#asktheexperts
Why my baby doesn't like sabji or dal?

Question

Accepted Answer

Encouraging a toddler to eat vegetables and dal can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to help introduce these foods into your child's diet:

1. **Lead by example**: Children often mimic the eating behaviors of their parents and caregivers. Try to make mealtimes a positive and enjoyable experience by eating a variety of vegetables and dal yourself and demonstrating enthusiasm for these foods.

2. **Offer variety**: Experiment with different types of vegetables and dal preparations to find flavors and textures that your child enjoys. You can try steaming, roasting, or pureeing vegetables, and adding spices or seasonings to enhance the flavor of dal.

3. **Be patient and persistent**: It can take time for children to develop a taste for new foods, so don't be discouraged if your child doesn't immediately take to vegetables and dal. Continue offering these foods regularly and in small portions, and be patient as your child gradually becomes more familiar with them.

4. **Mix vegetables into other dishes**: Incorporate vegetables and dal into dishes that your child already enjoys, such as soups, stews, pasta sauces, or mixed rice dishes. This can help introduce these foods in a less intimidating way.

5. **Offer praise and encouragement**: Provide positive reinforcement when your child tries new foods, even if they only take a small bite. Encourage them to explore different flavors and textures, and praise their efforts as they gradually become more adventurous eaters.

6. **Get creative with presentation**: Make vegetables and dal more appealing to your child by arranging them in fun shapes or colors, or by serving them with dips or sauces for dipping.

7. **Involve your child in meal preparation**: Let your child help choose vegetables at the grocery store or farmers' market, and involve them in age-appropriate meal preparation activities such as washing, peeling, or stirring. This can help foster a sense of ownership and excitement about eating vegetables and dal.

8. **Set a positive mealtime environment**: Create a calm and relaxed atmosphere during mealtimes, free from distractions such as television or electronic devices. Make mealtimes enjoyable by sitting down together as a family and engaging in conversation.

Remember that it's normal for children to have preferences and dislikes when it comes to food, and it may take time and patience to help your child develop a taste for vegetables and dal. By offering a variety of nutritious foods, being patient and persistent, and setting a positive example, you can help encourage healthy eating habits in your child.

#asktheexperts Why my baby doesn't like sabji or dal?