1. Always Include a “Safe Food”
Serve one familiar food your child already likes alongside the new one. This makes the plate feel safe and less overwhelming.
2. Make It Fun with Shapes or Themes
Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or fruits, or serve a rainbow plate. You could say, “We’re having dinosaur broccoli trees today!”
3. Let Them Help Prep
Even toddlers can wash veggies, pour, or stir. They’re more likely to try food they helped make.
4. Offer a Tiny “Try It” Bite
Use a “no thank you bite” or a tasting spoon—just one small bite, no pressure to finish. Praise the effort, not the eating.
🍽️ Bonus Food Hacks
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Dip it! Serve new foods with a familiar dip like yogurt, nut butter, or hummus.
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Serve it differently – Don’t like steamed carrots? Try them raw, roasted, or grated.
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Repeat exposure – It can take 10–15 tries for a toddler to warm up to a new food. Keep offering it without pushing.