Do you have a picky eater in your house? If so, you’re not alone. Many toddlers go through a phase where they are picky about what they eat. But don’t worry, there are ways to help them expand their taste buds and get the nutrients they need. Here are five tips that worked for me and my picky-eating toddler.
1. The One Bite Rule
The one bite rule is simple but effective. Encourage your child to try at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they don’t like it, that’s okay. But they have to try it before they can have seconds of something else or a snack. This rule helps expose them to new flavors and textures without forcing them to eat a lot of something they don’t like.
2. Serve Food When They’re Hungry
Toddlers are notorious for being hungry all the time. But they’re also more likely to try new foods when they’re hungry. Serve vegetables or other foods they may be hesitant to try right before dinner, when they are most hungry. They can have fruit with their meal if they’re still hungry after trying the new food.
3. Hide Veggies in Their Food
If your toddler is reluctant to eat vegetables, try hiding them in their food. I puree vegetables and add them to sauces or soups. You can also hide them in smoothies or mashed potatoes. Your child won’t even know they’re there, and they’ll be getting the nutrients they need.
4. Enhance Their Food with Nutrition
Go & Grow by Similac Food Mix-Ins is an easy way to enhance your picky-eater’s food with extra nutrition. Each packet has OptiGRO, a unique blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E, along with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. You simply stir it into your child’s food, and they won’t even know it’s there. This is especially helpful for those times when your child is refusing to eat anything nutritious.
5. Take a Bite, Get a Bite
The take a bite, get a bite method is another way to encourage your child to try new foods. For example, if they don’t want to eat their chicken, offer them a bite of something they do like, such as a strawberry. Then they have to take another bite of the chicken to get another bite of the strawberry. This method helps associate trying new foods with a positive outcome.
In conclusion, picky eating in toddlers is common, but it’s important to continue offering a variety of foods and encouraging them to try new things. The one bite rule, serving food when they’re hungry, hiding veggies in their food, enhancing their food with nutrition, and the take a bite, get a bite method are all ways to help expand their palate.
