Discouraging Picky Eaters

Roughly 50% of parents say their children are picky eaters, but there are some things you can do to expose them to new foods. Kate Kelly, Managing Editor for American Baby Magazine, explains.

When introducing new foods to your child, give them both old favorites and new dishes at the same time. "They're more likely to eat something new if they can have it with a tried and true [food]," says Kelly. So, if your child loves macaroni and cheese but isn't so sure about green beans, serve them both at the same meal. "You don't force them to eat it - you offer," says Kelly.

Offering foods again and again can be trying, but persistence pays off. "Most parents give up after three times, and it can take 8-15 times before a kid will try something new," says Kelly. Be sure you're eating the food you're offering to them, too. Children are copycats, and if they see Mom or Dad shying away from carrots or broccoli, they will too.

Meat is another food that kids often avoid. "I think personally that it's a texture thing," says Kelly. "If you think about it, though, some meats are a different texture than macaroni and cheese and the bland, comforting foods that they like." Many parents worry that their child isn't getting enough protein without meat, but the truth is, they're probably getting it from other sources like milk and peanut butter. Iron and Zinc deficiency is a concern, though, so be sure to offer your child other foods that are rich in these minerals like tofu or eggs.

Also, keep in mind that kids don't necessarily need to be in the "clean plate club" and finish every morsel on their plate. A normal, child-sized portion is roughly 1/4 to 1/3 of a full adult portion. While that might not look like a lot of food to you, it's a full meal to your son or daughter. Small children are also very good at noticing when they're full - they won't force feed themselves and they won't eat unless they're hungry. So if your child stops eating and says, "I'm full," they probably are.

When your child is hungry, though, is another matter. If children eat too many snacks during the day, they're less likely to eat at meal time. Controlling snacks is key. Kelly suggests giving two small snacks - one between breakfast and lunch, and one between lunch and dinner. If your child asks for extra snacks, don't give in. By limiting snacks, you'll curb your child's appetite without ruining it. This helps to ensure that your child comes to the table hungry.

If you are truly worried about your child's eating habits, talk to your pediatrician or find a nutritionist. They'll be able to assess your child's health as a whole and determine whether or not your child is lacking any key nutrients.

For more information on encouraging healthy eating, visit www.AmericanBaby.com.

By Erin Petrun