Eating a wide variety of foods to gain the best possible nutrition is the goal that most mothers aim for once it is time for solid food. Most babies accept what food is offered eventually, though as they get older and like to feel they are in control of their eating, they may refuse a food simply because it is being offered by mum.
Leaving that food on the plate so they can get it for themselves will often solve the problem. Picky eating is usually a learned behaviour. Sometimes it stems from not enough variety being offered so that the child gets used to one or two tastes and has trouble accepting a new taste. This can easily be avoided by constantly offering new foods and continuing to do so even when they are rejected several times. New foods will often be accepted on the 20th time offered when they were refused the previous 19 times.
Another reason that toddlers become picky eaters is because they eat such tiny amounts at first that mother finds it easier to feed them canned food. They then get used to the taste and texture of this food and do not like ordinary food when it is presented.
It is important to let the baby see what everyone else is eating. Placing the high chair at the dinner table while the family is eating will help baby to see that other foods are enjoyed by the rest of the family. Passing him little pieces off your own plate to sample will help him to adjust.
Naturally, smooth textured foods will be offered at first, but it won’t be long before baby can handle lumpy foods, or food that has small lumps in it. Remember that your toddler will never get used to a variety of foods unless they are offered to him in the first place. Even food that you do not like yourself should be offered.
Once baby begins to have a few favourite foods that he always eats, new food can be introduced by combining them with the favourites. Place the favourite food at the front of the spoon and a little of the new food at the back. This way, baby will taste and accept the favourite food and associate the new food with the enjoyment of eating his favourite.
Gradually, the amount of the favourite food on the spoon can be reduced while the new food is increased and soon baby will be happy to accept the new food without the favourite. A new food should be introduced every four or five days.
Of course, baby cannot eat all those new foods at every meal, but once a new food is accepted, it should be offered regularly so that baby remembers the taste. That way you won’t have to start all over again with that particular food.
Picky eating can also refer to the amount of food baby consumes. A baby’s appetite will increase and decrease along with his growth spurts. Often they eat more than you realise, so if you are worried keep a record of what baby eats over a five day period. You may be surprised.