Feeding babies, on demand makes sense, but it doesn’t work for older children.\u00a0You can decide on how often you need to feed your kid based on your child\u2019s development and growth. The younger your child, the more frequently you will need to feed him or her. As they grow, you will notice that their appetite changes. Though you cannot predict your child\u2019s hunger every day, you need to pay attention to your child because only he or she should choose whether to eat or not.<\/p>\n
By one year, most children are eating about six times per day, with the last meal typically consisting of milk or a breast feed. Toddlers tend to eat every two- to-three hours (five-six meals per day), while preschoolers may be able to go three or even four hours between meals.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to note that as your child grows so does his or her stomach. Therefore, children need to eat more often and keeping a check on the portion size of your child\u2019s food is good enough, but keeping a tab on when you are feeding your child is equally important.\u00a0American Academy of Pediatrics handbook, recommend three main meals and two between meals snacks for the average toddler or preschooler.<\/p>\n
By school age, children can move to three meals and one afternoon snack routine, but timing of breakfast and lunch matter.<\/p>\n
*Toddler- 5-6 times per day (3 meals and 2 -3 snacks)
\n* Preschooler- 5 times per day (3 meals and 2 snacks
\n* School age – 4-5 times per day (3 meals and 1-2 snacks )<\/p>\n
Structuring meals and snacks without eating in between helps kids come to the table with an appetite.<\/p>\n