tackling the topic of introducing new foods for toddlers
Toddlers are naturally suspicious of new foods (this starts around age 2 and continues throughout toddlerhood). If I let Owen choose, he would happily eat a peanut butter bagel with strawberries & milk for every meal. While this would definitely make life the easiest, I try to make a conscious effort to offer him a variety of different foods as much as possible.
Short-term, presenting only the foods they’ll accept can feel less stressful (I totally get it). You’re not wasting food, you know they’ll eat it, their bellies will be full and you’ll likely avoid a mealtime meltdown.
However, long-term, this doesn’t allow them the exposure they need to explore and eventually accept new foods. Did you know it can take 30-40+ exposures before a toddler may be willing to accept a new food, if at all?
To present different foods with less stress, try introducing just one new food at a time and serve it alongside familiar / accepted foods.
Even if they don’t touch it, that exposure and opportunity to explore in an environment that doesn’t feel threatening to them is so important.
In addition, anytime you can get them involved in the prep may pique their interest with a new food as well!
disclaimer: The above assumes no medical issues or concerns. The content that I share in this space should be used for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical advice and does not constitute a client/practitioner relationship.
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