How We Encourage Your Child to Try New Foods at Bright Horizons

We get it - mealtimes can sometimes feel like a mini battle, especially when your little one is a picky eater or hesitant to try something new. At Bright Horizons, we believe that introducing children to new foods should be a joyful adventure, not a stressful struggle. So, how do we make that happen? Here’s a peek into the friendly, encouraging way we support your child’s food journey every day.

Creating a calm and happy mealtime environment

First things first: we make sure mealtimes feel relaxed and happy. Our caring nursery teams know that children are much more likely to explore new foods when they’re feeling safe, comfortable, and not rushed. That means no pressure, no force, and lots of smiles! Our team sits with the children, chats with them, and models enjoying a wide range of tasty foods.

Given that children are more likely to try new foods when with their peers, a nursery setting offers the ideal opportunity to help children have more variety in their diet and to therefore develop healthy eating habits that can be continued at home.

Our mealtime routines are designed to feel natural and social, so children can see their friends and educators enjoying food together. This helps children understand that eating is a shared, positive experience, not just something they “have to do.”

Tasting Is exploring, not obligation

We don’t just throw new foods on the plate and hope for the best. We don’t simply introduce new foods and hope for the best. Instead, we carefully follow each child’s chosen menu, and our team carefully observes each child’s preferences and reactions, respecting their individual pace.

We always encourage a “taste and see” approach. We never force children to finish their plate or eat foods they truly dislike, but we gently invite them to try a small bite. We also encourage curiosity by talking about the food’s colours, smells, and shapes. Often, that first taste is just about curiosity - maybe a nibble here, a sniff there. And guess what? Over time, those little tastes add up to big wins!

Working closely with parents and carers, we agree on the right time for each child to progress to the next stage, always at a pace that’s right for them.

Making food fun and familiar

At Bright Horizons, we know that presentation counts, and make sure our plates look colourful, interesting in shape and inviting. This playful touch helps children feel curious rather than cautious. Plus, we involve children in simple food activities, like washing fruits, helping stir ingredients, or even cutting up veggies, so they get to know their food up close and personal.

When children get involved in these activities, they feel more connected to the food and are more likely to try it at mealtime. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to talk about where food comes from and why eating a variety of foods helps our bodies grow strong and healthy.

Celebrating small wins

Trying new foods can be a big challenge for little ones, so we make sure to celebrate every small step. Whether your child takes a tiny nibble or just sits next to their peers trying something new, we praise their bravery and curiosity. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence and encouraging them to keep exploring new tastes.

Sharing food stories and celebrating cultures

Trying new foods is also a wonderful way to explore the world! We often chat about where different foods come from, sharing stories and traditions from around the globe. This helps children feel connected to the food and proud to try something new, especially when they see their friends enjoying it too.

Close Partnership with Families

We know that supporting your child’s eating habits is a team effort. That’s why we keep you in the loop with regular updates about what your child is enjoying (or not enjoying!) at nursery. We also welcome your insights and have ongoing discussions about the stage your child is at in regard to introducing solid foods and aim to understand the textures they are familiar with.

If your child is picky or has allergies or dietary needs, rest assured our team works closely with you to provide safe, nourishing options that meet their needs without feeling different or isolating

Nurturing healthy habits for life

Our goal at Bright Horizons isn’t just about today’s mealtime but about setting your child up with positive attitudes towards food that last a lifetime. By combining patience, encouragement, fun, and expert care, we help children build a foundation of healthy eating that supports their growth, energy, and happiness.

So, when your little one is at Bright Horizons, you can feel confident that they’re not only well cared for but gently guided towards enjoying new foods in a way that feels natural, exciting, and stress-free.

If you enjoyed this blog, you can learn more about our approach to food at Bright Horizons here.

And, if you're not yet a Bright Horizons parent, but are interested in what our nurseries can offer your child on their exciting educational journey, book a personal tour at your local nursery today!