Just when you finally think you’ve cracked the dinnertime routine, your little one might just start batting away spoonfuls of yoghurt or turning their face away from delicious forkfuls of veggies. But worry not; it’s normal for young children to go through stages with their eating, and it has nothing to do with you!
So, if you want our advice, we’d simply advise you to stop worrying about what to feed a fussy toddler and encourage them to enjoy their food as and when they please! This may initially sound like an unconventional approach, but trust us; this is a natural stage that most children go through.
In this Ashbridge School guide, we’ll be breaking down some of the reasons why your toddler might be rejecting food and offering some insight into what to feed a fussy toddler.
Why Won’t My Toddler Eat?
There are a number of reasons why your toddler may not accept their food, many of which are completely normal.
Neophobia
Also known as the fear of new foods, neophobia is the answer to why many growing children begin rejecting new meals before even tasting them. Yes, this can be frustrating for parents, but let’s get into why exactly it happens.
Interestingly, this habit tends to appear as little ones start to walk. So, if we think about this in terms of evolution, neophobia would’ve protected children from eating dangerous or poisonous plants while taking their first steps out into the wilderness. So, if you’re tired of wondering how to get veg into a fussy toddler, know that they’re naturally programmed to dislike the flavour of certain greens!
Now, we’re not implying you’re trying to poison your children, of course, but just bear in mind that your child’s instincts are telling them not to try your new tasty meals – and that’s okay!
Control
At such a young age, a child’s free will is fairly limited. They tend to live quite a regimented and routine-based life, but eventually, they’re likely to seek some kind of independence. Having autonomy over their eating is one of the easiest ways to exercise their independence, which is a completely natural part of their development.
Genetics
Do you specifically request your burger without sauce and gherkins? Or do you order your BLT without the T? If you’re a fussy eater, genetics says that there’s a chance your little one will be too! So be patient and allow your child the chance to explore their palette.
How to Get a Fussy Toddler to Eat
Here at Ashbridge, we believe that the best way to get a fussy toddler to eat is by encouraging them to listen to their bodily cues. Dinner shouldn’t feel like a chore to children, but there are ways in which you can make mealtimes more relaxed and enticing for your young children:
- Don’t praise them for cleaning their plate – They should listen to their bodies and only eat as much as they feel necessary.
- Introduce new foods mixed with familiar flavours – If you’re struggling with what to feed a fussy toddler, this method can help to gradually broaden their palette in a way which doesn’t feel too overwhelming.
- Allow your child the opportunity to self-feed – Even if things get messy, this gives them a feeling of autonomy over their meals and allows them the freedom to eat as much as they like.
- Reduce potential distractions – As toddlers get older, their curiosity grows and grows. Make their meals something to take an interest in and turn off all screens to help them focus on eating.
- Consider their preferences – We all have those foods that always go down a treat without fail, so pay attention to what your little one genuinely seems to enjoy and avoid pressuring them into eating foods that aren’t to their liking.
Visit Ashbridge
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how to get a fussy toddler to eat their meals. Here at Ashbridge, we believe in allowing young children the freedom to decide what works best for them and their bodies, and we carry that approach into our teaching styles too!
With interest-led curriculums and an appreciation for the value of the great outdoors, Ashbridge promises a truly beneficial learning experience that helps little ones truly thrive. Find out more about our Ashbridge Nurseries and Private School in Lancashire today. You can learn about the Ashbridge Ethos and how things work when you book a tour of our school or nurseries.
