As a parent, you know the struggle of getting your toddler to try new foods. Picky eating can be frustrating, and it’s easy to fall into a routine of serving the same few meals repeatedly. But introducing your child to new flavours and textures is important for their health and development.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get your toddler excited about trying new foods. We’ve rounded up ten tips to help you get your toddler excited about trying new foods. Remember that it may take time for your child to adjust to new flavours and textures, so be patient as you try these tips.

1. Involve Your Toddler in the Preparation Process

Children love to be involved in cooking, so allow them to help you prepare the food. Give them an age-appropriate simple task, such as stirring, mixing, or washing vegetables. This will make them feel like they are part of the process and may be more likely to eat the food they helped prepare.

2. Make Food Fun

Get creative with the food you serve. Cut fruits and vegetables into fun shapes, arrange them into colourful patterns, or create a fun scene on their plate. You can even try using food colouring to make the food more exciting. Making food fun can help to engage your toddler’s imagination and make mealtime a more enjoyable experience.

3. Offer a Variety of Foods

Introduce a range of foods to your toddler, including different fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. Offer a variety of colours, textures, and flavours so that they can explore new tastes and develop their palate. Encourage your toddler to try fresh foods, but don’t force them. It can take several attempts before they are willing to try something new.

4. Be a Role Model

Children learn by example, so be a role model for healthy eating habits. Show your toddler that you enjoy a variety of foods and make healthy choices yourself. When your child sees you eating something new and enjoying it, they may be more willing to try it themselves.

5. Make Eating a Positive Experience

Create a positive atmosphere around mealtime. Make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience by playing soft music, lighting candles, or conversing about their day. Avoid using mealtime as a punishment or reward, and make it a time to connect with your toddler.

6. Avoid Distractions

Avoid distractions during mealtimes, such as television, smartphones, or toys. These distractions can take away from the eating experience and make engaging your toddler in trying new foods challenging. Instead, focus on the meal and encourage your toddler to pay attention to the taste and texture of the food.

7. Offer Small Portions

Offer small portions of new foods to your toddler. This will reduce their anxiety and make it less overwhelming to try something new. You can always offer more if they enjoy it, but start with a small amount to avoid overwhelming them.

8. Be Patient

It can take time for toddlers to develop a taste for new foods, so be patient. Continue to offer a variety of foods, and don’t give up if they reject something initially. Offer it again in a few weeks, and they may be more willing to try it.

9. Get Creative with Recipes

Find creative recipes that include different fruits and vegetables. Try making smoothies, soups, or stir-fries that incorporate various healthy ingredients. Experiment with other spices and seasonings to add flavour to meals. You can make healthy food more exciting for your toddler by getting creative with recipes.

10. Don’t Force Your Toddler

It is essential to encourage your toddler to try new foods, but don’t force them. Forcing your child to eat something they do not like can create negative associations with food and make it more challenging to introduce new foods in the future. Instead, continue to offer a variety of foods and encourage them to try new things, but respect their choices.

Conclusion

It is best to keep trying new foods with your toddler until they find one they like. If you’re worried that your child isn’t getting enough nutrients from their diet, there are plenty of ways to introduce new foods and ensure they eat various flavours daily. Don’t be afraid to encourage your toddler to try fresh foods. If they don’t like something, keep trying it until they find the one they want. Remember that it may take time for your child to adjust to new flavours and textures, so be patient as you try these tips.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be a chore. With Prep’d Fresh, you can enjoy delicious, pre-prepared meals made with natural ingredients and nutrients for your little ones. Order now and taste the difference.