Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Dr. Sears Nibble Tray is Great for Picky Toddlers

Thanks to my friend Jill at Vegan In The Kitchen for her post about the Dr. Sears Nibble Tray!

Dr. Sears is a nationally recognized pediatrician and has authored The Family Nutrition Book and many other titles related to Pregnancy, Birth, and Nutrition.  In The Family Nutrition Book he says to offer toddlers a "nibble tray", which really does work to introduce kids to variety!  I used it with my own kids by offering foods they liked alongside new foods and it really helped them to try new foods. Now that they are older, they have no problem with trying new things!

You can use an ice cube tray or a muffin tin to create a nice display of healthy fruits and veggies...or you can get this really cute Pineapple Nibble Tray!



Here are some ideas for what you can put in the nibble tray at snack time...

  • Sliced Apples
  • Sliced Avocado
  • Sliced Bananas
  • Baby Carrots
  • Berries
  • Cucumbers
  • Grape Tomatoes
  • Soy Yogurt
  • Soy Pudding
  • Nut Butters like Cashew, Tahini or Almond Butter
Dr. Sears says you should "Raise a Grazer" and allow the child to nibble on the tray throughout the day... but I disagree.  I think this tray should be set out at snack time and then put away.  Allowing a child to nibble throughout the day may cause them to nibble at meal times.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I agree with limiting the grazing. Your child's dentist will agree, too. But, I love the idea of bringing along a beautiful rainbow assortment along when we are out of the house!