Start Here: Navigating Picky Eating With Toddlers

Motherhood is full of surprises, and one of the biggest ones for me was learning how to feed a picky toddler. My son is now three and a half, and while we’ve had plenty of struggles (and victories) at the dinner table, I’ve learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to encouraging little ones to try new foods.

This “Start Here” page is where I’ll share my honest experience with feeding a picky eater, plus practical strategies, recipes, and ideas that might help in your own journey.

How It Started

When my son first started solids, I introduced foods carefully and with my doctor’s guidance. Peanut butter, shellfish, honey—everything was timed safely. It was important to me that he tried a wide variety of flavors early.

But even with that, the picky phase hit. My toddler never really liked sweets, especially fruit. So I got creative:

• Smoothies loaded with fruits and veggies

• Homemade popsicles from pure juice

• Frozen shapes and juices he could sip or crunch

Even now, apples and watermelon are his favorites. But I keep introducing bananas and other fruits because in our house, you have to try everything. You don’t have to love it—but you do have to give it a chance.

My Approach to Picky Eating

A friend once told me: “Whatever you do, make your child try things.” Her son, now 8, will only eat chicken fingers and canned spaghetti. That stuck with me, and it shaped how I parent at mealtimes.

Here’s what works for us:

• Balanced plates: Most of the meal is something he already likes (like rice and beans). The rest is new or less-loved foods in smaller portions.

• One bite rule: Take a bite, chew, swallow, drink some water. No spitting it out.

• Family modeling: If I expect him to try broccoli or eggplant, my husband and I eat it too—even if it’s not our favorite.

• Variety on the table: Sometimes, giving him the option to pick and choose from different dishes makes him more curious.

Over time, his palate has expanded. Recently, he surprised me by asking for steak and roasted potatoes (something he wouldn’t touch before). The key is persistence: never stop introducing.

What Works for Us

• Vegetables: Greens are easy—he loves broccoli, spinach, and green beans. Carrots? He’ll try a bite, and that’s enough for now.

• Protein: Chicken, fish, shrimp, ribs, burgers, hot dogs—no problem.

• Fruit: Tricky, but smoothies and juices save the day.

• Sweet treats: I held off on candy and processed sugar as long as possible. At 3 ½, his first lollipop came from the doctor’s office, and he didn’t even know what to do with it.

Why I Push for Variety

Some advice says not to “force” food, but I believe in finding a balance. Trying doesn’t mean loving everything—it means being open. I want my child to walk into a restaurant and have more choices than just chicken fingers and fries. I want him exposed to flavors, cultures, and textures that will make him more adaptable and well-rounded.

A Note for Fellow Moms

Every child is different. What worked for my toddler may not work for yours, and that’s okay. Don’t feel pressured to follow every tip you see online. Use what fits, leave what doesn’t.

This food and recipe section is here to encourage, inspire, and remind you that you’re doing your best. Together, we can share ideas and make mealtimes less stressful—and maybe even fun.

✨ Here’s to nourishing our little ones and ourselves, one bite at a time.