How many times should you offer a new food?

It is easy to decide a child "doesn't like" a food after two or three refusals. In practice, many children need to meet a new food many times, often ten or more, before they are willing to eat it.

What counts as an offer

An offer does not mean a bite. Seeing the food on the table, watching someone else eat it, helping wash or stir it, and having a small piece on the plate all count as exposure.

Space it out

You do not need to serve the same food every night. Bring it back every week or two, prepared the same way at first so it is recognisable.

Stay neutral

Try not to celebrate loudly when it is eaten or sigh when it is not. A calm, matter-of-fact table keeps food from becoming a contest.

Track it lightly

If you lose count, a simple chart on the fridge helps. It is also a nice reminder that a refusal today is not the final answer.

This is a family activity and general information, not medical, feeding or nutrition advice. If you have concerns about your child's eating or growth, talk to your pediatrician.

Free printables → · Browse the directory →

From the maker: Picky Table is run by the person who makes MunchGuard, a free iPhone and iPad app where parent-approved mealtime videos play while a child is chewing and pause when they stop.