I’ve tried everything: purees, mixing them with fruit, even hiding them in his favorite foods, but he always gives me that “I don’t like this” face. I know that vegetables are important for his development, but every time I try it I feel like I’m failing as a mother. I wonder if I’m not preparing the food properly or if my baby is simply very selective. Sometimes I cry silently because I want the best for him, but I don’t know if I’m doing things right
you’re not alone in this! I’ve been there too, sobbing over a plate of broccoli my little one refused to touch. For us, it was a phase, a long phase, but we made it through. One thing that helped was making veggies “fun.” I started letting my toddler play with food (yes, it’s messy), like creating a “forest” of broccoli trees with mashed potato snow. It didn’t work overnight, but over time he got curious enough to taste it. Don’t lose hope, mama. You’re doing amazing, and your baby’s pickiness isn’t a reflection of your parenting. Hang in there!
Hey Britney, I totally understand how this feels. My little guy was the same way at 2. What worked for us was consistency. I read somewhere that it can take up to 15 exposures for a kid to accept a new food. So even if your baby doesn’t eat the veggies, just putting them on the plate repeatedly can help. Also, I noticed my toddler was more likely to eat vegetables when he saw us eating and enjoying them. Have you tried eating them together as a family?
I promise you this is just a season, and it will pass. My now 6 year old wouldn’t touch veggies for YEARS, and I was convinced he’d never eat anything green. But then one day he surprised me by asking for carrot sticks! I think it’s about exposure and patience. We also found that reading books about veggies and where they come from got him curious, we love “Eating the Alphabet” by Lois Ehlert. Remember, you’re laying the foundation now, even if it doesn’t feel like it. You’ve got this!
Have you tried offering raw veggies? My kiddo shocked me by eating cucumbers and bell pepper slices, but won’t touch cooked ones. Might be worth a shot!
Oh, I feel your pain. My kid won’t even look at a vegetable. It’s so hard. Sending you hugs
Have you tried involving your baby in the cooking process? I know it sounds wild since they’re so little, but even just letting them “help” by washing veggies or stirring things can create interest. My 2-year-old used to hate carrots until we grated them together for a “carrot pancake” recipe. He felt so proud of his work that he actually ate it. Also, I’ve found roasted veggies with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a touch of honey (if your doctor is okay with it) can help sweeten the deal. Don’t lose hope, you’re doing great!
Oh my gosh, Britney, your post brought back so many memories! My daughter was exactly the same at that age. I tried EVERYTHING: sneaky veggie muffins, colorful smoothies, even pretending her broccoli was a spaceship. Most days, it still ended up on the floor. Honestly, what helped me most was taking the pressure off. I realized that my stress about it was making meal times harder for both of us. So, I started focusing on what she did eat (yay for fruit and cheese!) and kept offering veggies without any expectations. It took time, but now she eats salads like a champ. Keep going, mama. It’s hard, but you’re doing the best for your baby
I’m in the same boat! Can I ask, does your baby eat any veggies? Mine will only eat sweet potatoes… if they’re fries. Sometimes I wonder if it’s a texture thing? Like, maybe they don’t like mushy stuff? Just curious if you’ve noticed a pattern
Lol, I feel like our toddlers are in cahoots! Mine acts like I’m trying to poison him if there’s a speck of green on his plate. The other day, I made “zucchini bread,” and he watched me like a hawk the entire time. As soon as he spotted the green flecks, he was like, “Nope!” Sometimes I think kids are born with veggie radar. Anyway, we’ve been having some success with smoothies. I call them “magic milkshakes” and load them up with spinach, frozen mango, and yogurt. He drinks it like it’s candy. Maybe worth a try?
Hi Britney, I’ve been where you are, and I’ll tell you this: it gets better. My oldest is now 10, and while he still isn’t a veggie superfan, he eats them regularly without complaint. What worked for us was leading by example and never making it a battle. If he refused something, I’d just say, “Okay, maybe next time,” and move on. Now, he actually enjoys roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but you’ll get there. Hang in there, mama.