Linda G. Hsieh is a practicing registered dietitian with over
six years experience in clinical practice. Focusing on
prenatal and pediatric nutrition, she has worked as a
nutrition educator for over nine years.
Q:I've started offering my 10 month old table foods, like shredded chicken, soft carrots, and banana. He'll eat any kind of fruit, but refuses the meat and vegetables. Is he missing out on certain nutrients since he's not eating these foods?
A: There's no need to worry right now if your baby appears to be a picky
eater. The refusal of new flavors and textures is not uncommon among
infants.
During the first year of life, the majority of the nutrients needed by your
baby are met from breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula. But don't
give up. After a week try some of those same foods that he initially
refused again. Providing finger foods at this age, in different shapes and colors,
can help encourage your baby to experiment. For example, cut soft carrots
in cubes or circles. One day he might just decide that he really likes carrots!
Linda G. Hsieh is a practicing registered dietitian with over
six years experience in clinical practice. Focusing on
prenatal and pediatric nutrition, she has worked as a
nutrition educator for over nine years.
