Trying out solid foods is an exciting time for infants and their caretakers. Little ones gum on new textures and new flavors, and the process can be anything but tidy. Similarly, when toddlers try new foods, they may feel anything from caution to excitement. Some foods are a hit, and others are relegated to the “try it later” category. When introducing new foods to your infant or toddler, follow these guidelines for a successful introduction.
Introducing New Foods to Infants
1. Start Solids at Six Months
Six months is the recommended start for introducing solid foods to infants. Many parents introduce solids through fruit and vegetable purees or single-grain baby cereals thickened with water or breast milk. You’ll know your infant is ready to try solid food when they:
- Show an interest in your food or their siblings’ food
- Can sit upright with little or no support
- Has good control of their neck muscles
2. Keep An Eye Out for Food Allergies
Although you may feel eager to see how your infant reacts to many different foods, be careful when introducing new ingredients into your child’s diet. Initially, wait three to five days between each new food you introduce to determine if your child has an adverse reaction. You may notice a rash or hives, watery eyes, or digestive issues if your child has an allergy. Keep in mind that the top allergy-inducing foods include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. The Gardner School takes food allergies seriously and has a plan for students as needed.
While infants can be open to all types of different foods, toddlers can be a little more skeptical. By the time they’re two or three, most toddlers know what foods they like, and they can be resistant to trying new or unknown flavors or ingredients. While picky eating is usually a phase, there are a few steps you can take to encourage adventurous eating, even for your toddler. Here’s a helpful list of foods that your choosy eater is sure to love.
3. Take a Food Vacation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel has continued to be difficult. You can recapture the adventure by introducing “culinary vacations” to your kitchen table. Once a week, choose an ingredient from an exotic locale, such as star fruit, buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, or calamansi. Share some facts about the area of origin with your child and make it a fun learning experience.
4. Let Your Child Menu Plan
Kids are much more likely to eat unusual foods when they are part of the growing, selecting, or food preparation process. This can be especially effective if it’s presented as a special treat or privilege. At the farmer’s market or grocery store, let your child play Iron Chef by choosing one to three unusual ingredients in the produce aisles to use during the week. Or, share one of your favorite recipe books with your little one and let them choose main dishes based on the photographs. (You might mark off four to five dishes you’d like to make and let them choose from those options.) In the spring or summer, consider helping them grow veggies or herbs. You’ll be surprised how much they want to taste food made with ingredients they’ve spent time cultivating.
An Early Start for Healthy Habits
The Gardner School uses a variety of learning tools to help children understand the importance of healthy eating during the school day. We offer cooking enrichment classes and help our students learn about health and nutrition. During the Camp Gardner summer program, our students can grow vegetables or other small plants as part of the camp curriculum.
With a healthy mix of structured enrichment and free play, we give children the guidance they need to start learning as soon as they’re ready. Contact us today to learn more, or check out our virtual tours on our website for The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School to help build resilient, compassionate, and engaged young learners.