10 tips for dealing with picky eaters

Does your underage kid usually refuse to eat anything but chicken nuggets? Or is the baby so giddy to play that he doesn't want to eat? If your child's nutrition is a headache in the family, know that you are not the only one, many parents are worried about their children eating and not eating. things. You shouldn't be discouraged when thinking about your baby's nutrition if your baby is a picky eater. Until your baby's eating preference is formed, please refer to the following tips to be able to prevent meal battles with your baby.

1. Please respect your baby's wishes

If your baby is not hungry, do not force him to eat meals or snacks. Likewise, you should not bribe or force your baby to eat certain foods or force him to finish all food on his plate. This can only spark or make the fight between you and your baby even more intense. In addition, your baby may become anxious and depressed when it is time to eat, or may no longer notice signs of hunger and fullness. So let your baby eat little by little, avoid putting pressure on your baby and give him the opportunity to ask for more food himself when he wants.

2. Build a baby's eating habits

Feed your baby at the same time every day. You can give your baby whole milk or juice with food, but give your baby water between meals and when he eats snacks. Offering juice, milk or snacks throughout the day may reduce your baby's appetite when it comes to meals.

3. Be patient when offering new foods

Young children often touch or smell when enjoying new foods, and they may even try a small bite and then spit them out. Your baby may need to be exposed to this new food several times before he starts taking the first bite.

Encourage your child by talking to them about the color, shape, smell and texture of the food, not by telling them the food is delicious or not. Also, offer new foods to your baby at the same time as your baby's favorite food.

4. Make it fun to eat and drink

You let your baby use broccoli and other vegetables along with their favorite sauce. Cut food into different fun shapes using a cookie cutter. Or you can even offer your baby food or breakfast at dinner. In addition, you can also feed your baby a variety of colorful foods.

5. Ask your baby's help

When you and your baby are at the grocery, ask your baby to help you choose fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. One advice is don't buy anything you don't want your baby to eat. When at home, encourage your baby to help wash the vegetables, stir the flour or set the table.

6. Be a role model in baby food

If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your baby may also be able to imitate you because in his eyes parents are always the best role models.

7. Be creative when you cook

You can add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, garnish the cereal with slices of fruit, or mix mashed gourd and carrots into casseroles and soups.

8. Minimize distraction of the baby when eating

Turn off the television and other electronics during meals, which will help your child focus on eating better. Remember that even if they are TV commercials, they can make your child crave sugary or low-nutrient foods.

9. Don't offer dessert as a reward to your baby

Offering dessert as a reward will make your baby understand that dessert is the best food and this can only increase your baby's desire to eat sweets. You can give your baby dessert one to two days a week, and not for the rest of the day. On the other hand, you can offer your baby desserts like fruit, yogurt or other healthy foods.

10. Don't become a custom-made baby chef

The fact that you cook another meal for your baby after the meal has been rejected by your baby will only promote fussy eating. Encourage your baby to sit at the table when it's time to eat, even if he doesn't. Keep offering healthy foods to your baby until they become familiar and interested in them.

If you are concerned that picky eating might affect your baby's growth and development, consult your doctor. Your doctor can draw a chart showing your child's growth. Also, try to keep a record of the types and amounts of foods your child eats for three days. Taking a good look at your child's eating condition through these methods will help ease your worries. What's more, journaling about the foods your baby has eaten can also help doctors identify diseases that your baby may have.

Remember that your child's eating habits won't be likely to change in the blink of an eye, but the small actions you take each day can help your baby build a healthy diet throughout the time. baby's later. "Has iron grinding makes perfect." - Your baby will have healthy eating habits if you begin to forge mid-childhood and the benefits of what you do today will extend into the years to come as your baby matures. .