Question
My baby is a picky eater. How can I get her to try new foods?
Answer
Your baby is growing up right before your eyes! She laughs. She waves “bye-bye.” And she may turn her head away from the spoon if she doesn’t want to try a new food. If that sounds familiar, here are some hints for feeding your finicky eater:
Offer nutritious choices. Serve her mashed fruits such as GERBER® NATURESELECT™ 3RD FOODS® Banana Strawberry and vegetables such as GERBER® NATURESELECT™ 3RD FOODS® Sweet Potatoes. Also offer whole-grain choices, dairy options like sliced cheese and yogurt and chopped lean meats or poultry.
Allow a little play. Mashed potatoes and applesauce may seem more appealing if she can finger paint with them first.
Let her experiment. If she wants to dip her cheese into her peaches, let her. What tastes good to her may not taste good to you!
Keep at it. A food that’s refused today may be accepted tomorrow. It can take several tries before your child accepts a new food. Try not to only serve foods she seems to like. Offer new foods or familiar foods served in a new way, such as mashed banana served on a piece of waffle.
Be creative. Older babies like bright colors and fun shapes. Try serving your child foods such as GERBER® GRADUATES® Yogurt Melts® snacks or GERBER® GRADUATES® Puffs.
Though mealtime may seem challenging right now, your persistence will pay off. You’ll be setting the stage for your child to follow a lifetime of good eating habits.