It's easy to get upset when your baby categorically refuses to eat something you've lovingly prepared for them. Even more so when you know that at their childminder's, they gobble up their bowl whole! Here are some tips from parents to help your baby happily accept a varied diet... even at home!
Am I a bad mother?
If you didn't dare talk about it for fear of being judged ("If Baby is having a great time at everyone's house except mine, it's because I cook badly! Boohoo"), don't worry, there are plenty of forums of frustrated mothers who recount their adventures. For example: "The other day when I arrived at my daughter's childminder's, I said to her 'I tried to get her to eat tomato yesterday, just so you know, she doesn't like it', she replied that she had given her some and that it went very well!", or again: "Mine never swallows anything, he's very picky apart from milk, while the nanny tells me that at her house, he eats really well. It's true that it's frustrating...".
So no, of course, you're not a bad mother! (And if you still question your cooking skills, try one of our little dishes ) ;-)
At friends' houses, the nanny's, grandparents'... What's the difference with home?
What changes "in other people's homes" is not necessarily the baby's diet itself, but also the time, the atmosphere, the dishes used, the time available, the people at the table at the same time, the presence of other children, the jovial atmosphere, the way of offering the baby his meal, of speaking to him, etc.
The presence of other children, especially if they are a little older, is often very stimulating. Babies love to imitate and will let themselves be carried away, especially if they see that others seem to be enjoying themselves.
Another determining factor is... your absence! And yes, food can be a means of putting pressure on Mom, a catalyst for her moods ("Mom, I'm sulking because you left me with the childminder"). Be careful, don't start feeling guilty!
Little tips from parents to ensure your baby is a delight at your meal
- Ask the nanny exactly what Baby eats (ingredients) and how she cooks. Either you will realize that what she calls a "fish-potato" purée is pieces of salted fries mixed with breaded fish (and you will understand better why at home Baby does not want your little steamed cod fillet!), or she will give you some ideas and tips for preparation (seasoning with herbs for example) or presentation, which will be very useful to you. On the Good Goût blog, you will find for example ideas for cooking Baby's broccoli in a smoothie version or for spicing up Baby's little dishes with citrus fruits .
- Also ask what time your baby eats exactly. Because if your nanny picks up other children from school at lunchtime, everyone may eat later and your baby may be ravenous! In this case, try to change the mealtime at your house.
- Restore the truth as soon as possible: eating will help Baby grow well, it's for him! (Eating is not for pleasing Mom!). Communicate, explain, reassure him...
- Baby loves being around people! Don't hesitate to have him eat at the same time as the rest of the family. Give Baby some time and attention, be relaxed... :-)
