Does your child happily eat dosa, rice and biscuits but refuse vegetables?

You are not alone!

Many young children go through phases of rejecting unfamiliar foods. Sometimes it is the taste, texture, colour or simply the appearance of something new.

The good news is that eating habits can develop gradually.

Five simple things to try

1. Start small. Offer a tiny portion of vegetables alongside familiar foods.

2. Make food colourful. Try vegetable uttapam, carrot idli or beetroot chapati.

3. Involve your child. Let them wash tomatoes, select vegetables or arrange their plate.

4. Eat together. Children learn by watching parents and other family members.

5. Avoid food battles. Do not force-feed or threaten your child for refusing vegetables.

Offer rejected foods again on another day without pressure. Children sometimes need repeated opportunities to become comfortable with unfamiliar foods.

You can also serve vegetables in different forms. A child who dislikes carrot sabzi may enjoy cooked carrot in khichdi or uttapam.

However, continue offering vegetables in recognisable forms too, so children become familiar with their natural appearance.

💚 Earlyhood Parent Tip

Your responsibility is to offer nutritious food regularly. Allow your child to decide how much to eat.

One rejected vegetable does not mean your child will dislike it forever.

If food refusal affects growth or becomes severe, consult a paediatrician.

Source: UNICEF – Tips for Picky Eaters

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Your baby has completed six months, and it is time to explore a new world of food!

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but it can also leave parents wondering what to prepare first.

The World Health Organization recommends introducing complementary foods at around six months while continuing breastfeeding or appropriate formula.

What can you offer first?

Begin with soft, freshly prepared foods that are easy to swallow.

Some simple Indian options include:

• Soft moong dal khichdi.

• Mashed rice with dal.

• Ragi porridge.

• Mashed banana.

• Steamed and mashed pumpkin.

• Well-cooked mashed vegetables.

Gradually introduce different food groups, including iron-rich foods.

How much should your baby eat?

Start with small portions and increase them according to your baby’s appetite.

For babies aged 6–8 months, WHO recommends two to three complementary meals daily, alongside milk feeds.

Avoid added salt, sugar and honey. Honey should never be given before 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

Always supervise your baby during meals and serve food in age-appropriate textures.

💚 Earlyhood Parent Tip

Don’t worry if your baby eats only a little initially. Exploring food is part of learning. Encourage your baby gently and never force-feed.

Source:

• WHO – Complementary Feeding Guidelines

• CDC - Infant and Toddler Nutrition

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