Even though dealing with picky eaters can be difficult, there are strategies to encourage your kid to try new foods. Check for any underlying medical conditions, such as constipation, allergies, or sensory difficulties, that may be causing your child’s finicky eating habits before attempting to introduce new foods. Determining how significant it is for you and your child to increase food tolerance is helpful after you’ve ruled out any medical conditions. If you decide it’s important, try compiling a list of everyday meals you eat and gradually introducing them to your child, paying special attention to the things they already express a liking for.
It’s helpful to take into account your child’s preferences, such as the kinds of meals they appreciate, the colors and textures they like, and other factors, in order to encourage them to try new things. Consider the following logical stages when introducing a new food: look at it, touch it, hold it, smell it, bring it close to the mouth, and so on. It may take up to 10 exposures or more before your child begins to show interest in a new cuisine, so try not to get disheartened if they initially show no interest. After 15 to 30 minutes, if your child is still uninterested in the new food, it’s okay to switch back to a favorite dish so they won’t go hungry. Just be sure to try the new food again at a later mealtime.
If your child has a strong reaction to a new food, such as gagging, spitting it out, or throwing up, don’t give up. These reactions are normal and can happen when introducing new foods. Simply be cautious, move slowly, and persevere. When dealing with a finicky eater, parents need to be patient and consistent. If you need additional support, consider reaching out to a professional, such as a speech therapist or nutritionist, who can help guide you through the process and provide specific strategies for addressing this issue.