Top 10 Tips to Manage a Fussy Eater Toddler

2. Respect your child's appetite

Never force your baby to eat if they are not hungry. Let your baby identify when they are hungry and decide about the right time for eating. Also, avoid bribing and forcing your child to eat or finish the meal. It;s better to let them eat when they want and as much as they want.

3. Make a routine and follow it

Plan your baby's meals and snack times at regular intervals and ensure that you follow them. If your baby decides to skip a meal, then you always have a choice to make something tummy-filling for your baby's snack time. Avoid milk and fruits juices during the day.

4. Introduce new foods slowly

We know you want to give your kids the world, but you got to be patient with food. Avoid introducing many varieties of food at once. Instead, go one food at a time. You can introduce something new every week or day but avoid introducing a bunch of new foods in the same meal.

5. Make your food fun and attractive

Your food should be decorated in such a way that your toddler just can’t resist it! Use vegetables and fruits to make a tree or a scenery, even. Interesting shapes or colours can help heighten your child's interest and encourage them to try them out.

6. Experiment with new foods

Instead of sticking to basic or mundane foods, try new foods with your toddler. Introduce foods in new colours, textures, flavours and smells to your child and help them develop an interest towards food. Offer them a variety of foods in different meals and on different days and let them choose the kind of foods they want to eat.

7. Ask for your child's help

Take your child out for grocery shopping and ask them to pick fruits and vegetables. Once you're home, ask your toddler to help you rinse and wash them. Teach your child how to set the table. Involving them in the process before eating can help develop their interest and make them fond of eating.

8. Think about a vitamin supplement

This is one choice that parents have these days if their child is a fussy eater and is missing out on nutritious food. If you fear your child might develop a nutritional deficiency because of their fussy eating habits, you can try a vitamin supplement for them. However, always consult your paediatrician before.

9. Don't offer dessert as a reward

If you offer dessert as the bumper prize after dinner, your child comes under the impression that desserts are something grand which will only make your toddler want desserts the most, disregarding other foods.

10. Keep your child away from distractions

Using your smartphone or watching something on TV can distract your child while they're eating and shift their focus from relishing and finishing their meal. So limit these distractions and let you child be focused on their food, family time and conversations.

As a parent to a fussy eater, the most important thing you can do is be consistent, never lose patience and never give up on improving their eating habits.