How to help a picky eater
Wondering how to help a picky eater? Developing a palate takes time. So we’ve prepared a menu of useful tips to help turn your picky eater into a food lover.
- Stick to regular mealtimes. Routine is reassuring for young children.
- Keep servings small and offer more if they are still hungry—large portions can be overwhelming.
- Use colors and shapes to make the food fun and attractive.
- Try to make mealtimes fun by involving your toddler with meal preparation or chatting with them about the colors and textures of the food.
- Be positive. Talk about one of their favourite interests at meal time. Don’t comment on how much they are or are not eating.
- Offer new tastes gradually. One at a time and in small amounts.
- Try not to rush mealtimes as some toddlers eat very slowly.
- Eat together as a family as much as possible. Toddlers learn just as much by watching what you do, from table manners to savoring food and trying different things.
- Encourage them to feed themselves, it might help finger foods be accepted more easily. You can deal with the mess later.
Related articles
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Potty training : When to start
No matter how eager you may be there is no "right" age to start potty training your little one.
4 mins to read
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Some days, the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercise—particularly if you’ve had a sleepless night. But keeping active can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
2 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen—and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.
2 mins to read
Toddler meals ideas | Nutrition and Feeding for Your Growing Toddler
By one year of age, your little one should be eating a variety of foods from the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. He’s likely discovering new tastes, textures and skills.
9 mins to read
Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Separation anxiety in toddlers is a normal and healthy part of development though it can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
1 min to read
Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after a baby
If you’ve decided to go back to work and are preparing to become a working mom, you’re more than likely navigating a rollercoaster of emotions.
3 mins to read
Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!
2 mins to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
2 mins to read
How to provide a healthy toddler diet
A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.
2 mins to read
Tips on planning a toddler birthday party
Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.
3 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start.
2 mins to read
What to consider when choosing a daycare
Wondering how to pick a daycare to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a daycare, from childcare costs to location.
2 mins to read
A guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.
2 mins to read
How to help toddler tummy problems
Painful toddler tummy problems, including toddler diarrhea and toddler constipation, are horrible for parents and babies alike.
2 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps
It can be exciting to watch your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps.
2 mins to read
Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read
Baby talk: How to encourage baby’s first words.
Your baby’s first words are likely to happen after a few months of baby talk.
2 mins to read
Your toddler’s developing feeding skills
Your toddler has come a long way since that first spoonful of puree went in (and probably came straight back out again!).
8 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
