Age-specific mealtime guidelines

There are certain things your child will want at mealtime. (For infant feeding, see Infant/baby care.)

• Ages 1 to 2: Your child will want to feed herself, is easily distracted at the table and likes a routine.
• Age 2: Your child may have strong food likes and dislikes. She is growing slowly and may go for days without eating much or go for days eating almost nonstop.
• Age 3: Your child is growing more steadily and shouldn't have swings in her appetite. Your child should be able to chew food well.
• Age 4: Your child will eat quickly, drink quickly, talk a lot and move around a lot. She may leave the table to go to the bathroom.
• Age 5: Your child is growing faster and her appetite increases. She may even accept new or unusual foods.