It can be a huge struggle to get your child to try new foods. This is especially true with children who have autism, sensory issues or are struggling with constipation or other gut issues. Picking eating can lead to health issues such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies and constipation.

Often when children have a self-restricted diet, the foods they do eat are the ones they are sensitive to. Some foods, especially gluten and dairy, can have an addictive quality in some kids that makes the child crave them. When you eliminate those foods, often kids will branch out and try new foods. If your child won’t try new foods, food intolerances are something that you might want to look into.

Children with sensory issues often struggle with food textures. Try serving foods cooked, raw, hot, cold, chopped, sliced, or mashed and see which one your child is most receptive to.

My children’s book, Dash is a New Fooder! (Amazon Affiliate link) encourages toddlers, young children, children with sensory issues or any child resistant to trying new foods to become a New Fooder, just like Dash.

Dash is the puppy protagonist in the story. Dash is a cute and relatable character children love.

Dash’s favorite foods are chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and pizza. He doesn’t want to try new foods.

When Dash visits Grandma, she encourages him to try colorful new foods that taste great and are good for him. She helps Dash go from being a No New Fooder to a proud New Fooder!

Sign up and get a free printable activity book that goes along with Dash is a New Fooder! to encourage your child to try lots of healthy, colorful, new foods.