Guest Post written by Lexi Bush

One of my biggest challenges as a mom of toddlers has been getting them to try new foods.

If it were up to them, they would happily live off of chicken nuggets and applesauce pouches. But as we all know, that’s not beneficial to their health. Over the last year, I’ve really put myself to the challenge of finding fun ways to get them to eat new things, and I’m excited to share those tips with you today!

These little strategies have helped my kids discover new favorite foods, or at the very least, try something new—and that’s a huge win!

1. Snack Trays

One method I’ve tried is creating snack trays using a muffin pan. I fill each section with a different snack, alternating between foods they love and foods they don’t usually reach for. This way, there’s a balance between familiar and new options. When they’re busy playing and not focusing too much on what they’re eating, they often grab something without realizing it. Nine times out of ten, they end up liking the new food!

2. Food Art

Another fun idea is food art! For example, my son didn’t like carrots for the longest time, so I put them out with some blueberries, cheese, strawberries, and peanut butter. Then I encouraged him to create something with all the ingredients. Not only was it a fun and engaging activity, but at the end, I told him we got to eat the art—which was a huge hit! It took a few tries, but eventually, he started to enjoy the taste of carrots.

3. Snack Time with Friends

When we have playdates, I like to talk to the other parents ahead of time to see what snacks their children enjoy. If there’s anything their kids like that my kids don’t, I offer it during the playdate. Toddlers often mimic what their friends do—if their friends are eating broccoli, there’s a good chance they will too. A win is a win!

Embrace the Little Wins

Sometimes, parenthood is about finding creative ways to make challenging things fun—even if that means using food art or a bit of friendly peer pressure to get your little ones to eat their veggies. We all struggle in different ways, but the beauty is that we’re all in this together. Hang in there, mama—you’ve got this!

Before you go, make sure to check out these toddler mealtime must-haves...

^^ Our NEW Muslin Bandana Bibs are the premium your baby deserves for meal time! Crafted with elevated details and a lightweight design, your baby will stay comfortable and clean all day. Shop our new bib sets here!

^^ Keep meal time mess-free with our Multi-Use Covers! They double as a nursing cover, grocery cart cover, high chair cover, AND car seat cover - so it's basically your best friend for on-the-go parenting. Order here!

Our Mini Diaper Backpack is a mom favorite! Designed with stylish, neutral colors and quality materials, it’s perfect for packing snacks, supplies, and more for your little ones during all your parenthood adventures. Order yours here!