes everything in your house. If you also have a toddler or older kid at home, don't be surprised if the addition of a sibling causes disruption at mealtime. You may find yourself serving crackers and milk for lunch. We want to be the first to tell you this: it's ok.

How can you make mealtime a little better with a newborn and an older kid - or multiple kids?

1. Lower your expectations. Sometimes just feeding your kid anything is a win. This is a season, and it tends to be challenging - it’s OK if you make mealtime simple. Think about something with protein, a veggie or fruit when possible, and offering around 3 different foods with each meal.
2. Sometimes older siblings feel left out when baby is born. Try to focus on what your older kid(s) can do that the baby can’t, and eat meals together as much as possible - even if they’re on the couch or as a carpet picnic - to try to reconnect with your older child(ren).
3. Involve your older child(ren) in simple meal prep, grabbing snacks for breastfeeding parents while they feed the baby, prepping bottles for baby, etc. Let them do special activities (grabbing a fresh diaper, finding baby’s paci) to remind them that they have an important role in the family. Small changes like this can help them become less resistant at mealtime since they feel more connected.
4. Don’t forget about the importance of physical touch! Sometimes eating dinner on a parent's lap works wonders.
5. Ask for help when possible. If someone asks you what they can bring over, request food or snacks. People want to help - give them an opportunity to do so!
6. Utilize convenience when possible. It’s OK to get meals or groceries delivered - do what you need to do!
7. Expect to feel guilty - but try to see the big picture. We all feel guilty when we can’t give our older child(ren) the attention they’re used to receiving. Try to think of the future. You’re giving your other kiddo(s) such a wonderful gift - a friend, a partner in crime - and in a few months they’ll begin to interact and start to enjoy each other. You’re in the hard part now. Hang in there!

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