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| |    Independent Toddlers and Finger Food: A Perfect Fit by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Toddlers frequently attempt to exert their independence, and mealtimes are as good a time as any to do so. It's common for a child at this age to insist on feeding himself, even when he isn't fully capable of handling the task. Some toddlers, in fact, will become so determined to handle all food themselves that they may refuse to eat if an adult insists on controlling this aspect of the meal. Of course, this upsets most parents, since they can easily see that their child is struggling. And the frustration and worry over whether the child is eating enough can be compounded if he's going through an appetite slump, a predictable occurrence among toddlers. An effective way to approach such stubbornness is to give your child foods that he can pick up and eat with his fingers. Once he learns how to use a fork or spoon, you can branch out into other foods, like soup and mashed potatoes. In the meantime, however, there's no harm in cutting up easier-to-grasp items and letting him dig in. That said, be especially careful that none of what you offer presents a potential choking hazard, taking into account your child's ability to chew and swallow foods. All the foods listed below should be cut into half-inch pieces--or smaller--before serving.
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