Tiny Tummies: Tackling T1D Toddler Mealtimes with Confidence
If parenting a toddler is like riding a roller-coaster, parenting a toddler with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is like riding the roller-coaster blindfolded, while juggling juice boxes and a CGM alarm going off in the background.
One day, your little one devours an entire plate of chicken nuggets and asks for more. The next day, they declare war on anything that isn’t shaped like a dinosaur. And when carbs=insulin, these unpredictable appetites can turn mealtimes into a stressful guessing game.
Deep breaths- you’re not alone. Picky eating is totally normal in toddlers, T1D or not. The key is flexibility, creativity and a few secret weapons to keep blood sugars steady while keeping mealtime battles to a minimum.
1. The Art of a Backup Plan
Toddlers change their minds constantly, and that includes what they’re willing to eat. The best way to avoid a meltdown (theirs and yours) is to always have a Plan B.
Pre-bolus with caution- If your child is unpredictable with food, try giving insulin after they start eating or bolusing for part of the meal upfront and adjusting later. It’s easier to give more insulin than to undo a dose for food they refuse to touch!
Serve familiar foods alongside new ones- If you’re introducing something new, pair it with a safe, reliable option they usually eat. This reduces the chance of them rejecting the whole meal.
Keep “rescue carbs” handy- If they refuse their meal, but have already had insulin- have some go-to foods that they almost always accept. Fruit pouches, bread sticks, or peanut butter crackers can save the day.
2. Toddler-Approved Low Snacks
Every T1D parents knows the struggle: your child is low, but they refuse to eat the one thing that will bring them back up.
Instead of fighting, try a fun twist on typical low treatments:
“Superhero Juice”- Call their juice box something exciting like “power-up juice” or “rocket fuel.”
Jelly Baby Countdown- Let them pick 3-4 Jelly Babies and eat them one by one while you count down.
“Magic Apples”- Thin apple slices spread with peanut butter or a dab of Nutella can be more appealing than straight glucose tabs.
Ice Lolly Trick- Frozen juice lollies work wonders if they resist drinking.
The goal? Make hypo treatments feel less like medicine and more like a treat.
3. The Snack Dilemma: Grazing vs. Scheduled Eating
Some toddlers snack all day, while others eat two bites and run off to play. Since T1D thrives on some level of predictability, this can be frustrating.
For grazers: Create a “grazing plate” with bite-sized foods (cheese cubes, berries, crackers) and set time limits to keep insulin timing in track.
For non-eaters: If they refuse meals but always want snacks, turn snack time into mini-meals. A string cheese + a few crackers can be just as balanced as a lunch.
For unpredictable days: Keep fast-acting and long-lasting carbs handy. If they only eat a few bites at dinner but ask for food later, having easy options prevents stress.
4. Turning Meals into Fun Adventures
Let’s be real- toddlers love playing with food more than eating it. Use that to your advantage!
“Dinosaur Nuggets vs. Broccoli Trees”- Who will win the battle? Only one way to find out!
“Rainbow Plate”- Let them pick different-coloured foods for a colourful meal.
“Count and Eat”- Count bites together to make eating feel like a game.
“DIY Food”- Let them build their own sandwich, taco or yoghurt parfait- kids love control!
5. Give Yourself Grace
Some days, your toddler eats like a champ. Other days, they survive on crackers and air. It’s okay. You are doing an incredible job.
Managing T1D isn’t about perfection-it’s about balance, flexibility and knowing that every stage (even the picky eating one!) is temporary.
So if today’s win is getting your child to eat anything at all- celebrate it. If you miscalculated insulin and had to scramble for a hypo snack- it happens. If mealtime felt like a circus act- laugh about it later.
Keep going- you’ve got this.
