Meals that connect
Feeding & Eating
From first solids to family-style dinners, use routines, exposure, and playful tasting to build a positive relationship with food.
Quick Wins
Daily anchors for familiesColor Quest
Invite your child to find two colors on their plate each meal to encourage variety.
Micro Portions
Serve new foods in tasting-size bites so kids feel safe exploring.
Predictable Plate
Anchor meals with at least one “safe” food plus something crunchy and something soft.
Focus Areas
Blend routines, play, and reflection
Responsive Feeding
Respect hunger/full cues while keeping structure around timing.
- •Offer meals and snacks every 2-3 hours for young kids.
- •Trust kids to decide how much to eat from what you serve.
- •Use neutral language (“You can try it when you’re ready”).
Sensory Exploration
Some children need extra sensory input before swallowing.
- •Let kids smell, touch, or lick foods before biting.
- •Pair dips or spices they already love with new textures.
- •Offer utensils, skewers, or toothpicks for novelty.
Family Culture
Share stories about recipes and traditions to boost willingness.
- •Cook one dish together each week, even if it’s just stirring.
- •Display produce on the counter to build familiarity.
- •Rotate who chooses the “feature ingredient” night.
Milestone Snapshots
Use these ranges to guide questions for well-child visits.
Infant to 12 Months
- ▹Shows readiness cues (sits with support, good head control) before solids.
- ▹Explores purees and soft finger foods using palmar grasp.
- ▹Moves food side to side with the tongue by 9 months.
Toddlers (1-3 Years)
- ▹Uses pincer grasp to pick up small bites.
- ▹Attempts scooping with spoon and drinks from open cup with help.
- ▹May prefer routine foods; repeated exposure matters.
Ages 4+
- ▹Cuts soft foods with child-safe tools.
- ▹Understands simple nutrition concepts like “energy foods.”
- ▹Helps plan grocery lists or set the table.
Conversation Starters
Try these prompts in the car, at bedtime, or during snacks to keep dialogue open.
“What flavor adventure should we try this week?”
Let kids co-create menus for buy-in.
“How does this food feel in your mouth—smooth, crunchy, stretchy?”
Builds sensory awareness.
“Which snack helps you feel focused for homework or play?”
Connects food to body cues.
Resource Boosters
Pair guidance from your pediatrician with these supportive touchpoints.
Care Disclaimer
These tips support—not replace—professional medical advice. Contact your pediatric team whenever you notice sudden changes, delays, or health concerns. Emergency symptoms (breathing difficulty, severe pain, injury, or safety concerns) require immediate medical attention.