1.02.2019
Dealing With Picky Eaters [ + Nuby Product Review ]
Hi Friends! Happy New Year -- I hope your holiday season was filled with a lot of joy. Now that we've entered 2019, it's back to routines and tackling some resolutions. Since Felix and Marcus are still young and can't vocalize new year resolution, I've decided to make some for them some of which include cleaning up toys after play time, more educational play and being better at eating.
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I mean, if we could tackle just one of those it would be better eating. If you don't already know, my Felix is suuuuuuuch a picky eater and that means that I have to go above and beyond when it comes to making sure he's getting all the nutrients he needs. He has lower iron levels due to his pickiness, so I really am trying to make eating more fun and I've turned to Nuby for help with that.
Here are some of Nuby's products that have assisted in my never ending battle to make meal time more enjoyable and appetizing for my picky little eater.
No. One :: Sure Grip Miracle Mat Suction Plate
This plate is nice because it sticks to his Ikea highchair and makes flinging his plate across the room more difficult. Felix is using the Red Monkey plate in the picture, but we also have this exact plate in a koala version too (also pictured above) -- because options. You can never have to many of those, am I right?
I let him choose the plate animal / color before I set the table because I want Felix to feel like he has a say. Whenever he has choices, he's more likely to cooperate when it comes to giving the food a try.
I also really love this plate because it makes separating his food so much easier. If he sees that his food is touching, Felix has an instant melt down. He just likes to have everything in its place and who can argue with that?!
No. Two :: Stainless Steel Eating Set
This was the set that Felix responded to when it came to starting using utensils. My picky eater never responded to being fed well. He'd scream and turn away, but as soon as he got his tiny little fingers on this set and I let him do it by himself, it was instant fun.
I've come to the realization that some kids just want to be independent earlier than others and that's okay. Even though Felix is picky, he's more willing to try things if I pretend that I am not watching or care in the slightest bit. I guess it's too much pressure having mom and dad stare you down as you're trying to eat a meal, so at least I can be assured he has the tools (like this cute little utensil set) as he wings it by himself.
No. Three :: Sure Grip Suction Bowl
Another suction product because I wasn't kidding about needing things to stick to that high chair. I place soup broth in this bowl, but more than anything else, this is a snack bowl. He loves those pretzels found in Chex Mix and this is the perfect container size to serve those to him because it's made for tiny portions.
When I do serve him soup in this, I love that the bowl isn't sliding all over the high chair tray. I feel like toddlers have no perception about surroundings and my toddler is no different -- somehow he's always elbowing his bowls and cups, so this suction bowl is and awesome tool.
What I've Learned About Mothering A Picky Eater
With these tools in the kitchen, I feel more equipped when it comes to getting my picky toddler to eat. I've found that having the right tools makes me less jumpy and eases my OCD levels when it comes to having him making a mess.
I tend to be super uptight in the feeding process, so if I've learned anything, it's that it's okay to relax. I am okay with Mac and Cheese ending up on the floor and with the fact that two bites is better than no bites. There are days when Felix will try everything I give him and others when he won't even take a bite of his favorite meals and that is okay. I've come to terms with the fact that I am going to win some battles and lose even more battles, but the main thing to remember is to not give up.
I've lucked out that Marcus is not so picky when it comes to eating, but even if he was, I would still be hopeful. I keep thinking that one day Felix will wake up and LOVE the food I give him and the pickiness will some day cease, but until that day, I'll be over here using my Nuby products to help ease the process.
