Let’s face it. Toddlers are notorious for poking and prodding at their food at their kid's table and chairs. Before you get angry at your little one for refusing to open up for that spoonful of delicious applesauce, remember that there’s a reason why they’re picky eaters. Babies grow super fast during their first 12 months, and between the ages of 1 and 3, they slow down a little, which means they feel like eating less.
Still, toddlers need to eat, of course, even if they don’t want to. If your “airplane” method of getting your toddler to open their mouth doesn’t seem to be working, don’t despair. Toddlers like to graze, and they actually like to be grown up and in charge of what they’re consuming. So, treat them as if they’re dining at a fancy restaurant, and give them a nibble tray (a plastic ice tray works well). Fill the tray with bits and pieces like cheese, sliced avocado, and slices of banana or strawberry, and watch your child’s face light up at all the choices.
Toddlers love to dip, too, so be sure to provide plenty of gooey condiments next to the nibble tray on the childrens table and chairs – things like peanut butter, yogurt, honey, guacamole, cottage cheese, and pureed fruit.
Awesome idea! I will have to try that the next time I babysit a fussy eater, thanks for the tip!