Picky Eaters and Introducing Solids

My daughter started eating solids a couple weeks ago and so far we have fared well. She has eaten bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, and pears. We are continuing to introduce a new food every 3 days. When talking to moms of 6-12 months old, I have found that I am one of the lucky few. Many moms have terribly picky eaters and don't know what to do. I have also found that many moms are now taking their children to eating specialists.

Here are some tips that I have found helpful when introducing solids:

• If your baby is breastfed, start with foods that have a sweet taste to them (similar to breast milk) like bananas, sweet potatoes, pears, apples, etc.
• Mix the food with either formula or breast milk, which will give the food a familiar taste.
• Make the puree very thin to start with so it has a consistency similar to formula or breast milk and gradually thicken.
• Let your baby put his hands in the food and "feed" himself.
• Know which foods are appropriate to introduce to your child. Check out Wholesome Baby Food for introduction charts.
• I am a big fan of making your own baby food. Not only does it save money, but the food has a nice fresh taste for your baby. Check out my older post for more details.
• If your child doesn't appear to like a food, try it again. In fact keep trying. Some babies take 8-10 times to like a food.

If you are a parent of a toddler here are some great sites to help with your picky eaters:

http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/eating-nutrition/picky-eaters/

http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-handle-a-picky-eater_64302.bc

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions for how you have overcome a picky eater!