Is your child picky with food?

Your child is never excited when it comes to food? Let us show you the steps to allow your child to fancy food.

Actually, toddlers are not picky. Just that they may not always be doing what an adult deems good for them. They find sweet foods particularly attractive and would be eager to eat pasta with ketchup, however if a food was with mild flavours, they may not want to sit at the dinner table, especially with vegetables which seems more bitter for them. A few small tips can help to make a big difference here. 

Let your child participate in food preparation

Let your child “help” in the kitchen (wash and dry fruits, put vegetables in the pot, etc.). They will generally be more eager and proud and willing to at least try the food that they helped to prepare.

Present your food in a fun and creative manner

Decorate your table by using colourful dishes with animal figures. Decorate the slices of bread or mashed potatoes with faces that are made of peas, carrots, radishes and chives. You could also make up a story regarding the foods, which can encourage its curiosity and appetite if your child is a poor eater. 

Try making your food into literal “finger food”

Let your child get only the taste of the food literally.

New foods are usually accepted only after it had been offered for at least 10 times. Most importantly: let your child see the food continuously on the plate in new shapes and sizes. You could also combine this known food with other food to encourage them to try it.

Children love finger food. Soft food can be easier for children to swallow; you can cook potatoes and vegetables till soft in soups for their consumption. 

Transform fruits and vegetables

Fruits can be transformed into a puree or be stirred in cheese or rice puddings. Vegetables with a subtle taste of its own like zucchinis can be discreetly hidden. Puree the zucchini and mix with mashed potato or meat sauce. This will usually be accepted by children across the globe.

Snacks are not compulsory between meals

Your child need not eat if he is not hungry. You can try to persuade him to try a bite but do not motivate him to eat till the next meal. 

The refusal to eat is actually a natural part of personal development which has no cause to be alarmed.

Children have a natural sense of saturation and will usually take enough nutrients for the healthy development of its own organism. However, please consult your paediatrician f you are really worried about the eating problem of your child. He will certainly be able to address your concerns.

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