3 year old feeding schedule: Amounts and food chart

Feeding a three year old can be fun and, let’s be honest, frustrating! By now, your toddler has likely developed strong preferences for food. But, on a positive note, they are also capable of eating a variety of foods and participating in family mealtime. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about feeding your three year old.

IN THIS ARTICLE: 

3 year old toddler sample feeding schedule

How much to feed a 3 year old: Food chart

Tips for feeding your 3 year old

Takeaway

3 year old feeding schedule FAQ

3 year old toddler sample feeding schedule

When it comes to eating, three year olds are capable of so much! They are likely self-feeding, many times with utensils, and actively participating in family mealtime. Overall, they are eating the same foods as the family even if they show definite likes and dislikes. Parents should still be aware of high-risk choking foods at this age. 

Typically, preschool-aged children will eat every 2.5 - 3 hours adding up to about five times a day. Most often, this is spread out as three meals and two snacks a day. 

Below is a sample feeding schedule for a 3 year old which may be modified to meet your family’s needs. 

7:00 AM	Breakfast
9:30 AM	Morning snack
12:00 PM	Lunch
3:00 PM	Afternoon snack
6:00 PM	Dinner

How much to feed a 3 year old: Food chart

Picky eating behaviors are still common, and largely normal, at three years old. Keep offering a variety of foods and don’t pressure your child to eat certain foods. Model positive eating habits such as eating without distractions, consuming a variety of foods, and limiting talk about good vs bad foods. When the going gets tough, trust your kiddo will come around in their own time. Here are some easy toddler meal ideas to help you out.

3 year old feeding chart 

Breakfast:	English muffin with peanut butter and banana slices
Mid-morning snack:	Crackers and cheese slices
Lunch:	Pesto pasta with quartered cherry tomatoes, blueberries
Mid-afternoon snack:	Yogurt pouch
Dinner:	Baked chicken, roasted broccoli, rice

Tips for feeding your 3 year old

Tip #1: Involve your toddler in food prep

Toddlers are natural helpers so take advantage! Let them help with food prep and planning as much as possible. Take them to the grocery store and explain how you choose foods for the family. In the kitchen, let them mix foods together, pour ingredients with help, or tear lettuce leaves. 

Tip #2: Expect strong food preferences 

Dealing with your three year old’s strong opinions can be tough at mealtime, but they are a part of typical development. Kids at this age often have strong likes and dislikes when it comes to food - and they make sure you know it! Avoid power struggles by letting them know they don’t have to eat anything they don’t want to and by serving less liked foods alongside foods they typically accept. 

Tip #3: Reduce mealtime distractions

You don’t need us to tell you this, but three year olds are busy, busy! It can be hard for them to stop playing and exploring in order to eat. Transitioning to a new activity, especially when it’s not on their terms, can be difficult for some kids. Giving a five-minute warning before meal or snack time and using a visual timer can help manage your child’s expectations and get them prepped to come to the table when it’s time. 

Tip #4: Offer choices when possible

While parents and caregivers should be the ones deciding what’s served, it’s okay to offer your little one simple choices. An example would be asking, “Would you like blueberries or strawberries with your breakfast?” Involving your toddler in decision-making helps give them a sense of control and can make it more likely for them to eat what you offer.

Tip #5: Focus on what you can control

Choosing the foods you serve your family is highly personal and can become complicated as children get older. They may begin preschool or spend time at friends’ houses. While it can be difficult to watch your child be exposed to foods you may not otherwise choose, it’s best to take a deep breath and focus on what you can control - what you bring into your own home. 

Takeaway

When it comes to feeding a three year old, focus on what you can control! While you can’t decide what they might like or dislike on any given day, you can do your best to offer a variety of nutritious foods and to model positive eating habits. Overall, have fun and involve them in the feeding process when you can!