New Research Reveals Over 70 Per Cent Of Irish Parents Are Concerned About Their Toddler’s Nutrition

A new piece of research has found that over 70 per cent of Irish parents are concerned about their toddler's nutrition. Sixty seven per cent of parents have experienced fussy eating with their toddler and almost 50 per cent have abandoned a planned meal due to their toddler's tantrums or refusals to eat. The research, commissioned by Cow & Gate, also found that 50 per cent of Irish parents are concerned that their toddler hasn't eaten enough at meal times. A new nutrition website called Toddlebox aims to support parents struggling to get the right nutrients into their toddlers' little tummies. Launched by Dáithí Ó Sé and Rita Talty Ó Sé, first time parents to toddler Mícheál Óg , Toddlebox aims to become an online community where parents can engage with other parents finding meal times a struggle. Dáithí Ó Sé and Rita Talty Ó Sé have both experienced the highs and lows of meal times, with their toddler Mícheál Óg often refusing nutritious foods at meal times. Dáithí commented: 'We do find meal times can be a struggle now and again with Mícheál Óg refusing foods that were his favourite last week or with him choosing to eat only one part and leaving the rest. We want meal times to be fun but as any parent with a toddler knows, it can be next to impossible to be sure they are not just full but full of nutritious foods.’ As part of the launch the new website, Toddlebox is calling on Irish families to work with nutrition experts, including dietitian Sarah Keogh, to capture the highs and lows of toddler meal times over a two week period. If you're a parent with a fussy eater on your hands, and you'd like to take part in the challenge, simply head on over to Toddlebox.ie to register your details.