Encouraging Toddlers to Try New Foods: 5 Things I Do as an SLP
As an SLP and mom, I know encouraging toddlers to try new foods is tough. Picky eaters make mealtime a challenge! But with playful strategies, you can make meals fun and stress-free. I use my expertise to spark my toddler’s interest in new foods. Here are five practical tips for encouraging toddlers to try new foods while boosting language skills—perfect for busy parents!
1. Eat Together
As early as possible, have your child sit at the table during meals (even if they aren’t eating solids yet). When you share mealtimes, your child becomes curious about what you have and chances are they’ll want to try it. Show enthusiasm for your food by saying things like, “Mmm, these carrots are so crunchy!” and let them see you trying different items. If they reach for a bite from your plate—even if it’s the same food on theirs—that’s a great sign! This kind of exploration helps build interest in a variety of flavors and textures. Try to make sure what your nibbling is nutritious and something you’d love for them to learn to enjoy. (And don’t worry—I sneak ice cream or brownies during nap time too!)
2. Make Mealtime Fun
It’s o.k. to play with your food and should be encouraged! A toddler’s job is to play, and food can be a playground. Use fun presentations to make new foods appealing. For example, arrange sliced veggies into a smiley face or create a “rainbow plate” with colorful foods. Make up silly scenarios like pretending the toddler is a dinosaur eating his way through a broccoli forest. This not only sparks curiosity but also builds their vocabulary. Try naming textures, colors, or sounds (like “snap!” for snap peas) to make the food come alive. The key is to keep it light and playful—no pressure to eat, just an invitation to explore. Over time, this makes new foods feel familiar and fun.
3. Involve Them in Food Prep
Toddlers like to do what their caregivers do, even if it makes a mess. Simple tasks like rinsing veggies or stirring fruit give them a sense of autonomy and keeps them curious about food. As you food prep with your toddler, name actions and foods—“Let’s wash the red tomatoes!” or “You’re mixing the pasta!” This builds their language skills while making the food feel like their project. Start small with safe, age-appropriate tasks, and watch their curiosity grow. They’re more likely to try something they helped make!
4. Use Signs to Label Foods
Pairing signs or gestures with food names makes trying new foods engaging and supports language growth. For example, point to an apple and sign “apple” while saying the word, or clap for “crunchy” crackers. This connects the food to a visual cue, helping toddlers remember and communicate about it, even requesting it later. Simple signs like “eat” (hand to mouth) or pointing to foods encourage interaction without pressure. Try teaching one or two signs during meals—it’s fun, builds confidence, and makes new foods less daunting! There are lots of video examples of ASL online. I like Learn How to Sign on YouTube.com.
5. Gradual Exposure with Lots of Praise
Pressuring a toddler to try a new food can sometimes lead to stress and even meltdowns. Instead, focus on gradual exposure and positive reinforcement. For especially picky eaters, try placing a tiny piece of the new food on their plate without making a big deal out of it. Over time, you can gently encourage them to touch, smell it, or even play with it. Don’t push them to take a bite until they seem comfortable with the new food. It can take more than a dozen exposures before a child feels ready to try something new. Celebrate the small wins—like touching, smelling, or even licking the food—as each step builds confidence. These low-pressure interactions help make unfamiliar foods feel less intimidating and more approachable.
Wrapping It Up
Getting your toddler to try new foods can be a struggle. Through play, positive modeling, and small, consistent steps, you can continue encouraging toddlers to try new foods. As an SLP, I love seeing how these strategies turn mealtime into a joyful learning experience. Try one or two of these ideas this week, and let me know how it goes! What’s a food your toddler’s curious about? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear! For more topics, visit my blog.