AIBU about kids food portions?

[EJREsMum]

Just seen a post on here about size of portions for young kids.

AIBU in thinking that if the kid eats it all is it really a problem?

Also what if the kid doesn't eat much during the day but eats at dinner time? Then is a larger than normal portion still not acceptable?

For example my little boy is 18months. Breakfast he'll have 1 weetabix. Lunch time he wont touch much apart from maybe half a banana and a yogurt. But at dinner time hes got his appetite back so he'll have for example - 3 fish fingers a potato waffle and a handful of veg/salad. I thought this was fine, but I've just read this is the portion size someone gives their 5yo??? I understand that kids have different appetites but now I'm thinking I'm over feeding him come dinner time?

AIBU and over feeding the poor kid? or am I just making up for wasted food at lunch time?

Anyone in a similar boat? or can give me examples of portion sizes they give/gave their toddlers?

ps. he never wastes dinner either

[BeyondThePage]

I know i'd eat way more chinese takeaway than I probably would a boring toad in the whole

TOAD IN THE HOLE IS NOT BORING!! it is lush and tasty and I would willingly swap all of my Chinese takeaways for toad in the hole!

(besides the point - but the point had to be made!)

[paxillin]

My nine year old will have the portion size you describe for dinner and breakfast, but he eats school lunches as well so gets more food in that way.

I forgot the toddler days, other than most of it landed on the seat, the child and the floor, hard to tell how much goes in. Yogurt- I might as well have tipped it over his head, the amount landing inside would have been similar.

[tinypop4]

Splendide I know what you mean- my dd could are an astonishing amount of food some days when she was 2-3. Remember they are growing- you are just maintaining so sometimes they need the energy for growing. If they are eating it and it's healthy then they probably need it.

[picklemepopcorn]

Small children are actually growing very fast, and need a decent number of calories. If you look at the steepness of the growth curve, the steep ages they need more protein. The level of activity changes with different ages, as well. Some foods are very nutrient dense and look like a small meal when they are actually very calorific. Some foods are so low in calories that if the child fills up on them they won't have room for more nutritious food they really need!

If you want to feed your child well, give him plenty of protein, and vegetables, go easy on carbs, and try not to give processed food like waffles. They encourage a preference for more salty, processed foods, which can cause problems later.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

They'll be fine so long as they have avocado and cashew nut butter once a day, never ever eat cereal and don't even look at coffee until they are 30.
Mumsnet rules innit.

[EJREsMum]

Pickle My problem with the waffles.. He loves chips. Like I mean loves them, he would scoff chips until he vomits if he could (obviously I don't let him) but he will cry if he runs out of chips. If he has a waffle I'm still basically providing him with his favourite thing but he wont cry for more waffles otherwise its mash or rice with his protein and veg

[Notso]

If you think it's too much try giving him less and see if he is still hungry.

At 18 months mine would have eaten 2.5 fish fingers and veg but not a waffle as well, maybe a quarter or half of a slice of bread and butter.
They could have eaten a whole packet of fish fingers though.
Now my younger two are 6 and 5 they still eat three fish fingers, vegetables and would have a handful of sweet potato fries or wedges too (they don't eat regular potato except Macdonalds fries )

[00100001]

" I know i'd eat way more chinese takeaway than I probably would a boring toad in the hole!"

Blasphemy!

Toad in the hole is the bees-knees! I'd choose it over chinese! (especially with mash, cabbage and lots fo gravy)

[Notso]

Mmmm toad in the hole with mash, cabbage and gravy

I'd choose that over Chinese takeaway too unless I am very drunk in which case only fried rice, chips and curry sauce from the Chinese will do

[Mehfruittea]

So I've always said to DS to stop eating when he feels full. The same as a baby draining a bottle of milk means they need a larger volume of milk (in that they should feed until full, not until the bottle is empty).

Unless ruined by poor diet, eating habits or a poor relationship with food, our bodies are supposed to feel full and control intake that way. A child should be able to demonstrate their appetite accurately by weather they clear their plate and ask for more or leave a bit.

My DS 5 will often eat portions that I would serve DH. He's slim and lean, but his tummy gets visibly bigger after his tea.

[Falafelings]

I probably wouldn't bother with chips or waffles much at all.

[Pinkheart5915]

Firstly I don't believe Mumsnet represents real life so I wouldn't believe e erythimg you read on here

children like adults all have different hunger levels so some just eat more than others

My 18 month ds has

Breakfast, porridge/1 weetabix or pancake

Lunch 1/2 a sandwich, chopped peppers, tomartoes, cucumber

Sometimes mid afternoon he will want a breadstick or yoghurt

Dinner small piece of salmon. Little sweet potatoe mash and some broccoli for example some times he will clear his plates others he won't.

Even my 7 month old varies in hunger some days she will eat porridge and dinner other days she just wants porridge, milk and won't touch dinner

[SparkleTwinkleGoldGlitter]

All children vary in how much they will eat, they all have diffrence activity levels which does effect how much they need to eat.

My dd is only just weaning but my god daughter (9) stays with me often and she eat like a sparrow but her brother (4) eats more than you'd think he could

[contractor6]

Today dd refused all food until dh came home then stood at the kitchen door crying she was hungry. Manipulation by an 18 month old....

[madein1995]

I wouldn't worry, when they are tiny they self regulate and if they are hungry, feed them. Children arent like adults - they need good fats. Also theyre more active tgan most adults (everything they do is effort) so need the calories. And i think ppl on here sometimes have weird ideas snyway. Like the tgread about an 11month old portion which i would say more suited an 18mo or 2yo (as at 11mnths they usually still have a bottle/breastfeed nore), some were saying tgeir 5yo couldnt eat that, one said itd be too much food for her! Competetive undereating on here sometimes i think. Eat til youre satisfied, not til soneone tells you you should have had enough. I dont like big appetites are an issue per se (no one got fat eating apples) , more the problem can be WHAT you eat. But for such a smal child, id leave him be. I wouldnt worry over what youre giving him until hes older (past toddler) and overweight (but even then i wouldnt worry, just more activity rather than diet)

[MrsTwix]

I thought the thing about checking ribs was for dogs not children

[TheRealPooTroll]

You say he's big but it's not clear if you mean overweight (and I've met a 9 month old that weighed more than my sturdy 5 yo so I do think weaned babies and toddlers can be overfed). And 'big' toddlers I've known have tended to become even bigger children rather than growing into it ime so I think it's wise to have an eye on portion sizes etc. If weight is a concern I'd maybe serve smaller portions and give extra veg/salad if he's still hungry. If he's within the healthy range weight-wise then carry on as you are.

[tinypop4]

Agree that it's wise to keep an eye on portion sizes and ensuring healthy food is offered. However I know loads of big babies/toddlers who are perfectly normal sized children!!