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    Top 10 Tips to Manage a Fussy Eater Toddler

    Baby Care

    Top 10 Tips to Manage a Fussy Eater Toddler

    Updated on 20 December 2022

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dt. Mansi Goyal

    Specializes in Critical Gestational Diabetes, PCOS Patients - BSC| MSC (Home Science, Food & Nutrition)

    View Profile

    Gone are the days when your baby would nicely accept and eat whatever you gave them. What is important to understand is that the growth rate and appetite- both tend to slow down once your baby becomes a toddler. Your baby is growing and is also developing food preferences. Your baby is probably bored of what you give them to eat and wants something you gave them two days back.

    However, it becomes necessary to address this issue in time to avoid further problems in their growth and development.

    Tips for Parents of Fussy Eaters

    Here are a few things that may help you in dealing with a fussy eater:

    1. A family that eats together stays together

    Eat together as a family and make sure that you serve your baby the same food served to everybody else. Do not make special food for your baby because this only encourages picky eating habits. You can include one food of your toddler's choice in the menu so that your toddler doesn't complain.

    2. Respect your child's appetite

    Never force your baby to eat if they are not hungry. Let your baby identify when they are hungry and decide about the right time for eating. Also, avoid bribing and forcing your child to eat or finish the meal. It;s better to let them eat when they want and as much as they want.

    3. Make a routine and follow it

    Plan your baby's meals and snack times at regular intervals and ensure that you follow them. If your baby decides to skip a meal, then you always have a choice to make something tummy-filling for your baby's snack time. Avoid milk and fruits juices during the day.

    4. Introduce new foods slowly

    We know you want to give your kids the world, but you got to be patient with food. Avoid introducing many varieties of food at once. Instead, go one food at a time. You can introduce something new every week or day but avoid introducing a bunch of new foods in the same meal.

    5. Make your food fun and attractive

    Your food should be decorated in such a way that your toddler just can’t resist it! Use vegetables and fruits to make a tree or a scenery, even. Interesting shapes or colours can help heighten your child's interest and encourage them to try them out.

    6. Experiment with new foods

    Instead of sticking to basic or mundane foods, try new foods with your toddler. Introduce foods in new colours, textures, flavours and smells to your child and help them develop an interest towards food. Offer them a variety of foods in different meals and on different days and let them choose the kind of foods they want to eat.

    7. Ask for your child's help

    Take your child out for grocery shopping and ask them to pick fruits and vegetables. Once you're home, ask your toddler to help you rinse and wash them. Teach your child how to set the table. Involving them in the process before eating can help develop their interest and make them fond of eating.

    8. Think about a vitamin supplement

    This is one choice that parents have these days if their child is a fussy eater and is missing out on nutritious food. If you fear your child might develop a nutritional deficiency because of their fussy eating habits, you can try a vitamin supplement for them. However, always consult your paediatrician before.

    9. Don't offer dessert as a reward

    If you offer dessert as the bumper prize after dinner, your child comes under the impression that desserts are something grand which will only make your toddler want desserts the most, disregarding other foods.

    10. Keep your child away from distractions

    Using your smartphone or watching something on TV can distract your child while they're eating and shift their focus from relishing and finishing their meal. So limit these distractions and let you child be focused on their food, family time and conversations.

    As a parent to a fussy eater, the most important thing you can do is be consistent, never lose patience and never give up on improving their eating habits.

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    Medically Reviewed by

    Dt. Mansi Goyal

    Specializes in Critical Gestational Diabetes, PCOS Patients - BSC| MSC (Home Science, Food & Nutrition)

    View Profile

    Written by

    Priyanka Verma

    Priyanka is an experienced editor & content writer with great attention to detail. Mother to an 11-year-old, she's a ski

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