No Picky Eaters Here!
#feedingyourchild #nopickyeaters #infantandchildfeeding #infant #familymeals #expandingyourchildspalate #diningrituals #raisinghealthyeaters #fairygodbubbe #infantdevelopment
As a child, do you remember being a picky eater? Did you turn up your nose at new cuisines before you even tried them? Perhaps you still do? There are a few ways to break the cycle of picky eating and allow your child to expand their palate enough to enjoy a wide variety of foods.
- Introduce Variety Early: Start offering a diverse range of foods early on. When you begin solids at 6+ months, remember to introduce one food at a time to check for allergies, but after that, feel free to combine foods and create new flavors. Introduce small amounts of cooked herbs and garlic for flavor being careful to introduce them one at a time as well. Try to use little to no salt to allow your child to grow accustomed to the natural flavors of food.
- You can puree any cooked fruit or vegetable at home in your blender with a bit of water or formula for protein, so when your child starts solids, don’t be married to the idea of jarred baby foods. Introducing various flavors and textures during the first few years can help your child become accustomed to different tastes, making them less likely to be picky eaters later.
- Lead by Example: Children often mimic their parents' behavior. If they see you enjoying a variety of foods, they are more likely to be curious and willing to try new things. Often times an offering from your plate is far more interesting than a serving of their own. Withholding certain foods until they really beg for them can make them favorites! Be a positive role model for healthy eating habits, and fill your plate with healthy fresh choices!
- Make Mealtimes Enjoyable: Create a positive environment during meals. Turn off distractions like TV or electronic devices, and focus on enjoying the meal together. Create family traditions such as best moment of your day or Rose and Thorn (What was the high point/low point of your day?) Talk about the jobs everyone does around a family meal, even with your infant. As they grow, they will become aware of the dynamic of cooperation that helps to bond a family around meals. Make one meal a week completely predictable, and something the whole family enjoys. “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Friday” Can be shared from very early on and become part of a loved and bonding family tradition. Make mealtimes a pleasant and social experience to associate food with positive feelings.
- Involve Them in Cooking: Bring your child both to the grocery store and into the kitchen and involve them in age-appropriate cooking activities. Even infants can sit near you while you prepare foods and hear you talk about what it is and what you are doing to prepare it. Meal time is an important part of every day and shouldn’t end up being a daily struggle! When kids participate in choosing ingredients and preparing meals, they may feel a sense of ownership and excitement about the food, making them more open to trying what they've helped create.
- Be Patient and Persistent: It's normal for children to be cautious about new foods. Don't force them to eat something they don't want to, but encourage them to take small bites and explore new flavors. A “One Bite” rule is a beautiful thing for all ages in your family. Ask every member of your family to be open to taking “One bite” of whatever is being served just to taste. If they don’t like it, they are not required to have any more until it is served again, and then, they must take one bite. Most people have to try a new flavor a total of 14 times before they develop a taste for it. By asking for that “One bite, you are setting up everyone in your family to develop new tastes and widen their palates! Be patient, it takes time for taste to develop!
