Hello, I am a new mom and my toddler is a picky eater. I am struggling to get him to eat anything other than his usual chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. I am worried that he is not getting the nutrients he needs to grow and develop. What are some strategies that have worked for other parents to encourage their picky eaters to try new foods? I would love to hear any tips or tricks that have worked for you! Thank you in advance.

Hi there! I had the same problem with my toddler when he was younger. One strategy that worked for us was to let him choose one new food to try each week. We would take him to the grocery store and have him pick out something that looked interesting to him. Then, we would cook it together and make a big fuss about how delicious it was. We found that involving him in the process and making it fun helped him be more open to trying new things.
Another strategy is to offer new foods alongside foods that your toddler already likes. For example, if your toddler loves chicken nuggets, try serving them with a side of roasted carrots or sweet potato fries. This way, your toddler will see that there are other foods that go well with the familiar ones they already enjoy.
Lastly, don't force your toddler to eat new foods. Let them try it on their own terms and don't pressure them. It may take several tries before they develop a taste for something new. Stay patient and keep trying!