hi...my 1.7 yr old baby is not eating vegitables,rice and dal

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Accepted Answer

If your 1.7-year-old baby is refusing to eat vegetables, rice, and dal, here are some strategies to encourage healthier eating habits:

1. Creative Presentation:

Fun Shapes: Cut vegetables into fun shapes using cookie cutters. This can make them more appealing.

Colorful Plates: Serve a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to make the meal visually appealing.

2. Incorporate into Favorites:

Mix with Favorites: Try mixing small amounts of vegetables or dal into dishes your child already enjoys, like rice or pasta.

Smoothies: Blend vegetables into smoothies with fruits for added nutrition.

3. Involve Your Child:

Cooking Together: Let your child help with meal preparation. They may be more inclined to eat what they helped make.

Gardening: If possible, involve them in planting a small garden. Children may be more interested in eating what they’ve grown.

4. Model Healthy Eating:

Eat Together: Have family meals where everyone eats the same foods. Children often mimic their parents’ behaviors.

Positive Attitude: Show enjoyment when eating vegetables and other healthy foods. Your enthusiasm can be contagious.

5. Variety and Options:

Different Preparations: Experiment with different cooking methods (steaming, roasting, sautéing) to find what your child prefers.

Offer Choices: Present a few vegetable options at meals and let your child choose what they want to eat.

6. Make it a Routine:

Regular Meal Times: Establish a routine for meals and snacks to help your child understand when to expect food.

Limit Snacks: Reduce the intake of snacks between meals to encourage a better appetite during mealtimes.

7. Patience is Key:

Try, Try Again: It may take multiple exposures to a new food before your child accepts it. Don’t give up after the first try.

Avoid Pressure: Encourage your child to try foods without forcing them. Pressure can lead to negative associations with those foods.

8. Consult a Pediatrician:

If you’re concerned about your child’s nutrition or growth, consider discussing it with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and assess if any supplements are needed.

Every child has different preferences and eating habits, so be patient and keep offering a variety of foods.