What happens when you try introducing a new food to your child? It is very possible that they might not like a new food the first time they try it and that is ok! Think back to when you were a child, you may remember foods you didn’t like at the time but now enjoy. It takes time to get used to a food and like it. When you give your child a new food:
- The first 1-3 times, they may just smell, touch or play with it.
- The first 4-6 times, they may spit it out or nibble on it.
- The first 7-9 times, they may actually eat and swallow it.
- Young children may have to eat a food 15 times before they like it and eat it everytime you give it to them!
Don’t give up and keep offering your children small amounts of new foods, like fruits and vegetables, even if they don’t immediately try them. To cut down on food waste, offer very small spoonfuls or pieces, or even bites of food from your own plate. When introducing new foods to your child make sure to eat it in front of them. Your children learn from watching you. If you show them that you eat and enjoy these foods, they will be more likely to try them.
Try making new foods fun! You can make up silly names for foods, like tasty tree tops for broccoli, or even a song about what you are tasting. Anytime you can have your child help prepare the food as well, they are more likely to try it. You can also try serving the food many different ways such as raw, cooked, cut into different shapes, or with sauces or dips. Pair the new food with one of your child’s favorite foods for a recipe for success. Don’t forget to talk with your child about what the fruit or vegetable tastes like and why they like it (or don’t). Here are some fruits and veggies to get you started on trying new foods with your child:
- Apple (An old favorite in a new way!)
- Edamame
- Zucchini (Like Pizza? Try it on zucchini!)
- Cauliflower (as fried rice)
- Yellow Pepper (in a fajitas)
- Snow Pea (In a stir fry!)
- Clementine
- Asian Pear
