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Has your baby suddenly become a fussy eater? Do you feel like you are alone in this? Rest assured, you are not.
Fussy eating in children is not just common but it is perfectly normal, says Kath Megaw, paediatric dietician and founder of Nutripaeds.
It starts at the age of one when little ones feel the need to assert their authority and eat what they want, says Megaw.
"This is the stage where the growth spurt slows down and the energy demand is less in your little ones tiny body," she explains, adding that the fussiness escalates because your little one's appetite becomes lower.
Below, Megaw offers 10 tips for parents of fussy eaters:
1. You are not alone
Megaw says parents need to know that they are not alone because about 30% of children go through a fussy eating phase.
"Remind yourself of this every time dinner erupts into a full-on food fight. This is a phase, and like teething and colic, it too will pass, be patient," says Megaw.
2. Don't get frustrated
She says that most children will eat when they are hungry. "Whilst feeding your offspring might seem the most natural and basic duty of a parent, it can be a battle," admits Megaw.
She warns that no matter how emotional you feel about your child's eating habits try to keep it to yourself as your child will only play up if they feel that they are getting attention.
3. Set an example
It's essential to take mealtimes seriously as a family since this is a time for communication and bonding, suggests Megaw. She added that parents must aim for everyone to eat simultaneously in the same setting because children mimic their parents.
She says that if you want your child to eat vegetables start eating them too.
4. Have a routine
Routine is essential according to Megaw. She suggests that parents schedule at least three meals and a few small snacks throughout the day and stick to it strictly.
Another trick is to allocate 30 minutes for meals and then lift the plate, whether it's finished or not, without making a fuss.
She says that making children sit staring at a cold plate creates negative associations and ultimately adds to your own frustration as a parent, so avoid it.
Read: The weaning of life: 5 baby and child nutrition FAQs answered by Katherine Megaw
5. Don't let them fill up on liquids
"Over-drinking is one of the leading causes of fussy eating. The tiny stomach of your little one is quickly filled with fluids, which reduces their appetite for food," says Megaw.
6. Keep trying
She tells us that children like foods that are most familiar to them. She says that if you fail in your first attempt, keep trying, and you might have to try 10-14 times before your child can taste that food.
7. Hide the goodness
Hide your healthy foods in clever ways so that children get used to eating these foods unknowingly, suggests Megaw. This will train their taste buds without them even knowing about it, she says.
8. Start small
"Avoid offering large portions of food. Aim for small portions, which enable them to ask for more, the holy grail for the parent with a fussy eater! Limit their choices," says Megaw.
She says that too much food on a plate will only put your child off.
Must read: Making food fun for fussy eaters
9. Make it fun
She says that parents should encourage their kids to prepare food and make it fun. For example, she says, "Dinosaur pasta and fairy mash sounds much better than boring bolognese and potatoes.
Be adept at sneaking vegetables in, concealed in pasta tubes, grated, diced or pureed."
10. Beware of the bribe
"If you offer an alternative of chips, biscuits or lollies, then they are sure to perform at the next mealtime knowing you will cave in," says Megaw.
Megaw says that parents need to avoid confrontation if their children have only picked at the food instead of finishing it.
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