#asktheexpert my baby doesnt enjoy new food
He likes old blended form of couple of purees how should i make him indulge in eating

Question

Accepted Answer

Encouraging a one-year, seven-month-old baby to try new foods can sometimes be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to help expand their palate and encourage them to enjoy a wider variety of foods:

1. **Gradually Introduce New Foods:** Start by introducing small amounts of new foods alongside familiar favorites. Offer a variety of textures, flavors, and colors to keep mealtime interesting and encourage exploration.

2. **Be Patient and Persistent:** It may take multiple exposures to a new food before a baby accepts it. Be patient and continue offering new foods regularly, even if your baby initially rejects them.

3. **Offer Choices:** Allow your baby to have some control over mealtime by offering choices within healthy options. For example, you can let them choose between different types of fruits or vegetables to include in their meal.

4. **Make Meals Fun:** Present new foods in a visually appealing way and make mealtime enjoyable by involving your baby in meal preparation or using colorful plates and utensils. You can also create fun shapes or arrangements with food to make it more appealing.

5. **Model Healthy Eating Habits:** Be a positive role model by eating a variety of nutritious foods yourself and demonstrating enjoyment of new foods. Toddlers often mimic the eating behaviors of those around them, so your enthusiasm for new foods can influence your baby's food choices.

6. **Offer Variety:** Continue offering a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein sources, and dairy products. Rotate through different options to keep meals varied and interesting.

7. **Blend New Foods with Familiar Ones:** If your baby enjoys blended purees, try gradually blending new foods with familiar favorites to help them become accustomed to new flavors and textures.

8. **Be Creative:** Experiment with different cooking methods, seasonings, and ingredient combinations to make new foods more appealing to your baby's taste preferences. You can also try incorporating new foods into familiar dishes that your baby already enjoys.

9. **Avoid Pressure:** Avoid pressuring or forcing your baby to eat new foods, as this can create negative associations with mealtime. Instead, offer new foods in a relaxed and supportive environment and allow your baby to explore and experiment at their own pace.

10. **Consult a Pediatrician:** If you have concerns about your baby's eating habits or nutritional intake, or if you notice any signs of nutrient deficiency or poor growth, consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Remember that every baby is unique, and it's normal for them to have preferences for certain foods. By offering a variety of nutritious options, being patient and persistent, and creating a positive mealtime environment, you can help encourage your baby to enjoy and appreciate a wider range of foods over time.

#asktheexpert my baby doesnt enjoy new food He likes old blended form of couple of purees how should i make him indulge in eating