As parents, we always want to give our babies the best food and normally starting by feeding them breast milk. This is the time when we introduce and educate them about healthy food choices because studies show that healthy eating habits begin to develop with your baby’s first foods.

There are some good tips that help you to develop your kids healthy eating habits
- Always tell your kids about the food they are eating and make the meal time fun and without stress.
- Introduce and teach your baby about vegetables and fruits.
- Be a role model for our baby when encourage them to drink. Show them you like to drink water too when ask them to drink more water.
- Offer plenty of variety because your baby’s taste will change very fast.
- Always prepare food in small portion and more choices because your baby needs a balanced diet.
- Relax and enjoy the meal time. Don’t rush or scold your kids for unfinished meal.
- Don’t force your baby to eat when they are unwilling to eat due to not feeling well or sick.
- It’s good to make meal times a family event and enjoy the meal all together.
- Set timing for breakfast, lunch and dinner so that they prepare themselve and expect to eat.
- Do remember your baby learns by mimicking you. So you must show them good example if you want them to have healthy eating habits.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that healthy foods for children should include:
- Vegetable Group
- Rice, cereal, breads
- Fruits
- Milk, yogurt and cheese
- Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans and eggs

Foods below are not suitable to give your toddler too early and you should only introduce to them when they are 2-3 years old.
- Raw hard fruits and vegetables
- Sunflower seeds
- Raisins
- Popcorn
- hard candy
- nuts
- whole grapes
- pieces of bacon
- hot dogs
- peanut butter
- green beans
- gum

You should also try to avoid foods that contain high amounts of salt, sugar or caffeine because those foods normally do not contain many vitamins and minerals.

Child’s bad eating habit:
- Eating rampage
- Picky eating

A great way to get children involved and committed to healthy food choices is to invite them to participate in the family food shopping and preparation.

The examples of unhealthy eating habits and things to avoid for your toddler.
- Don’t add unnecessary sugar to drinks and foods.
- DOn’t give your toddler skim or non-fat milk under the age of five.
- Don’t force your children to eat more than they want.
- Don’t make your kids feel guilty about eating any type of food.
- Minimum the consumption of juices and soft drinks.

The best way for kids to learn healthy habits is to watch their parents model healthy habits. Practice the eating and exercise habits you’d like your children to have. Your example is your child’s most powerful learning tool.