She is well-known on social media as Nutritiny, where she provides content in both Spanish and English, nurturing the bodies and minds of little ones. Her community was created to support, empower, and inspire moms like you on your journey to nurture healthy and happy little ones in a more relatable way.

How can playtime activities be integrated with mealtime to make it more enjoyable for toddlers?

Mealtime should not only be about nourishment but also an opportunity for learning and fun. The key is to be creative, engage their imagination, and create a positive environment that encourages them to eat while having fun. 

One effective approach is to involve your child in the meal preparation process. This can be as simple as letting them choose a new food to try each week, which not only piques their curiosity about different foods but also gives them a sense of ownership over their meal.

As parents, we know that our kids are like sponges, soaking up knowledge from their surroundings. When we infuse mealtimes with play, we're not just feeding their bodies; we're feeding their minds. Whether we're playing "chef" and letting them take charge of meal preparation or crafting food-themed stories, playtime becomes a valuable learning experience. It helps our children to stay engaged, encourages them to try new foods, and fosters a positive attitude towards mealtime. 

However, I would not recommend introducing toys or screens during mealtimes. It's important for children to focus on their food and develop a mindful eating habit. Toys and screens can often distract them from the meal and lead to unhealthy eating behaviours. Therefore, it's crucial to strike a balance between play and food without relying on external distractions.

How does incorporating play into mealtime positively impact a toddler's eating habits and behaviour?

The impact of play on our kids' eating habits is profound. It can turn mealtime battles into enjoyable family experiences, help our children develop a love for nutritious foods, and set them on a path to a lifetime of healthy eating. 

One of the most significant outcomes of integrating play into mealtime is the development of a positive relationship with food. When our children view food as an opportunity for fun and exploration rather than as a chore, they are more likely to approach it with enthusiasm. This shift in perspective is a game-changer. 

When kids have a hand in selecting, preparing, and even growing their food, they develop a sense of ownership over their meals. This newfound pride often translates into a willingness to try new, nutritious foods. It's amazing how a child's interest in the garden can lead to them eagerly munching on the very veggies they helped cultivate.

Please keep in mind that, as parents, we often want quick results, but changing eating habits takes time. Don't be disheartened if your child doesn't immediately embrace broccoli or spinach. Keep offering a variety of foods and continue to incorporate play into their culinary journey. Likewise, this strategy fosters precious family bonding. It's not just about the food; it's about sharing stories, laughter, and love. 

What are some creative games or storytelling techniques that can be used to engage toddlers during meals?

There are many techniques that can be used, not only during meals, but also throughout our children's daily routine. Play doesn't always have to be with toys. Sometimes, the most valuable playtime happens around the dinner table. Talk about where the food comes from, involve your kids in meal preparation, and let them have a say in what's on the menu. 

Other more specific techniques or ideas could be:

• Snack station: Instead of handing over a bag of chips, try encouraging your child to "build" their snacks with healthy options like sliced fruits, yoghurt, or whole-grain crackers from the “snack station”, making it a game of exploration. 
• Cook Together: No doubt this technique has been a game changer to us, and the one we enjoy the most. Even simple tasks like stirring, pouring, or tearing lettuce can be exciting for our children. 
• Storytelling Plates: Combine storytelling with mealtime by using the food as characters or elements in a story. For instance, create a story about a 'Carrot Superhero' or a 'Broccoli Explorer.' 
• Colour-Themed Meals: Align meals with your child's favourite colours. If they love the colour red, you can plan a 'Red Meal' with foods like strawberries, red peppers, and tomato soup. Discuss the colour theme during the meal and encourage them to try foods of that colour.
• Food Colouring Experiment: For a fun and educational activity, consider a 'food colouring experiment.' Add a drop of natural food colouring to different foods (e.g., milk, yoghurt, or oatmeal) and let your child mix and observe the colours change. It's a playful way to explore colours while eating.
• Interactive Foods: Choose foods that require assembly or dipping. For example, make DIY tacos or a build-your-own sandwich station. Let your toddler assemble their meal with their favourite ingredients. 
• Outdoor Picnics: Summer is just around the corner so take mealtimes outdoors for a change of scenery. A picnic in the backyard or at a nearby park can make meals feel like a special occasion.

Can you provide practical tips for parents on how to introduce playfulness into their child's meals?

The initial step is to recognise your child's preferences and interests, which can then be integrated into mealtime or their relationship with food. The effectiveness of this approach depends on your consistency and patience throughout the process of integrating your child's preferences into mealtime or their relationship with food.

Once you have identified your child's preference, start with simple activities that you feel comfortable implementing to convey how involved and present you are in the moment, and that you are having as much fun as they are.

How did playtime during meals impact your children? Were there any particularly successful games or techniques you found?

Absolutely, I've had the pleasure of experiencing this transformation with my own children. 

One of the strategies we've found effective with my three-year-old son is involving him in meal preparation. He loves being our 'sous chef,' helping wash vegetables, stir ingredients, or even arrange food on his plate. This hands-on approach not only makes him more excited about the meal but also gives him a sense of ownership over what he's eating. It's been heartwarming to see him develop a genuine interest in various foods and become more open to trying new things. Additionally, he loves to record his creations, as you can see when visiting my Instagram profile. 

Now, with an 8-month-old daughter who is just beginning to explore solids, mealtime is an opportunity for sensory exploration. We provide a variety of age-appropriate foods with different textures and flavours, allowing her to touch, taste, and explore at her own pace. This playful approach has made the transition to solid foods a smooth and enjoyable one for her.

For more tips, be sure to visit the Nutritiny instagram profile and website.