7 Clever Ways to Get Your Fussy Baby to Eat!

Introduction

Are you tired of making your kid eat every day? Does it feel like an impossible everyday job? Does your baby turn their nose up at every food you try to give them? It can be frustrating when your little one doesn’t seem to want to eat anything. 

You want your child to eat all the healthy food, but sometimes it feels like getting them to eat is a battle. Hundreds of parents complain about their children not wanting to eat certain foods.

If you’re struggling to get your baby to eat, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s common for babies and toddlers to go through phases where they’re fussy about food. But there are some things you can do! Don’t worry; we’ve got some tips for you that will help your fussy baby eat like a pro! Check out these seven clever ways to get your baby to eat.

Why is your toddler a fussy eater?

Does it not just make you want to quit when your child does not want to eat? Well. We can understand. You are not alone in the battle against fussy eating.

That doesn’t make it any easier, though!

• Your child is going through a growth spurt.
• Your child is going through a picky phase.
• Your child is ill

Are all kids fussy-eaters?

Don’t most kids go through fussy phases, but some may be picky eaters for a longer time. No! Not all kids are fussy eaters, but research suggests that around 20-30% of toddlers and preschoolers are. That doesn’t indicate that your struggle is less if your child is a fussy eater. It can be even more challenging when other kids around seem to be eating everything under the sun.

There are different types of fussy eaters – some will only eat certain foods, others will eat a broader range but are really choosy about what they’ll eat on any given day. Some kids are into textures and smells, so something eaten happily last week may be rejected today.

Are there ways to make your fussy eater eat healthy food?

It can be frustrating when you feel like you’re doing everything right, but your child just won’t eat. Here are seven tips to help you cope with a fussy eater.

1. Don’t make meals a battle

If mealtimes turn into a battleground, it’ll only make things worse. Your child will start associating food with anxiety and stress, which is not what you want.

Instead, try to make mealtimes calm and relaxed. Sit together as a family, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and chat about your day. This will help your child feel more comfortable and make them more likely to try new foods.

2. Don’t force them to eat

Forcing your child to eat will only make them more resistant. If they’re not hungry, don’t make them sit at the table until they’ve finished their plate. This will lead to a power struggle and could make mealtimes even more stressful for you.

If your child refuses to eat, don’t make a big deal. Just calmly remove their plate and let them know they can try again at the next meal.

3. Be a good role model

Your child is more likely to eat healthy foods if they see you eating them too. So, if you’re trying to get your child to eat more fruits and vegetables, make sure you eat them yourself.

You can also involve your child in meal prep to make healthy eating fun. Let them help wash the veggies or choose what goes into their lunchbox.

4. Offer a variety of foods

If your child only ever sees the same foods on their plate, it’s no wonder they’re picky. Introduce them to new flavours and textures by offering a variety of healthy foods at mealtimes.

If your child is resistant to trying new things, start small. Offer one new food at a time and let them decide how much they want to eat. You can also try serving new foods alongside familiar favourites.

5. Avoid using food as a reward

Using food to reward good behaviour can create unhealthy associations with certain foods. It can also lead to overeating or emotional eating later in life.

Instead of using food as a reward, try offering positive reinforcement in other forms. This could include verbal praise, a hug, extra playtime or a sticker chart.

6. Be patient

It can take children up to 10 tries to learn to like a new food. So don’t give up if they don’t take to it straight away. Just keep offering it, and eventually, they will come around.

7. Make them help you prepare the meal.

Involving kids in cooking can make them more interested in trying new foods. They’re also likely to eat what they’ve helped prepare.

So get them involved in chopping vegetables, stirring the pot or setting the table. Not only will this teach them valuable skills, but it might also just help them develop a taste for something new.

Takeaway!

So there you have it! Seven clever ways to get your fussy baby to eat. None of these tips is groundbreaking, but they will help make mealtimes less frustrating for you and your little one. The best thing about Orchids International School is that it provides its students with a well-balanced and healthy diet. It also takes care of their health to keep them safe from illness, showing how much they value your child’s future! Remember to stay positive and patient – eventually, your baby will come around! Do you have any tricks up your sleeve that wasn’t mentioned here? I’d love to hear them in the comments below.

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