Getting Your Baby to Eat Vegetables: Mission Possible?
You're probably familiar with the green puree that splatters out of the high chair just because your baby has a phobia of that color, which they associate with " vegetables "... But don't despair! A new study has just been released that debunks some common misconceptions about the eating habits of children under 6...
"Project Habeat": 4 years of observing babies' meals
The HabEat project was conducted by 11 research groups from 6 different European countries. This study, carried out over 4 years on children aged 0 to 6, was completed in January 2014 and aimed to study the eating habits that develop during childhood.
Because without us necessarily being aware of it, our tastes and eating habits as parents have been strongly influenced by what we used to eat at the age of our little one.
Therefore, by providing your child with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you encourage their future good habits. And consequently, their good health!
So start diversifying your toddler's diet (fruits and vegetables being the stars) around 4/6 months of age, thanks to some good ideas brought by this very recent project.
Your baby + vegetables: no, they are not incompatible!
We will remember from the HabEat project five essential pieces of information that will challenge some of our preconceived ideas.
It's often said: snacking is bad! So should we ban small snacks between meals?
Not necessarily; it's normal for your growing little one to get a bit hungry between regular mealtimes. But if this happens, avoid giving them chips or sweets at all costs (they're too high in salt, fat, and sugar)! A small sweet potato stick or a carrot and butternut squash puree will do just fine.
Do we have to add "Kiri" cheese to all vegetable dishes for him to eat them?
Even if the current advertising for the famous mini-portion cheese suggests it, it's best to avoid including it in every meal. "Kiri" is, first and foremost, a cheese. It's quite fatty and rather low in protein. Use it in moderation!
I don't dare insist when I see the baby grimace at the zucchini puree I offer him!
Let's be honest, we've all given up at some point when we see our baby's grimace at the sight of a spoonful of green vegetables! And yet, appearances can be deceiving! In fact, a baby's little grimaces are more often a sign of surprise than disgust. So don't be fooled by their astonishment and don't hesitate to try again later. Perseverance is key.
How can I know if he doesn't like what I'm suggesting?
After eight attempts spread over several days, your baby still doesn't like what you're offering? Leave that food aside for a while; your baby clearly isn't ready for it yet! However, don't hesitate to try again a month later. Tastes are constantly changing, especially at this age!
Should I offer my baby a new vegetable at every meal during weaning?
Your baby's diet won't change overnight. They'll likely continue to prefer milk for a while longer. So, start by introducing each new food very gradually. Begin with one new food per day, and as soon as you feel they're ready, increase the number of new offerings each day. Also, remember to let them decide how much of each vegetable they want to eat. There's no need to pressure them; you don't want them to see vegetables as a punishment!
A trick to fool baby with vegetables?
You can try the mixed vegetable strategy, which can sometimes be effective, although it's significantly less efficient than simply repeating the same dish. Is your baby having trouble with zucchini? Add a little avocado to your zucchini puree; they'll surely appreciate its mildness. Coconut milk will also add a fresh and naturally sweet note to your baby's meals.
Spices and aromatic herbs can also have surprising effects. For example, add a pinch of cumin to your baby's grated carrots, a small mint leaf to their pea soup, or a pinch of nutmeg to braised endive and diced ham; they too deserve tasty little meals!
Sources:
Dr. Alain Bocquet: http://www.mpedia.fr/142-diversification-alimentaire.html
