5 tips for getting baby to eat at mealtime
Infant feeding is a major concern for most young parents. Especially since it is common for your baby to sulk when he or she begins to diversify; from 18 months to 3 years of age, your little one may even refuse to swallow certain foods outright. Having trouble getting your child to eat? Don't give up hope: here are some tips to get your baby's appetite back!
1: Give baby a variety of meals
The term "dietary diversification" wasn't invented for nothing! With the advice of a health professional and as soon as baby is old enough to eat foods other than breast milk (or infant milk), around 4/6 months (when baby is ready, of course), it is important to start diversifying his diet - always relying on the list of ingredients authorized by the pediatrician. Vary the pleasures and flavors according to the age of your little one, and don't hesitate to use mild spices to arouse his curiosity (paprika, cinnamon, saffron...).
________________________________________
Meal ideas for babies from 4 to 6 months
Mashed potatoes (ideally steamed to keep all their nutritional qualities) mixed with a dash of olive oil. No salt. Homemade fruit compote.
Meal ideas for babies from 7 to 9 months
Pumpkin and carrot purée mixed with 20 g of white ham (one tablespoon) and a dash of olive oil (grated cheese can be added from 8 months). Mixed fruit or milk dessert with no added sugar.
Meal ideas for babies aged 12 months and over
Basque chicken with wheat semolina OR minced pork roast with sweet potatoes. Cheese and compote/fruit.
Find several balanced meal ideas on Babybio!
________________________________________
2: Eat the same meal as baby
There's nothing like sharing your meal with your child to make him want to eat! Around 12 months, baby already wants to imitate mom and dad. So don't hesitate to eat the same dish as him (making sure not to add salt to the preparation). He'll be delighted and proud to eat the same food as you, and should stop baulking at the thought of touching his plate.
3: Sit at the table with baby
You may have already noticed that your little one hates to eat alone, or to eat while his parents or siblings are doing something else. To get your baby excited about eating, sit down at the table with him, take your time and don't distract him. Make mealtime a special time for sharing and introducing him to new flavors.
4: Give him time to eat
Don't make the mistake of rushing the meal as soon as your child pushes his plate away: babies often take it as a game, and need time to start eating. The more stressful mealtime is for your child, the less likely he will want to eat. So give them enough time! For example, list the ingredients that make up his meal in a playful way, and make him want to taste it by eating a few spoonfuls of his dish yourself. Above all, keep in mind that getting upset is never the right solution (and could even create blockages when it comes to eating).
5 : Prepare the meal with baby
Around the age of 2, your little one can participate in the preparation of the meal. What pride and joy for him to help with daily tasks. In addition to introducing your baby to new sensations, you'll be giving him a taste for his meal once it's prepared.
To help you on a daily basis, Babybio prepares healthy and balanced meals with delicious ingredients from organic farming and mostly from the French regions. Find original meal ideas for your baby, whatever his age, among our delicious products or our recipe ideas!
