High Iron Foods, Sitting Still for Meals, Dinner Strike

Welcome to YTF Community, a place to safely share in the challenges and joys of feeding our families. And make all of it easier!

Chicken for baby on purple plate with sides.

Popping in today from snowy PA to share a Q&A post with three reader questions I think we probably have all had at one point! This is my favorite type of YTF Community post because I love hearing from you—and I love it when we can help each other worry a little less through the challenges of feeding our families.

(Feel free to comment with your thoughts on these topics, too!)

“Truly, why won’t my toddler sit down for dinner? We moved from a highchair to a booster seat two months ago and it’s been total chaos since then…and meals take forever!” —Sunny

First things first: That seaing transition often causes this to happen, so I would first make sure the booster seat is comfortable, supportive, and is being used as intended…which means with the toddler secured in the seat with a strap and something under their feet if at all possible.

A poor chair fit is the most common cause for this sort of thing in toddlers. because the independence of simply sitting on a seat can be distracting for some kids.

To reset this dynamic in your house, I recommend moving the seat to a new spot at the table to signal that we are doing something different now. Then, restart the routine with a “It’s time for dinner, let me help you sit in your chair.” Then buckle the strap.

If the kiddo protests, you can try putting on music as a gentle distraction! Or telling them a funny story about some random thing.

Also, the reality is that as kids get older—like in the 4-8 year range—many of them do continue to have a hard time sitting for meals. Sometimes it’s simply that the table is too hard for their arms to reach easily so they stand; their feet are swinging so they look for something to grab onto with their feet; or they have a lot of energy and simply prefer to be moving.

Do what you can to help them be comfortable and secure in their chairs, even when they seem “too old” to need this sort of attention.

“I’m looking for high-iron foods that are kid-friendly but that are more than just meatballs and chicken thighs. Can you help?” —Lyn

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