Expert Feeding Tips

Kids and Healthy Eating

Not sure how to kick-start your kids' healthy eating habits? Here are a few expert-approved tips to get you going.
 

• Make mealtimes enjoyable by creating a positive, calm environment. Adopt a neutral attitude and avoid excess praise and criticism.¹


• Encourage your kids to eat new foods by offering small portions of new food along with their favorite foods. Don’t force them to eat all of the new food, but encourage them to take small tastes. Don’t give up! Studies show that kids need to be exposed to a new food 15 times or more before accepting it.^2-4


• For kids who eat very little or have no appetite, try feeding them at specific intervals and avoid snacks to encourage appetite. Mealtimes should be three to four hours apart.¹


• If your child has difficulty swallowing, talk to your health care professional about evaluating the cause.


• Always offer liquids at each mealtime to keep your kid hydrated⁵, and emphasize the importance of drinking water.


• Make sure to include fiber-containing grains, fruits, and vegetables in your child’s diet and ensure good fluid intake to help avoid constipation and diarrhea.⁵