As a parent, there are few things more frustrating than having a fussy eater on your hands. One day your baby will gobble up everything you put in front of them, and the next day they’ll refuse to eat anything at all. It can be challenging to figure out what to do when your little one is turning their nose up at all of their favourite foods.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many parents have been in your shoes and have found ways to help their fussy eaters become more adventurous with food. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you deal with fussy eaters in babies. From offering a variety of healthy foods for fussy eaters to making mealtime fun, we’ll cover everything you need to know to turn your picky eater into a little foodie in the making. So, let’s get started!
Offer a variety of healthy foods:
Toddlers are like mini critics, and they are hard to please. Even with baby food! When feeding a fussy baby, to help expand their palate and expose them to different flavours and textures, offer a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. And hey, even if they reject every single food you offer, at least you’re getting your five a day!
Be patient:
Let’s be real, babies aren’t exactly known for their patience. But when it comes to trying new foods, patience is key. It can take several tries before a baby accepts a new food, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t like it at first. Keep offering it in small amounts and try different ways of preparing it. Maybe they’ll prefer it mashed, pureed, or cut into fun shapes. Keep experimenting, and don’t give up!
Don’t force your baby to eat:
You may have heard the saying “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” Well, the same goes for babies and food. Forcing your baby to eat can create negative associations with food, so it’s important to let them eat at their own pace and respect their hunger and fullness cues. If they’re not hungry, they’re not hungry. And if they’re full, well, they’re full.
Make mealtime fun:
Mealtime can be a great opportunity for bonding with your baby. Try to make it a positive and enjoyable experience by sitting down with your baby and engaging with them, making faces, and talking about the food. And don’t be afraid to get a little silly! Maybe you can pretend the spoon is an airplane and make sound effects as you fly it into their mouth. Or maybe you can put on a little music and have a dance party. Whatever you do, make it fun!
Avoid distractions:
We get it, life with a baby can be chaotic. But when it comes to mealtime, it’s important to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Turn off the TV, put away the toys, and focus on the task at hand. This will help your baby stay focused on the food and reduce the likelihood of them getting distracted and losing interest.
Consult with a paediatrician:
If you have concerns about your baby’s eating habits or growth, it’s important to consult with your paediatrician. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed. And if everything checks out, they can provide you with some additional tips and tricks to help with your picky eater.
Remember, every baby is different and what works for one baby may not work for another. So be patient, keep on trying and try and make it fun for you both! Before you know it, your fussy eater may turn into a foodie in the making.
