The 10 Times Rule
Is your toddler unwilling to try new foods? Here’s why. The American Academy of Pediatrics performed a study with toddlers and found that most toddlers need to see a new food on their plate at least 10 times before they are willing to try it. Try these tips for introducing new foods more successfully:
- Offer new foods first. Your child is most hungry at the start of a meal. They will often eat without thinking about what they are eating.
- Pair a new food with familiar food. Serve something that you know your child likes along with new food.
- Make food creative. Toddlers are often open to trying new foods arranged in eye-catching and creative ways. Use cookie cutters to cut foods into shapes or arrange foods by colors. Kids this age also enjoy any food involving a dip.
- Talk about the new food. Introduce a food and describe the flavor and texture. Compare it to a food they already like.
- It is fun to try. Be a good role model and show your child how you enjoy trying a new food.
- Try serving new food at different times of the day. Does your child eat the most at breakfast? Could this new food be a snack? Try offering the new food at other times of the day to encourage trying.
Excerpt from Early Eaters Resource Guide & Cookbook – Survival Tips and Simple Recipes for Toddlers and Preschoolers
