Age-specific mealtime guidelines

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.

Always watch a young child while she eats. Insist that she sit upright while eating or drinking.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022