Feeding Babies Who Hate Veggies 

How to naturally ease little ones into eating their vegetables

May 4, 2022

Baby led weaning bib by Bibbrella

Let’s be honest–it can be hard for adults to eat their greens too. It’s easy to pass up a salad when you can opt for a slice of hearty lasagna instead. For kids, the novel flavors and textures that fresh veggies introduce to their diet may be an unwelcome change. This can be especially true for children who’ve grown accustomed to eating soft foods. However, it's never too early to encourage kids to give veggies a whirl. Below, we discuss some ways to naturally ease little ones into eating their vegetables. 

Start with Sweeter, Softer Veggies 

Many times, a child’s dislike of veggies has less to do with taste than it does with texture. This only makes sense, as young kids have sensitive gums and teeth that may make it more difficult to consume hard veggies like carrots. Opt for sweeter, softer vegetables like peas, sweet potato, or baked butternut squash before introducing those that are harder to chew. 

Cut Veggies into Smaller Pieces

Everyone can agree that a lot of something that you don’t like is overwhelming. A plate of veggies probably isn't the way to go for little kids who haven’t yet developed a liking for vegetables. Instead, try slicing, shredding, or chopping veggies to make them easier to eat. For instance, a whole brussel sprout may seem unappetizing but can become more manageable when shredded or taken apart into leaves. But do expect more mess, as smaller food encourages using fingers over utensils. Just grab a full-length bib, and let the feasting begin! 

Incorporate Veggies into Other Foods

A carrot stick? Not so exciting. Fried rice? A tasty way to sneak in veggies! Children are less likely to reject vegetables if they’re incorporated into other food. Not only does this make eating veggies a lot less intimidating, it can help kids gradually acclimate to the textures and flavors of whatever vegetables are used. Other yummy ways to disguise veggies include stir fries, curries, salsas, and bruschetta bites. 

Use Tasty Dips and Sauces 

Similar to the idea above, dips and sauces help “trick” those who are vegetable-averse. While a plain celery stick may not sound so appetizing, celery with peanut butter and raisins can turn into a snack that your baby reaches for time and again (there’s a reason it’s a tried and true option!). Dressing, salsa, marinara, and hummus are also popular choices. Just make sure to equip your babe with a full-coverage bib like Bibbrella beforehand–sauces and dips can get messy quickly! 

Ask Your Child’s Opinion 

You might be surprised to find out that while your little one hates mushier, sauteed mushrooms, they love the flavor of grilled mushrooms as part of a kebab. Ask kids about their preferences to find out what the real issue is. This also signals to your child that you care about their preferences. 

Stay Positive

At the end of the day, it isn’t the end of the world if your baby refuses their veggies. The baby led weaning approach suggests letting your child lead the way when it comes to food preferences to nurture a healthy relationship with food. After all, constant pressure to eat veggies may turn a brief phase into a lifelong dislike. Meanwhile, look for alternatives. If you’re worried about fiber intake, consider feeding oats or chia pudding. Or if a lack of vitamins is a concern, fresh fruits are a great alternative. Keep in mind that eating is a holistic process that’s about more than just eating vegetables. Healthy eating is also about having a diverse palate and positive relationship with food!