Monthly Blog

When it comes to children with feeding difficulties, introducing new foods can be a challenging task. However, pasta, with its versatile nature, provides an excellent opportunity to expand their diet by exploring different shapes and flavors of pasta. Here are 5 tips on introducing various shapes and flavors to your child’s family meals.

1. Fun Shapes
Pasta comes in a wide array of fun shapes that can captivate your child’s imagination. From classic macaroni to spirals, shells, or wagon wheels, or
even Paw Patrol. Each shape brings a unique texture and visual appeal to the dish. Presenting pasta in different shapes can make mealtimes more engaging and help find the just right challenge to your child’s visual system.

2. Whole Wheat Options
If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value of pasta, consider trying whole wheat varieties. Whole
wheat pasta retains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to traditional refined pasta. Start by mixing whole wheat pasta with regular pasta in gradually increasing amounts to help your picky eater adjust to the new taste and texture. If this is too much, then have the new whole wheat option on
the side for them to learn about by looking, touching, and smelling.

3. Flavored Pasta
To add a twist of excitement, introduce flavored pasta to your child’s meals. Flavored pasta is available in various options such as spinach, tomato, or even beet-infused pasta. These colorful alternatives not only make the dish visually appealing but also offer subtle flavors that can entice your child to give them a try.

4. Spiralizing Fun

Spiralizing is a simple and enjoyable way to transform vegetables into noodle-like shapes. Get your picky eater involved in the process by allowing them to help with spiralizing the vegetables. You can find spiralizers at kitchen supply stores or use a julienne peeler for thinner noodle-like strips. Watching the vegetables turn into curly noodles can spark their curiosity and make them more eager to
give them a try.

5. Fun Presentation
Presentation plays a crucial role in enticing picky eaters. Get creative with your veggie noodle dishes by adding colorful toppings or arranging them in appealing shapes. For example, you can make a “rainbow” pasta dish by combining different colored vegetable noodles. The vibrant colors and playful presentation can make the meal more visually appealing and inviting for your little ones.

Remember to approach the process with patience and encourage your child to explore new touches, smells, and tastes at their own pace. Celebrate their small victories and be open to their preferences. With time, your picky eater may develop a newfound love for pasta, along with a willingness to explore a world of diverse flavors and textures.

Hungry for more? Watch our Parent/Caregiver Workshop and learn more about the SOS Approach to Feeding.

Return to the Monthly Blog