5 Tips for Feeding Fussy Kids

Mealtime with a fussy eater can feel like a battle for parents. Whether your toddler is refusing veggies or turning up their nose at anything green, there are simple tricks to make mealtimes more fun and less stressful.

Here are five parent-tested tips to encourage healthier, happier eating habits.

Make Food Fun

Presentation can make all the difference! Here are some ways to make food fun.

use colourful tableware - get the kids to pick their own favourite colours
use food pouches or a food bottle - they are less intimidating
use sandwich cutters and cute bento accessories for even more fun
use fun snack containers that offered any time

Get Them Involved

Letting kids help choose or prepare meals gives them a sense of control. Even small tasks like stirring and picking out veggies at the store can make them more interested in eating what they’ve “made.” Grab some Kiddie Kutters knives and peelers to make helping in the kitchen safer.

Keep Portions Small and Manageable

Overwhelming plates can lead to instant refusal. Try offering small portions on a divided plate so each food is clearly visible and not “touching” (a common toddler complaint!). You can always offer more if they finish.

Check out the divided plates we have from Melii, Replay and We Might Be Tiny.

Sneak in Nutrition

Blend fruits and veggies into smoothies or purees and serve them in a reusable pouch. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacking and help fussy eaters enjoy nutritious options without the fuss.

Try these recipes for boosting the vege content of meals:

Be Patient and Keep Offering

It can take up to 15 tries for a child to accept a new food. Stay consistent, avoid pressure, and offer a variety of textures, flavours and cooking methods. How many times have you heard of kids who hate pumpkin but love pumpkin soup? Over time, curiosity usually wins out.

Feeding fussy kids isn’t easy, but with the right tools and a little patience you can take some of the stress out of mealtimes.

What ideas have worked for your fussy kids? Let us know below.