Getting toddlers to try new foods

[tazmo]

Hi

My dd2 used to eat a lot as a baby - but as shes got older, she has practically lived off carbs and milk! Thankfully we've managed to stop the milk through the night (she was literally waking 5 times a night for milk because she wasn't eating anything during the day). Doing that, shes actually put on 5 lbs - but I am really going up the wall trying to get her to try new things. I'm afraid its got to the bribery and corruption stage. Just tried to get her to take a lick of peach for an ice cream. But she is going mental if it even goes near her - so I've said no ice cream. But she cannot live off what she is eating and really needs to try a greater variety of food. She will be 3 in May.

She currently eats cereal, crackers, bread (with no filling - put in a filling and she leaves it), breaded chicken, chips, yoghurt, custard, ice cream, crepes (that I make) and ellas kitchen smoothies. Of course she'll eat rubbish like chocolate and crisps. How do I get her to eat a better variety????

T

Hi tazmo,
I read a great book recently (sorry I can't remember title) about Kids' eating. The basic premise is that kids will not starve themselves so if you only offer healthy things then eventually they will eat it (may take a few days).
Ds got in habit of asking what was for pudding after he'd eaten two mouthfuls of dinner, then he'd say he didn't want his dinner if the pudding was something he liked. I stopped giving him 'pudding' and would later, after dinner cleared and we are doing something else, say "ooh, let's have a yoghurt" or whatever the pudding was. My point is that he actually proves the theory that he would not eat somethings if he knew tastier things would come along!
We always eat together at the table. But the best advice I read was not to make a fuss at all about what they eat. Don't pass comment at all. If ds says he doesn't like something I just say "oh, ok darling" and carry on talking about something else. So it's not a big deal. I swear sometimes he then tries that food again. I give v small portions and he canhave more if he likes. Also sometimes put chopped fruit ie melon or veg in bowls while dinner cooking and offer it to him whilst eating it myself. Ds lives on Milk and in the book it said they should have water too - so now sometimes I just offer water (which he is not keen on unless in his fireman Sam cup!)
Talk about food, show how much you like food, don't bribe her. Just relax with it. That was the biggest thing for me, it was a revelation knowing that by sitting enjoying my dinner and refusing to comment on any negative comments- I was actually helping ds enjoy food! Just don't spend hours slaving away over big dinners as it is annoying when they are not eaten!!
Hope it goes well!

Great advice, OP.

Just kind of ignore what everyone's eating and get on with enjoying your meals. Don't mention her leftovers or praise her for eating a lot.

Give her very small portions but have more available in the pan/fridge so she can have second helpings if she wants and don't let her sit at a plate of cold, congealed food IYSWIM for more than 20mins.

Don't have "rubbish like chocolate and crisps" in the house until she's into a better routine.

I'd go further than friendlyface and not make much in the way of comments about what you're eating - your DD will know that you're trying to influence her behaviour if you say how delicious your broccoli or whatever is. "That was nice" or similar at the end of your meal will suffice. She'll soon realise that she's missing out on an enjoyable part of the day when she sees you relaxed at the table.

Don't negotiate with her or present her with 'fun' foods.

Good luck :)

Hi. I've just started giving my toddler soup, she takes it in a cup through a straw so thinks its a smoothie. A great way to get loads of good veg in them. May be worth a try.