How to get Babies to Eat Vegetables
Getting your baby to love their veggies can be tricky. Luckily, there are several ways you can try to encourage them to try the green stuff. Here are a few tips to get your babies to eat vegetables:
Start Early
Studies have shown that introducing vegetables from 4-6 months can give babies a better chance of eating them as they get older. Start by puréeing vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and carrots with breast milk or formula until the baby is 6-9 months old. These purees make tasty finger foods and can be spoon-fed too!
Let Them Explore
Giving your baby the opportunity to explore and touch their food can help get them excited about eating it. Try offering steamed pieces of vegetables like peas, green beans, broccoli and cauliflower, as well as other easy-to-chew foods. This will give them the chance to play with texture, shape and color, and you can also add in some yummy fruit for a flavorful combination.
Get Creative
Make mealtime fun by getting creative with your preparations. Try adding mashed vegetables into favorite dishes like mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie, or lasagna. You can also serve them in creative ways like spiralizing veggie noodles or creating vegetable pizza “faces”.
Model Behavior
Kids often follow the lead of their parents, so it’s important to model healthy eating habits. Let your baby see you enjoy eating vegetables, and take the time to explain why they are so important for growing bodies. You can even make a game out of it, like counting the colors of vegetables on your plate.
Show Patience and Persistence
It is normal for children to take some time to adjust to the taste of vegetables. Be patient and persistent, and don’t give up if your baby doesn’t take to a certain vegetable right away. Keep offering it in different forms and pair it with favorites, such as a sprinkle of cheese or some bread. Eventually, they are sure to come around!
Finally, making vegetables a part of your baby’s routine is the key to success. With time, patience, and a little creativity, you’ll be on your way to getting your baby to love their veggies!
