Need Some Tips and Tricks--Feeding My Toddler

Hello Gather friends! I am in need of some tips and tricks to feed my 14 month-old. He is actually a good eater and will try many different foods; he eats "table food" and he still enjoys the fruit/veggies baby food I give to him. For example, his favorite thing to eat for breakfast is YoBaby Yogurt, pancakes, eggs, and/or toast. My problem is that I feel like because I am not the "Top Chef," the food I am offering him isn't exposing him to new tastes and textures. I am hoping that other Gatherers can give me some advice: what are some great foods to feed to a toddler my son's age?

I would love any quick recipes or food recommendations. My goal is really to foster his love of healthy foods while pleasing his palate. My older son is not a fan of fruits and veggies, so I am hoping to avoid that pitfall with my todder! Any tips you can give would be wonderful. I feel like I keep repeating the same meals and food choices over and over; I am really longing to give my little guy some variety!

BTW, he has six teeth so far--he's "good" at chewing but he doesn't like to eat cookies, teething biscuits, etc.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

Comments: 13

Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Jan 2, 2009, 7:39pm EST

HOpe you get some.

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Bijou *~MotherGrizzly~* M. Jan 2, 2009, 7:45pm EST

Thanks Beth--me too! :)

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Elle L. Jan 2, 2009, 8:00pm EST

I like to make veggie trays for the kids to eat on the weekends, its better than chips or crackers. When my oldest was around 12 months I started introducing seafood, he developed a mature taste at a young age, and now one of his favorite meals that I make him is a seafood omlette, I use egg whites, crab meat, scallions, avocado, tomatoes, & asiago cheese.

The best advice I can give you is to keep introducing new yummy flavors, and if he refuses them the first time, try again in a few weeks. Good luck.

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Amy just hangin' out M. Jan 2, 2009, 8:06pm EST

my kids were so picky, and honestly, i don't remember what they were eating at that age. i'm sure it was just a few basic foods each. good luck, hope you get some good answers.

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Cholette W. Jan 2, 2009, 8:18pm EST

I read once, you have to put the same food in front of a child like 5 times before they will try it. I just don't give up!

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Laurie R. Jan 2, 2009, 8:26pm EST

have you tried fruit in jello. the sugar free jello is actually good tasting. That got my son eating fruit when he was a baby. I gave that to him last as a treat.
My mom also got him to eat aspargus because he could pick it up. That's a tough one because kids are all so different. I like you am not a very adventurous cook.

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j - Frugal Mom - r. Jan 2, 2009, 8:36pm EST

Sorry, I'm out of ideas, my son is a very picky eater. He does love meatballs though or enchiladas.

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Ryan M. Jan 2, 2009, 8:53pm EST

We let our kids eat what ever they want on there plate at meal time. They have their favorites and stuff they don't like every once in awhile. They do a good job most of the time.

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Dagmara H. Jan 2, 2009, 9:43pm EST

sorry no help from me

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Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Jan 3, 2009, 9:50am EST

Fruit in yogurt or jello and baked apples are always a hit. Smoothies with frozen yogurt and bananas. Camouflaged veggies - if I put it in the sauce or gravy, little ones never even notice. Soups (cooled off) are also good. Sounds like your little one is doing well already ;)

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Carolyn K. Jan 3, 2009, 12:34pm EST

I say you just use your Pampered Chef Food Chopper to chop up everything you & hubby are eating eat each meal and just give that to the little guy. This way you don't have to be a short-order cook and he gets used to regular everyday foods.

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Ainsley Jo Phillips Apr 6, 2009, 6:56am EDT

From a book review I just read by your husband over at Epinions, your son seems to be into animals now, so why not put food on his plate shaped like animals. Like you might make a lion out of a tomato slice surrounded by shredded cheese with raisin eyes and mouth; a body made from a pear slice; and a tail made from an asparagus spear.

You could try all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and other good things to make animals, smiley faces, etc. He will enjoy eating the pictures.

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Sophie S. May 5, 2009, 2:32am EDT

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