Tips for Feeding Picking Eaters

Key Takeaways

• Mealtimes can be a struggle for many caregivers who have to convince picky eaters to try nutritious meals.
• Kids around age 15-18 months are suddenly opinionated, telling you exactly what they don't want to eat.
• Check out these tips for picky eaters that can help ensure your toddler is eating healthy meals without the tantrums.

Food for Picky Toddlers

Picture this: you've set your toddler in their wooden high chair, a silicone baby bib in their favorite color sits around their neck, and you've just placed a baby plate set in front of them full of delicious fruits and veggies. Instead of happily munching away, your little one grabs at the food, throwing it on the floor and screaming for something different. Sound familiar?

Finding food for picky toddlers can be incredibly challenging, leading to stressful mealtimes and constant battles. So what do you do? If you're wondering what to feed a picky toddler or how to get them to eat nutritious food, it's time to check out these tips and tricks from the team at Abiie.

What Is Picky Eating & Why Does It Happen?

Picky eaters come in all shapes and sizes. Your little one may not be interested in trying anything new, they may throw a tantrum if their food is touching, or they might simply not want to eat at all. Picky eating is a problem that many parents face, and it can occur for many reasons.

Many toddlers start developing opinions and experimenting with boundaries at this point in their cognitive development. Some toddlers are even struggling with sensory issues and have concerns about the texture of their food. How you handle the situation can make all the difference. Keep reading for a few tips to try in different situations, as well as food recommendations for picky eaters.

• Offer A Choice

Some toddlers just want to feel like they have a little more control over the direction of their day. Involve them in planning each meal by offering a choice between two or three options. Instead of wondering what to feed a picky toddler, ask them what they want instead. It may not be the food itself causing the issues, but simply the presentation. Instead of constantly trying new foods for picky toddlers, let them choose from what you already have at home.

• Separate Out Each Type of Food

Another reason your little one may be refusing to eat is that they dislike mixing flavors or textures in their food. Shop for sectioned plates that allow you to separate different types of food easily. You have tons of options for safe, eco-friendly baby products when you choose silicone plates and bowls from our collection. Our plates specifically cater to foods for picky toddlers, as they offer segmented cubbies. Our bowls and plates are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match your other baby gear.

• Let Them Eat What You Eat

Whether you're introducing a new food or you simply want to save time during mealtime, you can feed your little ones exactly the same foods that you're eating. This approach, often called Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), involves letting babies eat some of the same foods as the family with appropriate modifications. Experiment with transferring a bit of the food from your plate to your little one's plate. Using this technique, you're normalizing each type of food you introduce by modeling that you're eating it too.

This technique is especially useful for parents who have little ones who want to be just like their parents. With the monkey-see, monkey-do mentality, you can more easily introduce your picky toddler to new foods, bond with them over your favorite meals, and simplify mealtime for everyone.

• Make Mealtime Family Time

Sometimes, distractions are the reason you're on the hunt for different foods for picky toddlers. What you feed picky toddlers isn't the problem. It's everything else going on around them that's causing the issues. Limit distractions by turning off the television, putting away electronic devices, and focusing on family time. Try to sit with your little ones every time they eat, schedule permitting, so that mealtime isn't a sad solo activity. Your participation will make mealtimes more fun and exciting!

• Lead With Positivity

Kids can pick up a lot of what you're feeling, so if you're stressed about mealtime, they will be too. We know your days are full, so let mealtime be a moment to slow down, connect, and make things fun. Take the pressure out of breakfast, lunch, and dinner by sitting and chatting with your little one about their day and encouraging self-feeding.

Top Foods for Picky Eaters

Now it’s time to talk about what to feed picky eaters when these techniques aren't working. Check out our list of the top foods to try:

• Butter pasta
• Pizza rolls
• Grilled cheese
• PB & J sandwiches
• Chicken fried rice
• Baked potatoes

Above all, try to bring back familiar foods that you know they like each time you introduce something new. This way, your little ones have the comfort of something they know they like when trying a dish they've never seen before.

Abiie for Advice and Support

Now that we've reviewed some ways to explore foods for picky eaters, you can better navigate mealtimes with your little one.

Whether you need new baby gear or you're looking for parenting tips, we're here to help! Explore our blog to discover hacks that make your life a little easier and check out our store for baby essentials, like infant hip seats, high chairs, and other mealtime must-haves.