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

Question

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

Accepted Answer

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.

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