#asktheexpert My baby is not interested in homemade food... whenever he is see outside food he wants ... 16 month old

Question

#asktheexpert  My baby is not interested in homemade food... whenever he is see outside food he wants ... 16 month old

Accepted Answer

It's common for toddlers to show interest in foods they see others eating, especially if those foods are visually appealing or have strong flavors. However, it's important to continue offering homemade foods to ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development. Here are some strategies to encourage your 16-month-old baby to eat homemade food:

1. **Be Patient and Persistent:** Toddlers may need time to adjust to new flavors and textures. Continue offering homemade foods regularly and be patient as your baby explores and learns to accept them.

2. **Offer a Variety of Foods:** Provide a wide variety of homemade foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein sources, and dairy products. Offering a diverse range of flavors and textures can help keep mealtime interesting and encourage your baby to try new foods.

3. **Make Homemade Food Appealing:** Present homemade foods in a visually appealing way by using bright colors, interesting shapes, and fun presentations. You can also involve your baby in meal preparation or allow them to choose foods from a selection of options to help increase their interest.

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

5. **Limit Exposure to Outside Foods:** Minimize your baby's exposure to outside foods, especially those that are high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. Try to avoid keeping these foods readily available at home to reduce temptation.

6. **Set Regular Meal and Snack Times:** Establish a consistent schedule for meals and snacks, and stick to it as much as possible. Offering homemade foods at regular intervals can help establish healthy eating habits and reduce reliance on outside foods.

7. **Offer Choices Within Healthy Options:** 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.

8. **Be Flexible and Accommodating:** Be flexible and accommodating if your baby shows preferences for certain homemade foods or rejects others. Offer alternatives and continue to expose them to a variety of nutritious options over time.

9. **Stay Positive and Encouraging:** Use positive reinforcement and encouragement to praise your baby's efforts and successes with homemade foods. Avoid pressuring or forcing them to eat, as this can create negative associations with mealtime.

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 establishing healthy eating habits is a gradual process, and it's normal for toddlers to go through phases of food preferences. By consistently offering homemade foods, providing a supportive and encouraging mealtime environment, and being patient and persistent, you can help encourage your baby to enjoy and appreciate nutritious meals.