Foods - Getting Dirty

Last week I attended a class on feeding and swallowing taught by one of our occupational therapists. The kids that she was helping were struggling to try new foods or to eat enough food to meet their nutritional demands. I was very impressed at how important it is to integrate all of the senses when introducing foods to young children. Here are some of the technique tips that I learned from watching the class...

• Messy food = more sensory input - A good way to introduce new foods is to put some on the tray in front of your child and let them see it, smell it, and touch it. This allows your child to gather more sensory information about the new food before they make the commitment to taste it. Yes, your kiddo will get dirty hands but maybe then he will try to lick his fingers...
• Mix and match foods - It is easy to get into a routine and offer the same foods over and over to your child. You know they'll eat it, they know they'll like it. BUT it is a good idea to try to offer something new along with the old familiar favorites. You don't have to force your kid to eat it, but if you make the new food available to see, smell and touch long enough (don't just offer the new food once, it make take several exposures) then your child will be more willing to try the new food.
• Encourage independence - Yes, when you feed your child it gets in faster and there is generally less to clean up. However, when you are feeding your child they miss out on the fine motor skill practice self-feeding encourages. You can help your child learn to feed himself by starting with only a little water in his cup, or a child size plastic spoon. Things will be messy but fostering his independence will help him to feel successful.

Personal note: I have tried to incorporate these tips during my son's meal and snack times. We go through a lot more bibs these days. Being ok with the mess he makes has been hard, but he has started using a neat pincer grasp that he didn't have before...so maybe the mess is worth it!