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You’re not alone! Food jags are common among toddlers, and there are plenty of ways to encourage your child to branch out. Let’s explore what food jags are, how to handle them, and tips to help your picky eater expand their palate!
A food jag is when your toddler fixates on one specific food for an extended period. They might refuse anything else and only want to eat that one item—like mac and cheese or chicken nuggets. It’s a normal part of their development as they explore flavors and textures.
Most food jags can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. While it can feel like an eternity when you’re stuck in a routine of serving the same meal, rest assured that most toddlers will eventually move on to new foods.
While both picky eating and food jags involve a child refusing certain foods, picky eaters consistently reject a wide variety of options. For example, someone who rejects cooked vegetables, stews, and hot cereal. In contrast, a food jag usually centers around only wanting to eat a single food item for a short period. An example could be a toddler who only wants to eat applesauce and nothing else.
Encouraging your toddler to eat a variety of foods during a food jag can be a challenge, but there are effective strategies to help!
Offer a selection of other foods before presenting their favorite. This way, they might be more inclined to try something new before diving back into the familiar!
Keep snack times at least a couple of hours before meals. This can help build their appetite and make them more eager to try what’s on their plate.
Remember that this is often just a phase! Staying calm and patient can make a big difference in how your toddler feels about trying new foods. Positivity can go a long way!
Make mealtime fun by turning it into a taste-testing adventure! Challenge your toddler to try a “mystery food” and guess the flavor, or create a colorful plate that looks like a rainbow.
Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with fruits and veggies, or mix flavors they love with new ones. A little creativity can make meals more exciting!
If your toddler loves pasta, try offering different types like whole grain, spinach, or even veggie noodles. Mixing things up within the same category can keep them interested. You can also try incorporating and introducing new foods that pair well with what your little one already likes, such as finely chopped vegetables mixed into pasta or rice.
If your toddler’s food jag lasts longer than a few weeks or you notice signs of nutritional deficiency, it might be time to chat with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and reassurance to help you navigate this phase.
A lot of parents become obsessed with one rewards program, but we hope you’ll stay with Enfamil Family Beginnings® for a long time! We want to support your parenting journey every step of the way and help you navigate your toddler’s food jags with confidence. Our community offers expert insights, fun ideas, and rewards that will motivate your picky eater to try new foods. Together, we’ll help create a stress-free mealtime environment that encourages exploration and enjoyment of healthy eating!
As with most things, practice makes perfect—and rest assured, you’ll get plenty of diaper-changing practice those first couple of years. In no time you’ll be a pro and be able to tackle your baby’s diaper with confidence. For more tips and resources on all things baby, including nutrition and feeding, be sure to join Enfamil Family Beginnings®. Enjoy up to $400 in savings, plus exclusive rewards, support, and surprises.
Join NowAll information on Enfamil, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.
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