How do you get a two and a half year old to eat a wider variety of food?

Answer 1

Sneak it into things in little bit, for example a quesadilla. Having just a small taste of it, they'll learn to develop a taste for things without even knowing.

Answer 2

Let your child see you eating healthy foods. Children imitate their parents- in other words they do what you do more than what you say. Also, just trust in their ability to eat what their bodies need when offered the right foods. Their diets might not be balanced throughout the day, but over the course of a week or so it will balance out. I know all my kids at that age (4 out of 5 have reached that age, 1 is only 20 months now) have liked a variety. They might be hooked on one food for a few days or a week but then become interested in something new for a while. It is probably just part of balancing it all out. I would definitely recommend a "nibble tray" which is an ice cube tray filled with different finger foods- O-shaped cereal, banana wheels, apple slices, avacado boats etc. Use other good foods like yogurt as dips. Most of all don't turn it into a power struggle. Just be "matter-of-fact" about it.

Answer 3

Arthurs Mummy is right.... ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD BEFORE 6 MONTHS!!!!!! Milk (breast or formula) and water only!!!! Stop feeding your baby rice cereal. Feeding your baby early is a major cause of obesity in children and allergies. Old books will tell you differently but these are new suggestions (about 3 years old) based on research. Follow the guidelines!!! AND NO JUICE!!!! thats just empty calories....there is so much sugar in juice it is not funny. Babies under six months should have water and breast milk or formula only. You should be having your baby regularly weighed. If your baby is underweight you should follow your doctors / health nurses directions to supplement his diet, but never EVER do this your self. Your baby should need no supplementing now whatsoever.

Answer 4

Just keep offering it and putting some on his plate. They say that on average a child has to see a new food, taste a new food about 10 times before he'll actually accept it. That's what I did with my son and it worked. He eats everything that's not nailed down now! Good luck with your little one.

Answer 5

you could try letting the two and a half help make or prepare the food... when they have a hand in creating it, they tend to at least eat some of it... present it in a funny face or animal is another idea.. turn it all into finger foods... make a game out of you and toddler eating most types?

Answer 6

My son got a small bit (I mean just a taste)of everything we had. In order to get more of the things he liked, he had to eat just that little bit of the stuff he didn't, If he wanted more chicken he had to eat the 4 peas or whatever they were. He found he liked a few thing he thought he didn't.

Answer 7

Offer it. Remember your two year olds options are only what you give the baby to eat. Baby can't get her won food and prepare it yet. that is up to you. She will try to train you in to giving in to her. I know all about that I'm a push over.

Answer 8

give him a plate with a few things on it he will probably try them all put a few slices of hot dogs a fish stick a few green beans or ect... see what he does. but most 2 year olds are very picky and theres nothing you can do about it. they will eventually grow out of it. let them eat what they want as long as its not cake and candy they will be fine. my son is 4 and he still eats hot dogs everyday but i know he will grow out of it so im ok with it.

Answer 9

An incentive after they eat everything...the incentive is something that they like...

Or you could try what I do with my 4 year old..."You get what you get and you don't throw a fit" and they sit there till they eat it.

Answer 10

Continue to offer new and different foods. You can mix them with foods that they already enjoy.