4 min“I don't like that” or “I don't enjoy that” are phrases often heard from children, especially young ones. Although you might think that your child's taste buds are mainly influenced by their genes, it also has partly to do with upbringing. In this blog, we explain why.
In this article, you will read
- Why the early years are crucial for taste development.
- How repeatedly offering food works.
- Practical tips to help your child get used to new flavours.
- The benefits of getting used to a varied diet at an early age.
Scientific evidence!
Research has shown that taste preferences are largely developed in early childhood. The first two years of your child's life are the most important for taste development. This is simply because most 0 to 2-year-olds like to try new things and accept new tastes, unlike stubborn toddlers.
According to a study conducted among young children in the Netherlands, repeatedly offering vegetables (in this case beetroot) led to a threefold increase in intake!
This is great news for parents, because simply offering vegetables repeatedly can ensure that your child eats more vegetables. What's more, this higher intake was still evident six months later.
Other research shows that children start tasting new flavours from as early as 6 months, through solid food in addition to their breast milk or formula. And the great thing is: there's a good chance your child will continue to enjoy this food throughout their life!
Advantages of getting used to new flavours early on
1. More varied diet: children who are used to different flavours are more likely to eat a varied diet, which leads to healthy and balanced eating habits!
2. Better long-term health: a varied diet can help prevent obesity and other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
3. Culinary openness: children who are exposed to different flavours at a young age are often more open to trying new dishes and cuisines. This makes eating out with children even more fun!
Practical tips for parents
1. Start early: introduce new flavours as soon as you start feeding your child solid food. Start with mild flavours and slowly work your way up to stronger ones. But be careful: only introduce one new flavour at a time.
2. Repeat exposure: if your child does not want to eat something right away, do not give up. It can take up to 10-15 timesbefore a child accepts a new flavour. We also share tips for introducing new flavours to toddlers.
3. Be a good example: children learn by observing. If they see you eating something and really enjoying it, they will be more inclined to do the same.
4. Involve your child: let your child help choose and prepare the food. This will increase their interest in eating!
5. Difficulty with certain foods: does your child have difficulty with certain types of food, such as eating fruit and vegetables or animal products such as fish? Read the linked blogs!
