#asktheexpert
my baby only want to eat sweet foods. pls suggest how to improve her taste buds

Question

#asktheexpert 
my baby only want to eat sweet foods. pls suggest how to improve her taste buds

Accepted Answer

Encouraging a toddler to eat a variety of foods can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to make mealtime more enjoyable and varied:

1. **Start Early:** Introduce a wide variety of foods to your toddler from an early age to expand their palate and prevent picky eating habits.

2. **Be a Role Model:** Demonstrate healthy eating habits by eating a variety of foods yourself and enjoying meals together as a family.

3. **Offer Choices:** Allow your toddler to have some control over their meals by offering them choices within limits. For example, let them choose between two healthy options for snacks or side dishes.

4. **Get Creative:** Present foods in different ways to make them more appealing to your toddler. Try cutting fruits and vegetables into fun shapes, arranging them on colorful plates, or serving them with dips or sauces.

5. **Mix and Match:** Combine familiar foods with new foods to make them more approachable. For example, mix new vegetables into familiar pasta dishes or offer a variety of toppings for pizza or tacos.

6. **Make it Fun:** Turn mealtime into a fun and positive experience by involving your toddler in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. You can also use themed meal nights or play games with food to make it more enjoyable.

7. **Offer Regularly:** Keep offering new foods to your toddler, even if they initially refuse them. It may take several attempts before they're willing to try something new.

8. **Be Patient:** Don't force your toddler to eat foods they don't like, as this can create negative associations with mealtime. Instead, be patient and continue to offer a variety of options.

9. **Provide Nutritious Snacks:** Offer healthy snacks between meals to ensure your toddler is getting a variety of nutrients throughout the day. Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich options like yogurt or cheese.

10. **Seek Professional Advice:** If you're concerned about your toddler's eating habits or nutritional intake, consider consulting with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance and support.

Remember that every child is unique, and it's normal for toddlers to be selective about their food choices at times. Stay patient, positive, and persistent in your efforts to encourage a varied and balanced diet for your toddler.

#asktheexpert my baby only want to eat sweet foods. pls suggest how to improve her taste buds