One of the more exciting things about watching your baby grow and develop is to witness that transition from only taking formula or breast milk to trying all sorts of new foods. Getting baby to try new foods can be an important milestone in your baby’s early life. Still, it can be somewhat frustrating when your baby won’t try new foods, or when he doesn’t like the new foods that you’re introducing into his diet.
Add to that the fact that babies are fickle things. Your baby might eagerly consume something new at first, and then after half a dozen bites or so she will decide that she doesn’t like it at all. Keep in mind here that getting baby to try new foods involves a process whereby your baby has to experiment with both texture and flavor, and get used to new sensations.
Here are some things you can do to help when you are getting baby to try new foods:
- Keep trying. Your baby might not like peas at first, but after half a dozen tries, she might decide that she’s all about the peas.
- Try different presentation methods. Part of getting baby to try new foods is finding new ways to introduce those foods. One of the best ways is to introduce them as a mixture with some cereal.
- Only try one new food at a time. If you mix several new foods and your baby has an allergic reaction, it will be hard to know which one caused the reaction.
- Don’t try new foods for baby when you or baby are tired or sick. Your baby is going to be much more receptive to trying new foods when he’s feeling well.
- Try new foods when your baby is hungry. If you wait until after he’s had some other food, he’s not as likely to try something new.
- If your baby has interest in a spoon, give her one of her own. Continue to feed her, but allow her to feel like she’s taking part in the process.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. Focus on the feeding process, and turn off the TV or remove other things that might distract your baby, as well.