Nanny to Mommy

One of the best things about having a toddler is that everything is new to them, and they are fully aware of that fast. It’s so much fun seeing them have new experiences and watching how they react to their first sunset or that initial visit to see the monkey at the zoo. Of course, when it comes to food, things are not always so lovely.

Many toddlers, although curious about everything else in the world around them, are less than excited about the prospect of trying new foods that may be unfamiliar to them but if you don’t want to end up with a fussy eater on your hands, you do need to help them experience new foods that they will grow to love.

With that in mind here are some top tips you can use to help your toddler try new foods as often as possible:

A toddler might feel overwhelmed when presented with a plate full of peas or a mountain of mashed potatoes if they have not eaten them before, but if you add a couple of peas or a spoonful of mash to their plate, they are much more likely to give it a go because it will be less of a scary prospect.

If they like oatmeal with raisins, then switch some of the raisins for dried strawberries, or if they enjoy risotto with peas, try switching some of the peas for broad beans. The familiarity of the dish as a whole will comfort them so they will be much more likely to dig in. Talk about it

If you are going to make bbq chicken salad for the first time, talk about the corn you are preparing or the color of the sauce, and how juicy the ribs are. Get them familiar with what they are going to have on their plate later and make it sounds as fun and delicious as possible and chances are they will be tempted.

Showing your own enjoyment as you chow down on your chicken or pasta. Even if you have to go totally overboard with the yum noises, is a good way to get them to try a new element of a dish because they will see that it is safe and enjoyable and will hopefully get curious.

Letting your child get hungry from time to time is not a bad thing, especially if you want to encourage them to eat something new. Filling them up with snacks will make it easier for them to refuse that new pasta fish or the ham you have spent hours slaving over, whereas if they are hungry, chances are all, but the most stubborn toddlers will give the new dish a go.

Toddlers who try lots of new foods are less likely to become fussy eaters as they get older, so it is definitely worth trying out a few of the above if your toddler is incurious, or even hostile, to new foods.