#asktheexperts my son now 2 year 5 months old but he doesn't eat fruits so what shall I do ?

A. It can be challenging when a young child refuses to eat fruits, but there are several strategies you can try to encourage them to incorporate more fruits into their diet: ### Strategies to Encourage Fruit Consumption: 1. **Lead by Example**: Eat fruits yourself and let your child see you enjoying them. Children often mimic their parents' behavior. 2. **Make it Fun**: - Create fruit faces or shapes on a plate. - Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. - Arrange fruit slices into colorful patterns. 3. **Incorporate Fruits into Favorite Foods**: - Add fruit to yogurt or smoothies. - Include small pieces of fruit in cereals or oatmeal. - Blend fruits into sauces or purees that can be mixed with other foods. 4. **Offer Variety**: - Keep a variety of fruits on hand to provide different flavors and textures. - Rotate the types of fruits you offer to keep things interesting. 5. **Let Them Choose**: - Take your child grocery shopping and let them pick out fruits they want to try. - Allow them to help with washing and preparing fruits. 6. **Serve Small Portions**: - Offer small, manageable pieces that are easy for your child to eat. - Sometimes large portions can be overwhelming. 7. **Pair with Favorites**: - Serve fruits alongside foods your child already likes. - For example, pair apple slices with peanut butter or cheese. 8. **Make Fruits Accessible**: - Keep a bowl of washed and ready-to-eat fruits within reach. - Make fruits a part of every meal and snack time. 9. **Be Patient and Persistent**: - It may take multiple exposures to a new fruit before your child is willing to try it. - Keep offering fruits regularly without pressuring them to eat. 10. **Disguise Fruits**: - Make fruit popsicles or homemade fruit snacks. - Bake fruits into muffins or pancakes. ### Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits: - **Routine**: Establish regular meal and snack times. - **Positive Reinforcement**: Praise your child when they try a new fruit. - **No Pressure**: Avoid forcing or pressuring your child to eat, as it can create negative associations with food. If your child continues to resist eating fruits despite these efforts, consider consulting with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian. They can provide additional strategies and ensure your child is receiving the necessary nutrients through other means.