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Let your child pick out fruits and veggies at the grocery store.
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Allow your picky eater to try food off of your plate. My pediatrician told me toddlers sometimes prefer to eat what's on their parents' plates, as they are aware their food is different.
Marie of Katy, TX
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Have your picky eater help in the kitchen by stirring batter and adding spices.
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Try transitioning your picky eater to table food by offering Stage 3 baby food. You can even try combining baby food with table food.
Sheila of Houston, TX
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Use cookie cutters to make cucumber stars or apple suns.
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Let your kids eat when they are hungry. You can't necessarily expect them to sit down to three full meals and be able to finish everything. Kids' tummies are small, so five to seven small meals or snacks throughout the day can often make more sense. Ever since I figured this out, it's been much easier to understand my kid's eating habits. Before, he was filling up on what he liked best, and then saying no to what was left. I thought he was being picky, but really, he was just satisfied.
Amy of Nora Springs, IA
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Dunk fruits and veggies in sauces or dips.
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I stopped keeping snacks around all day, and started giving my son snacks at specific times instead. Now he has a routine that he's used to, so he knows when he needs to eat.
Lisa of Fort Hood, TX
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Minimize distractions and turn off the television during meals.
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When I want my kids to try something new, I make sure they've first had a day of fresh air and exercise — that way, they're hungry at mealtime. When it's time to eat, I serve just a small sample of the new food. This takes the pressure off of them, so they don't feel like they're being forced into consuming a large portion of something they potentially might not like.
Carmen of Carson, CA
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Shred carrots and zucchini in casseroles and spaghetti sauce.
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This trick has helped my 20-month-old try and enjoy new textures. I stand next to her and encourage her by clapping my hands and saying "Yay!" or making animal sounds. When I do that, she seems to want to try new foods, and she claps for herself after each bite.
Erica of Lake Elsinore, CA
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Top cereal with fruit slices instead of sugar.
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Have them try at least one bite of a new food every day. Try it again with two foods the following week, but ask them to try each item twice. Be sure to only give names to the foods they like — that way, they won’t be discouraged just by a food’s name.
Robin of Alvin, TX
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Fresh fruit smoothies make a delicious treat — let your child add the ingredients.
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Listen to your child. After all, they are the ones eating the food, and each child has different tastes. Try not to force foods on them. Instead, make healthy foods with a yummy twist, like honey or applesauce, to entice healthier appetites.
Cynthia of Radcliff, KY
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Make sure your child has a chance to see older siblings, cousins, or friends eating a variety of foods. Kids often will follow their lead.
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My son has an issue eating meat, so we play a game called “hide the meat.” I get a forkful of meat, dip it in applesauce, and pretend the meat has suddenly disappeared. He thinks it’s funny, which makes him more inclined to eat, and I can rest easy knowing he’s getting the protein he needs.
Brigitte of Palmerton, PA
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Forget the Clean Plate Club and encourage your child to take a bite of everything on the plate. The more often they try it, the more likely they will be to eat it willingly.
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I explain to my kids where food comes from and how it is made. We visit the local farmers market, where they have samples of fruits and veggies to try. Each time my kids try a new one, I give them a prize.
Nicole of San Jose, CA
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