7 Tricks to Help a Sensory‑Averse Toddler Try New Foods
Introducing new foods to a sensory-averse toddler can feel like a daunting task—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a pediatric dietitian, I often see how sensory sensitivities impact a child’s relationship with food.
With the right nutrition strategies and a bit of creativity, mealtimes can become calmer, more positive experiences for the whole family. Here, I’m sharing seven tricks that can help your child explore new foods at their own pace
What are some practical ways to help a sensory-averse toddler eat new foods?
1. Use Sensory Food Play Outside of Mealtime
Help your child explore food textures in a low-pressure setting. Let them play with different textures like cereals and cooked noodles or rice, set up finger painting with yogurts and purees. The more familiar textures become through play, the less intimidating they’ll be on the plate.
2. Practice Interacting With Food First
Before encouraging tasting, start by encouraging your child to touch, smell, or lick new foods. Just getting it close to their body is a big win for some sensory-sensitive kids.
3. Introduce New Foods Gently
Offer new foods in small portions and only introduce one new item at a time alongside familiar favorites. If they show little or no interest in the new food, try offering it alone at the start of a meal next time, when your child is most hungry.
4. Stay Consistent with Exposure
If your toddler refuses a specific food, don’t give up. Continue with gentle, repeated exposures. It can take 10–15 tries before a child accepts a new food. Don’t sweat it, and keep offering without pressure.
5. Be a Role Model
Kids are always watching. Let them see you try new foods and talk about the taste, smell, and texture. Your curiosity can inspire theirs.
6. Offer Controlled Choices
Instead of asking, “Do you want cucumbers?” try, “Would you like cucumbers or peppers with your snack?” Having multiple choices can be overwhelming, but giving two acceptable options helps reduce power struggles and increases cooperation.
7. Make Food Fun
Use cookie cutters to shape fruits or veggies, and offer colorful dips like hummus, salsa, or guacamole.
Faith Wright, MS, RD, LD is a Registered Dietitian in Crestwood, MO and works virtually with clients across the U.S. She has advanced experience and training in Eating Disorders and Sports Nutrition, and specializes in working with pediatric clients at all levels of care - from hospital in outpatient settings.
References:
Toddlers. MyPlate U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/toddlers