Today is the start of the step-by-step, blow-by-blow guide to introducing new foods that I promised.

There are three phases.

  1. Team Building
  2. Growing a Good Taster
  3. Moving from Tasting to Eating

I can’t tell you how long each phase will take because that really is going to be determined by your individual situation. I can tell you this: Don’t try to rush through Phases 1 and 2 to get to Phase 3. If you move too quickly, and ask your child to accept too much change, things will fall apart.

Ask questions. Often.

I encourage you to ask me questions as we go along. You can do this either right here in the comments section or you can do it on Facebook.

I will answer every question—yes, every question—either in the comments section or in a subsequent blog post.

Your kids don’t have to be toddlers to play along.

That was the first question I received.

Everything I tell you about introducing new foods to toddlers can be modified to introduce new foods to older children. The key difference is that, when dealing with older kids, you have to develop more trust and get more buy-in. If that’s not happening in your house, ask me how to do it.

Phase 1: Team Building

I know this seems like a strange place to begin because it isn’t about the food, but this phase is really important.

  • Reduce tension
  • Build trust
  • Change the family dynamic
  • Dilineate a break between the old way and the new way
  • Let kids know what’s going on—and why
  • Become allies (instead of enemies) in the food department

Phase 2: Growing a Good Taster

In this phase we’ll separate the process of tasting from eating so you child builds the skills to become a good taster.

  • Build confidence
  • Increase knowledge about different kinds of food
  • Develop tasting skills
  • Increase comfort around new food
  • Reduce resistance
  • Learn how to explore new foods in a way that works

Phase 3: Moving from Tasting to Eating

In this phase we’ll talk about how to add new foods to the menu.

  • Menu planning with new foods
  • Using backups to eliminate stress

Remember: Ask questions

I’m here for you. Let’s get this done.

See you tomorrow to start on Phase 1.

~Changing the conversation from nutrition to habits.~

Read the next post in this series.