How to Stop Your Toddler Throwing Food (Without Losing Your Sanity)
If you’re trying to encourage your toddler to self-feed but every mealtime ends with food on the floor, walls, or even you, you’re not alone. Food throwing is one of the most common – and frustrating – toddler behaviours, especially for first-time parents who are trying to do “everything right”.
The good news? Your toddler isn’t being naughty, wasteful, or trying to test your patience (even though it may feel that way). Food throwing is usually a normal developmental phase, and once you understand why it happens, it becomes much easier to reduce – and eventually stop.
Let’s break it down.
Why Do Toddlers Throw Food?
Toddlers throw food for very different reasons than adults assume. Understanding the motivation is the first step to changing the behaviour.
1. They’re Exploring Cause and Effect
Toddlers are natural scientists. When they throw food, they’re learning:
• What happens when I drop this?
• Will it make a noise?
• Will Mum or Dad react?
The reaction can sometimes be more interesting than the food itself.
2. They’re Finished Eating
Your toddler may only eat a few bites before feeling full. Once they’re done, food becomes something to play with – and throwing is far more exciting than sitting still.
3. They’re Bored or Uncomfortable
Toddlers have very short attention spans. Sitting for too long, being poorly supported in a chair, or feeling physically uncomfortable can all trigger food throwing as a way to escape the situation.
4. They’re Communicating
Before toddlers can clearly say “I don’t want this” or “I’m all done”, throwing food is often their way of sending a message.
5. They Simply Love Throwing
Throwing is a developmental skill. Toddlers practise it whenever they can – and unfortunately, mealtimes are a perfect opportunity.
Practical Ways to Stop Your Toddler Throwing Food
Now for the part you really want: what actually works.
Give Them a Place to Put Food They Don’t Want
Some toddlers throw food because they don’t like it and don’t know what else to do with it.
Try:
• Showing them a bowl, cup, or corner of the tray where unwanted food can go
• Calmly saying, “You can put it here if you don’t want it”
This helps reduce anxiety around unfamiliar foods and gives them control without chaos.
Teach a Clear “All Done” Signal
When toddlers are finished eating, food often starts flying.
Teach your child a simple way to communicate that they’re done:
• Saying “all done”
• Using a hand signal
• Signing, if you prefer
When they use it, respond immediately by ending the meal. This builds trust and reduces the need for throwing as a signal.
Keep Mealtimes Short and Realistic
Many parents expect toddlers to sit for 20–30 minutes. For most toddlers, that’s far too long.
A good rule of thumb:
1–2 minutes per year of age
A one-year-old may only manage a couple of minutes – and that’s okay. Short, successful meals are far better than long, messy battles.
Gradually Build Sitting Time
If you’d like your toddler to sit for longer meals, build up slowly:
• Start with 1 minute using a timer
• End the meal when the timer finishes
• Increase the time by small increments over several days
This teaches patience without pressure.
Stick to a Meal and Snack Schedule
Toddlers who snack or graze all day are often not hungry at mealtimes – which leads to boredom and throwing.
A consistent routine helps your child:
• Come to the table hungry
• Focus on eating
• Lose interest in throwing food
Let Them Throw Before the Meal
If your toddler loves throwing, give them a safe outlet before they eat.
Spend five minutes:
• Throwing a soft ball
• Tossing a cuddly toy back and forth
• Playing outside if possible
This helps satisfy the urge so mealtimes can stay calmer.
Use Food Play Instead of Food Throwing
Once your toddler has eaten enough, gentle food play can keep them engaged:
• Stacking vegetables
• Lining up pieces of food
• Counting items on the tray
Engaged toddlers are far less likely to throw.
Don’t React to Food Throwing
This is one of the hardest – but most effective – strategies.
If your toddler throws food:
• Stay calm
• Avoid eye contact
• Don’t lecture or overreact
• Don’t immediately replace the food
Big reactions can turn food throwing into a game. Calm indifference removes the reward.
Reduce Temptations (Including Pets!)
If your toddler enjoys feeding the dog from their high chair, consider keeping pets in another room during meals. Fewer distractions mean better focus.
Serve Small Amounts at a Time
If throwing is persistent:
• Place just a few pieces of food on the tray
• Refill gradually as they eat
Less food available means less food on the floor.
Make Sure Your Toddler Is Properly Supported
An uncomfortable child is far more likely to misbehave at the table.
Check that:
• Their feet are supported (footrests are hugely important)
• Knees and elbows are close to a 90-degree angle
• The backrest supports their posture
Good seating helps toddlers focus on eating instead of trying to balance.
The Takeaway
Food throwing is frustrating – especially if you’re a parent who values cleanliness and structure. But it’s rarely a sign of bad behaviour. More often, it’s your toddler communicating, experimenting, or simply being developmentally normal.
With the right setup, realistic expectations, and consistent responses, food throwing will fade.
And remember: calm, short, supported mealtimes help build positive eating habits that last far beyond the toddler years.
At My First Nursery, we believe the right environment makes all the difference – for calmer mealtimes, happier toddlers, and parents who don’t dread cleaning the floor after every meal.