Getting Your Picky Toddler to Eat: Variety, Smaller Portions & Positive Reinforcement

Introduction

Picky eating is an incredibly common problem among toddlers. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, up to 25% of children aged 2-6 years old are considered picky eaters. It can be a frustrating experience for both parents and toddlers alike, and can lead to inadequate nutrition if left unchecked.

This article will explore the different strategies that parents can use to get their picky toddler to eat. We will look at how to offer a variety of foods, serve smaller portions, involve your toddler in meal prep, use positive reinforcement, and be patient when it comes to getting your picky eater to try new dishes.

Offer a Variety of Foods

When dealing with a picky eater, it is important to provide them with a range of healthy options to choose from. Letting your toddler choose what they want to eat can help make mealtime more enjoyable for them, as well as encouraging them to try new things. Try to include a mix of proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy in each meal or snack.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, providing a variety of foods at mealtimes can help picky eaters expand their dietary repertoire. The study found that toddlers who were exposed to a wider variety of foods had significantly higher intakes of energy, protein, and micronutrients compared to those who were offered only a limited selection of food items.

Serve Smaller Portions

Another way to encourage your picky eater to try new foods is to offer smaller portions of food at mealtime. Serving smaller amounts of food can help reduce the pressure on your toddler to finish everything on their plate and make the meal less overwhelming.

A study published in the journal Appetite found that offering smaller portions of food was associated with increased acceptance of new foods among picky eaters. The study also found that toddlers who were served smaller portions consumed a greater diversity of foods than those who were given larger portions.

Let Your Toddler Help with Meal Prep

Involving your toddler in the cooking process can be a great way to get them interested in trying new foods. Letting them help stir, measure, or even pick out recipes can make mealtime more fun and engaging for your toddler. You can also let them help set the table and serve themselves, which can give them a sense of control and ownership over their meals.

A study published in the journal Pediatric Obesity found that involving toddlers in meal preparation was associated with improved diet quality and lower levels of picky eating behavior. The study concluded that involving toddlers in the cooking process can help to increase their acceptance of new foods and expand their dietary repertoire.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Using positive reinforcement can be an effective way to get your picky eater to try new foods. Praise your toddler when they try something new or finish their meal, and reward them with a small treat if they do. Avoid using punishments or scolding if your toddler refuses to eat, as this can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that using positive reinforcement was associated with increased acceptance of new foods among picky eaters. The study concluded that positive reinforcement can be an effective way to encourage picky eaters to try new foods and develop healthier eating habits.

Be Patient

Getting your picky eater to expand their dietary repertoire can take time, so it is important to be patient. Offer your toddler new foods regularly and don’t get discouraged if they refuse to eat them. Over time, they may become more willing to try new things.

A study published in the journal Food Quality and Preference found that repeated exposure to unfamiliar foods can increase acceptance among picky eaters. The study concluded that it may take up to 10 exposures for a picky eater to accept a previously rejected food.

Conclusion

Getting a picky toddler to eat can be a challenge, but it is possible. By offering a variety of foods, serving smaller portions, involving your toddler in meal prep, using positive reinforcement, and being patient, you can help your toddler learn to enjoy a wider variety of foods. With a little patience and creativity, you can help your picky eater develop healthier eating habits.

We hope this article has provided some helpful tips and advice on how to get your picky toddler to eat.