Written by Jessica Kurosaki, Le Puree Dietitian
As parents, we all know that getting your baby or toddler to eat a variety of foods can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But what if we told you that involving your little one in the kitchen could not only make mealtime more fun but also foster a love for healthy eating? By tapping into sensory experiences, your child can explore different textures, colors, and smells, making them more open to new foods and helping them develop a healthy relationship with food. Here are 7 simple and safe ways to get your child involved in the kitchen—while setting the foundation for a lifetime of adventurous eating.
1. Let Them Explore Textures
Le Puree Loaded Liver with Pumpkin Apple & Kale Puree pictured above
Babies and toddlers are naturally curious about the world around them. They love to explore textures—whether it's the squish of mashed sweet potato or the feel of broccoli florets. At Le Puree, we know the importance of introducing different textures to your baby's diet, especially when they’re starting solids. Allowing your little one to touch and feel the food before it reaches their plate helps them become more comfortable with new foods. This sensory play builds their confidence and encourages them to try things on their own.
2. Mixing It Up
Let your toddler be the chef! Toddlers love to mix ingredients—whether it’s stirring up a bowl of mashed peas or mixing a batch of our nutrient-packed Le Puree vegetable blends. This simple activity not only makes them feel involved but also develops fine motor skills. Let them try using a spoon, whisk, or spatula to mix and stir. Mixing encourages coordination and builds their excitement around eating healthy food. Plus, they’ll feel proud of their involvement when it’s time to taste their creation!
3. Squish and Smash
If you’ve ever seen a toddler squishing their food with their hands, you’ll know it’s a sensory delight! From smushing ripe bananas to mashing avocado, these activities help babies experience the tactile aspect of food. Introducing your baby to the sensory play of smashing fruits or vegetables gives them a chance to explore without the pressure to eat. The more they explore, the more likely they’ll feel comfortable with new textures and flavors when they’re ready to eat. Try offering a spoon or simply let them go hands-on with the food for a messy, but memorable experience!
4. Safe Tasting Stations
The key to making your little one excited about food is letting them sample what’s around them. Set up a little “tasting station” at home with healthy food options. Try offering a variety of flavours with different Le Puree blends—like sweet potato, broccoli, or beetroot. Let your baby or toddler sample a few bites and feel empowered to explore new tastes. Whether it’s spoon-feeding or finger foods, the goal is to make mealtime feel like a fun adventure of discovery.
5. Play with Colour and Shape
Le Puree Organic Lamb Kafta Fingers (BLW / Toddler Finger Food) pictured above
Food is not just about taste—it’s about sight too! Toddlers are fascinated by colors and shapes, so use vibrant, nutrient-rich Le Puree blends to engage their senses. The deep orange of sweet potato, the rich green of spinach, or the vibrant red of beetroot can captivate their attention. Let them play with shapes by cutting fruits or vegetables into fun shapes like stars, hearts, or squares. This type of sensory activity helps children connect the visual and tactile aspects of food and can spark their curiosity to try new items.
6. Smell and Smell Again
The smell of freshly cooked food can be enticing, especially to babies and toddlers who are just beginning to discover the world of flavours. Allowing your child to smell the ingredients as you prepare meals can trigger excitement and prepare them for what’s coming next. Introduce your little one to fresh herbs like basil or mint and let them take a deep breath of the aromas. They’ll become familiar with how different smells correspond to different flavours and gain an appreciation for whole, natural ingredients.
7. Create a Family Cooking Ritual
Make cooking together a family ritual. Set aside time each week where everyone gets involved—whether it’s prepping fruits for smoothies, mashing up ingredients, or assembling a family-style meal with Le Puree’s nutrient-dense purees. The key is consistency and involvement. Your child will begin associating food with positive experiences, making them more likely to try new things and build a healthy relationship with what they eat.
Why Sensory Play is Important for Your Baby’s Development
At Le Puree, we understand that introducing solids is an important milestone in your baby’s development. Engaging your little one in kitchen activities isn’t just about making mealtime fun—it’s about building strong sensory connections that help them feel more comfortable with food and embrace healthy eating habits. Sensory play also supports the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills.
By letting your child engage with food in a tactile and creative way, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of good habits. Start small and watch as they grow into confident, adventurous eaters.
Ready to Get Cooking?
From sensory play to family rituals, there are endless ways to make mealtime enjoyable and educational for your little one. Explore our range of Le Puree blends, bites & bowls designed to support your baby’s growth and development, using whole, nutrient-rich ingredients you can trust.
