We all want the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to their diet. Weaning can be a challenge, and if your child isn't naturally inclined to be a ‘good’ eater, don’t worry—there are plenty of clever ways to pack extra nutrients into their meals without the hassle.
A well-balanced diet is essential, so aim for plenty of fruits and vegetables—aiming for 5 a day is a great start. Frozen fruits and veggies can be a lifesaver for busy parents and are just as nutritious as fresh. Toss a handful of frozen raspberries into overnight oats or microwave some frozen peas in just 60 seconds to serve alongside your baby’s main dish. Don’t forget that babies also need protein, calcium, and healthy carbs to keep them going. Consider incorporating options like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and wholegrain pasta, rice, or bread.
With so much to think about, we’ve pinpointed five simple yet effective hacks to infuse more goodness into your baby’s diet—all with minimal effort and maximum benefit.
1. Sneaky Veggies
There are countless ways to sneak vegetables into your baby’s meals—even the pickiest eater won’t notice! Puree cauliflower into cheese sauce, tuck mashed broccoli under cheese on pizza, or blend a handful of spinach or kale into a smoothie. Grated carrots are surprisingly easy to hide as well! Finger foods like egg muffins, pancakes, or veggie patties are also excellent vehicles for sneaking in extra fruits, veggies, milled seeds, or chopped nuts.
2. Superfoods for Little Heroes
Upgrade your baby’s nutrition with a few pantry staples like chia seeds. Rich in omega-3, chia seeds can even replace eggs in recipes by mixing one tablespoon of seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of warm water and letting it sit for 5 minutes. It’s a fantastic health boost and a great option for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Another gem is nutritional yeast, which might be new to you but is a must-have for weaning. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, especially B12, making it perfect for vegan or vegetarian families. Its cheesy flavor makes it an ideal addition to pasta sauces. Avocados, blueberries, and kale are also superfoods that even picky toddlers usually accept without fuss.
3. Encouraging Independent Eating
At some point, most babies and toddlers will want to feed themselves. Allowing them to do so—while embracing the inevitable mess—can actually be beneficial. Let your baby explore using their own cutlery, or provide finger foods that are easy to pick up. A suction bowl or plate from For Your Little One can be a real help here. Be mindful of signs that your baby is full, like avoiding eye contact with food, clamping their mouth shut, or playing with food instead of eating it. If they’re full, resist the urge to push for ‘just one more bite.’
4. Introduce New Foods Creatively
It might feel counterintuitive, but avoiding the "no dessert unless you finish dinner" rule can prevent the development of an undesirable preference for sweets. Instead, try offering all food on one plate, mixing sweet and savory items. For example, place chopped strawberries and yogurt alongside the main dish and let your baby decide what to eat first. A compartmentalized plate from For Your Little One can help keep flavors separate and appealing.
5. Stay Calm and Keep Trying
Every baby and toddler has off days when they just aren’t interested in eating. Trust your little one to eat when they’re hungry, and avoid forcing them to eat—simply try again at the next meal. Remember that it often takes multiple exposures to a new food before a baby accepts it, so persistence is key. Keep mealtimes relaxed and fun, even if you’re feeling frustrated with how much (or little) is being eaten. Eating together can be helpful too—your baby will enjoy mimicking you, so make those “yummy” sounds and watch them follow suit!
