Parenting Tips for Your 19-20 Month Old Toddler
Sometimes we do not realize how much salt is in foods we eat every day. Here are some tips for lowering the amount of salt your child and the rest of your family eats:
- Do it a little at a time. You don’t have to switch from high-salt to salt-free all at once. Cut down on the salt you add to foods. Don’t salt the water when you cook pasta or hot cereal. Add half the amount of salt called for in recipes.
- Eat out less often. You have more control over the amount of salt and sugar and fat in your food if you prepare it at home. Instead of stopping for fast food, choose something that can be made quickly at home like sandwiches.
- Remember that toddlers like plain food. Most toddlers don’t like intense flavors, including salt, unless they have tasted them regularly. Your child may be happy with a plain meal, like baked chicken with potatoes and steamed carrots, without any added spices or salt.
- Read labels. Food packages list the amount of salt or sodium in the food. The next time you are shopping for food, check the sodium. Look for low-sodium or sodium-free soups or vegetables.
- Buy fresh or unsalted frozen vegetables. Canned vegetables contain a lot of salt. Read frozen food packages to be sure they do not have added salt.
- Rinse canned foods. Rinse canned beans or vegetables under clear water for one minute, and then cook them in fresh water. Rinsing will lower the amount of sodium in the food.
- Set a good example. Taste your food before salting it. Cut down on the amount of salt you add to food at the table, or even take the salt shaker off the table. Remember that your child will learn about salt by watching you.
Learn more about Your Toddler: 19-20 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
