How Many Times Should You Offer a New Food?

A child may need to try a new food 10 to 15 times over several months before eating it, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That is a guide, not a deadline or guarantee: children and foods differ, and some may need more or fewer opportunities.

What counts as an exposure?

An opportunity to see, smell, touch or taste a food can help a child become familiar with it. A review by Taylor and Emmett describes gradual, repeated positive experiences with unfamiliar foods; it does not promise acceptance after a set number. Let your child decide whether to taste, and avoid turning the count into a target they must reach.

How to keep offering without pressure

• Offer a small amount alongside a familiar food. The AAP suggests a spoonful can be enough for a toddler to try.
• Eat the food together when you can and let your child watch. The CDC recommends showing children how you enjoy foods and offering them again on another day.
• Stay relaxed if your child declines. Taylor and Emmett recommend a positive approach without pressure to eat.

When should you ask for help?

If you are concerned about your child's growth, eating, or ability to chew or swallow, speak with their pediatrician or a qualified feeding professional. They can help you decide what is appropriate for your child.

Tummy Scanner is a pretend game that can make a food a topic of playful conversation. It is not a medical tool, and it does not guarantee a child will try or accept a food.