15-Month-Old Toddler: Your Little Gourmand
Early chef training for your 15-month-old toddler.
By
Your little gourmand
Toddlers grow at a slower rate than babies—and, as you may have noticed, their appetites tend to adjust accordingly. So worry not: it's completely normal for your little one to be eating less these days, and you can check out a sample menu for one- to three-year-olds here if you're worried about your child's diet. (And you can always ask your doctor!) If they're getting particular about what they eat, you've likely heard that this is also developmentally appropriate—and that one way to prevent picky eating is to sit down with your little one during mealtimes to model eating a variety of foods. But have you thought about bringing them into the kitchen to watch you cook?
Smelling, observing and tasting what you're making (and playing with safe utensils, too) may inspire your 15-month-old to be an adventurous foodie. Plus, helping you prepare meals has STEAM-related benefits. Need inspiration? Check out @chezoliz, the social media-famous toddler chef who made his first TikTok dish from his high chair—and, years later, excitedly eats the wide range of foods his parents help him create. Then see this list of activities for involving kids in the kitchen at every age.
See kitchen activities by age→
Did you know?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends beginning to wean your little one off of bottles as early as 6 months & completing the transition by 18 months—so it might be a good time to introduce a sippy cup. Here are our favorites→
This month: give thanks to helping hands
If you have a friend or family member or sitter who regularly helps watch your little one, it's never a bad idea to express your gratitude with a delicious treat.
🧁 Stock the fridge - The next time they come over to babysit, fill the kitchen with their favorite foods and drinks. (Set the table, too, if you're feeling fancy.)
🍪 Bake cookies - Or if beer is more their style, buy them a six pack. (Cheers!)
🍽️ Cook dinner - Invite them over for their favorite meal. (Don't forget dessert!)
Triggered by messes?
The tips in this Good Inside podcast might help you reframe your POV on crumbs & dirty laundry→
Editors' picks:
Tools for cooking with kids
Some of these items, you can start collecting but won’t use until they’re bigger. Others, like the best towels for mini messes, you’ll be glad to have now.
Play kitchens
With lots of doors to open and details to observe, these nostalgic workstations can grab and hold a little chef’s interest for hours. They also help with vocabulary, fine motor skills and imaginative play.
Play food sets
Plastic slices of pie. Wooden packs of bologna. Felt sandwiches. Color-changing cupcakes. Get ready to enjoy a lot of pretend meals!
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