by Jessica Scofield

Created on: March 13, 2010

We all know that toddlers tend to be very picky eaters due to their palates being highly sensitive to the taste and texture of food. Trying to get your toddler to eat something other than fruit and pastas can be really challenging for parents who want nothing but the best nutrition for their toddler's growing bodies.

However now is not the time to just give up ~ there is still hope at the end of the rainbow. This is the perfect time to introduce new foods while they are still young and still be able to train those highly sensitive palates to love the taste of vegetables.

Step 1: Stick to a regular meal schedule- Studies have shown that when you schedule regular meal times you enhance your toddler's chances of trying new yummy foods. Once you have sat down together as a family to enjoy your meals go ahead and eat the new foods that you want your toddler to try. Once you start to eat the food be sure to make mmm's and ahh's to make your toddler think hey mommy likes it maybe I will too. Also it helps if you take the time to make happy excited faces and tell your toddler how good it tastes. If that doesn't work you can always eat some of your toddler's top foods and do the mm's and ah's. Be sure your toddler watches you eat the food and then eat the new food be sure to do the mm's after you taste the food.

Step 2: Set a time limit- Since toddler's tend to be very active its best to set a ten minute time limit when it comes to meal times and introducing new foods. If you keep your toddler sitting still for more then ten minutes at a time your toddler may resist and even hate the new food since he or she can't play until they take a bite.

Step 3: Avoid sugary foods at all costs- You need to avoid feeding your baby sugary foods at all cost if you want them to make better choices in life down the road. If you feed your child sugary sweet foods early in life you risk keeping them stuck on sweet foods and thus ruin any chance of getting your toddler to love vegetables due to the bland taste. Also be sure to pour half juice and half water into your toddler's sippy to help cut down sugar intake.

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