Picky eating can feel like the bane of your life when your child is a baby. Parents spend months dreaming of communicating and sharing food with their baby, only to learn their child has ideas of their own. They may outright refuse entire food groups that you know are essential to their growth and development. They might cry in restaurants and at family gatherings to an extent that frustrates you. However difficult things get, you’re still the adult in this situation, and knowledge is power. We know that, with persistence, your baby’s fresh and unique palate will adapt to a wide variety of new flavours and textures.

Some babies may even experience a period of neophobia, or fear of new foods, as they transition from complementary feeding. Fussy typically happens between 18 months and 2 years. According to Great Ormond Street Hospital London, up to a third of children around the age of two could be described as fussy eaters, so if your baby is showing signs of this, you’re far from alone.

Unii has some strategies that may help you:

Be patient. Don't expect your baby to love every meal right away. It can take up to 10–15 exposures to a new food before a baby will accept it. Offer the same food in different forms and textures to see what your baby prefers. Other mothers may tell you not to fear “the face”! When babies taste a new food, they often pull faces, but this is not a reason to stop offering that food again.

Mix it up. Offer a wide selection of healthy foods from each of the five food groups. Food refusal shouldn’t deter you; just be persistent and keep extending the food when the baby is hungry.

Make it fun: Make mealtime fun by trying different recipes or presenting food in creative ways. You can also involve your baby in the preparation process by having them help stir or pour ingredients.

You are your child’s most important role model. Children learn an inestimable amount from their parents and are just as likely to do as you do as what you say. Keep your baby close so they see how you eat and enjoy healthy food.

Eat at the same times every day. Many of us thrive on routine, and babies are no exception. Establishing regular mealtimes gives them the security of consistency and will also stabilise their blood sugar and help them maintain energy.

Put distractions away: Keep toys and screens off the table when you’re eating so your baby can stay present throughout meals and benefit from your undivided attention.

Never force your child to eat. Your child’s feeding environment should be a warm and happy space. Tackle refusal calmly with a variety of healthy options—prepared in different ways—and try to let your baby choose what they want to eat as long as it is safe for their age and general health. Focus on overall balance rather than getting too stressed about particular meals, and remember that they’ll be eating for a long time! Developing their diet is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ask your doctor about fussy habits.

Your baby will likely outgrow their picky eating, but it is best to consult a doctor about any potentially harmful behaviour. Checking for any underlying medical conditions or getting dietary or behavioural guidance can help get your baby through this phase.

What should I do if my baby refuses food?

Unii’s Baby Nutrition Journey offers strategies to tackle picky eating and food refusal.