IIntroducing a variety of foods to your little one early and often plays a crucial role in developing their taste preferences and acceptance of new foods. Here’s why sticking with it and repeat exposure are key:

Starting around 6 months, exposing your child to a wide range of foods helps shape their preferences and encourages them to love diverse flavors and textures. It’s totally normal for babies and toddlers to initially turn their noses up at new foods, but research shows it may take 10-15 tries—or even more than 20 for toddlers—before they accept it.

Dramatic reactions to new foods, like squinting or wrinkling their nose, are often just responses to the novelty of the experience rather than a sign of dislike. These funny faces shouldn’t stop you from offering the food again. Keep at it, even if they react negatively at first. Offering the food without pressure helps your child get familiar with the taste and texture, leading to eventual acceptance.

Your persistence in introducing and reintroducing foods that aren’t immediately loved will pay off. Over time, this approach helps your child become open to trying and enjoying a wide variety of foods, setting them up for a balanced and healthy diet.

Repeat exposure to new foods is a proven strategy in pediatric nutrition. By consistently offering a range of foods and flavors, you’re laying the foundation for healthy eating habits that will benefit your child for a lifetime.