1. Make Food Fun and Colorful
Toddlers love bright colors and interesting shapes. Try cutting fruits and vegetables into fun shapes or making rainbow-colored meals with a variety of colorful produce. Turning food into a playful experience can make toddlers more interested in trying new things.
2. Offer Small Portions and Choices
Big portions can be overwhelming, so start with small amounts, letting them ask for more if they like it. Offering choices also gives them a sense of control. Try asking, “Would you like carrot sticks or apple slices?” to make healthy options feel empowering.
3. Involve Them in Meal Prep
Toddlers love helping! Let them wash vegetables, arrange fruit, or even stir ingredients. When they’re involved in the process, they’re often more excited to taste what they've “helped” make.
4. Create a Routine
Kids thrive on routines, and regular meal and snack times help build positive eating habits. Aim to keep meals and snacks at the same times each day, so they know when to expect food and are less likely to get too hungry or too full.
5. Be a Role Model Toddlers learn by watching others, so let them see you enjoying a variety of healthy foods. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, and they’ll be more likely to try what you’re eating if it looks like you’re enjoying it.
6. Encourage Tasting, Without Pressure
It’s common for toddlers to be hesitant about new foods. Encourage them to take a “try bite,” but avoid pressuring or bribing them. Just offering new foods regularly, without stress, helps normalize them over time.
7. Use Healthy Snacks Wisely
Choose snacks like yogurt, fruit, or small portions of cheese to ensure they’re getting nutrients, even outside of main meals. Toddlers can sometimes be more open to trying different foods when they’re not hungry enough for a full meal but are still interested in a small snack.