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Fussy eating and a fear of new foods can affect some children. It's a totally normal part of development, but can be challenging for both you & your little one
With persistence and patience, most phases of fussy eating can be overcome. Here are some suggestions on making mealtimes as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to introduce a wide range of food into your child's diet from the age of six months.
Sharing is caring
Children learn from watching the behaviour of those near to them, so it's a good idea to sit fussy eaters next to adults or other children who enjoy trying different types of food.
Safely sit them in comfort by your side so they get used to the idea of handling and trying new food at the dinner table.
In control
Allow your child to be in control of the food they eat, giving them the time to work out what they do and don't like.
While they do that, the Department of Health recommends supplementing your child's diet with vitamin drops, which contain vitamins A, C and D, from the age of six months up to five years. Babies fed infant formula will not need vitamin drops until they are receiving less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day.
New foods
Introduce a wide variety of new tastes and be persistent as it may take time for a baby to finally like a new food.
As well as food prepared at home, non-organic and organic baby foods offer plenty of tasty options for every meal, with lots of naturally delicious flavours to try.
Small portions & seconds
Children can be overwhelmed by big portions, so make eating easier and fun. Serve meals with healthy snacks in between and try blending fruit and vegetables into soups and sauces.
Choose colourful cutlery and plates with pictures of their favourite cartoon characters to make meal times more fun.
