8 Great Tips for Food Play

Many families find that their children refuse or feel unsure about new foods.  This can be super stressful for both adults and children, turning mealtimes into a challenge instead of a moment for connection. 

Food play is a gentle, effective way to help children build confidence around unfamiliar foods. It sounds simple, but getting started can feel overwhelming. Thoughtful planning and an understanding of your child’s motor and sensory needs can make all the difference.

Here are eight great tips to guide you

1.      Keep food play separate from mealtimes

Food play is most successful when it happens away from mealtimes.  During play the focus is on exploring, learning, and becoming familiar with new foods with no demand to eat.  Separating food play from meals keeps food play pressure free and reduces your worry about how much your child ate.

2. Expect mess (and plan for it!)

Food play is messy and that’s part of the experience! Setting up in advance with splash mats, wipeable tables, or taking play outside can make a big difference.  Try not to clean your child during play unless absolutely needed.  Staying messy helps them learn about the sensory properties of food.

3. Support your child with good positioning

Stable posture allows your child to focus on exploring rather than balancing.

If you have young children and are sat on the floor, try to ensure that you're child has their back against a firm surface.

If you are at a table, aim for: feet supported, hips steady, back against a firm surface and a table/ tray height between the chest and belly button. 

There are lots of different highchairs or infant seats to support your child’s sitting.  For children with established sitting balance, a Tripp Trapp style chair works well.  For younger children the joie multiply highchair or similar offers good support. 

4. Identify ‘safe foods’ and choose foods wisely

Safe foods are those your child reliably accepts.  Rotate one safe food in each session to help your child feel successful and secure.

When introducing new foods typically:

·        dry textures are often easier than wet

·        neutral colours (such as beige or white) can be less intimidating for fussy eaters

·        Choosing foods similar to a safe food by either shape/ texture or colour can be a smaller step (e.g., if your child accepts banana slices, try sliced avocado or cheese slices)

5. Give your child their own set of food (and keep one for yourself)

Having separate items for you and your child reduces pressure and supports modelling ways to play with these foods. Your child can watch how you explore, squish, poke, sing wheels on the bus with a carrot etc., without feeling pressured to taste. Modelling different ways to play with food is just as valuable as modelling eating it.

And remember the division of responsibility! It is your job to provide calm, safe opportunities with food; it is your child's job to decide what they want to do with the food.

6. Progress isn’t just eating new foods

Children move through many steps before feeling ready to taste a food. Early steps might include:

• looking at the food

• touching it with tools (napkins, straws, bags, containers)

• touching it with hands

• smelling it

• touching it to lips or tongue

This sequence is often called the “steps to eating.”

Keep these steps in mind when planning or modelling food play.

7. Notice your child’s body language and your own shark music

New foods can be stressful for cautious eaters.  Signs of stress mean it’s time to make the activity easier.  Stress signs could be wiping hands, running or turning away, gagging or throwing food.  If you see these cues remember the ‘steps to eating’ and model an easier step. 

Use simple, neutral descriptions about the food’s colour, texture, smell, or shape to help prepare your child for what to expect. Avoid labels like “yummy” or “icky”.

Also notice your own stress reactions or your “shark music.” If you feel stressed about the mess or your child’s behaviour, take a mindful moment before responding. Your child will be very adept in reading your stress cues too!

8. Keep it playful

Have fun!  Let your creativity shine.  Try searching social media (pinterest has some great inspo ideas) or keep checking back here for new ideas too 😊

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