News from Funky Babes

UK Parents Concerned They Are Not Fulfilling Toddler’s Nutritional Needs

Nine out of ten (92%) UK parents admit they’re not confident they know what their toddler’s healthy diet should consist of, reveals new research. Two fifths (39%) go further admitting they’re not convinced their child has a healthy balanced diet, receiving all the nutrients they require.

The research conducted by SMA Nutrition to identify toddlers eating habits confirms Government statistics, highlighting that just one in ten (11%) toddlers achieve their recommended intake of vitamins and minerals required for healthy growth and development. Iron and vitamin D are two of the key nutrients toddlers maybe become deficient in.

Is your toddler a Foodie Fan or Mini Muncher?

To help parents understand their toddlers eating habits, SMA Nutrition identified four different typologies:

• Foodie Fan. Almost half (47%) of parents feel their toddler is an adventurous Foodie Fan. These toddlers are happy to try new food and have a somewhat sophisticated palate for their years

• Contrary Kid. Nearly one in three (33%) parents admit their toddler is a Contrary Kid who can be unpredictable when it comes to their ever changing mealtime likes and dislikes

• Stubborn Stompers. For one in ten (9%) parents, their toddlers are the Stubborn Stompers of the bunch. These rather smart or headstrong toddlers seem to know exactly what foods they do and don’t like without even tasting them

• Mini Muncher. A small minority (8%) of parents confess that their toddler is a Mini Muncher. This group will do anything to avoid eating at the table, preferring to snack their way through the day

Despite lots of different typologies, the research shows that parents’ worries are universal. So, to aid parents with the rollercoaster that can be meal times, SMA Nutrition has teamed up with Eileen Hayes, parenting and behaviour expert who comments:

“Almost all parents know only too well that moment when a lovingly prepared meal is completely rejected by their toddler. It is important to realise that all children have certain preferences and it can take many times trying new foods before a toddler will accept it.’

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Our founder, Claire, was the award-winning editor of the 1990s edition of Miriam Stoppard’s 'Conception Pregnancy and Birth' which topped the bestselling list for nearly a year and was translated around the world.

She has written for and edited many other pregnancy and parenting books, magazines and websites, as well as writing medical, health and pregnancy information for The World Health Network.

News from Funky Babes

UK Parents Concerned They Are Not Fulfilling Toddler’s Nutritional Needs

Nine out of ten (92%) UK parents admit they’re not confident they know what their toddler’s healthy diet should consist of, reveals new research. Two fifths (39%) go further admitting they’re not convinced their child has a healthy balanced diet, receiving all the nutrients they require.