For Mothers of Infants

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THTM #3: Teaching colors
(Infant feeding 6-8 months)

What is the key message?

• Introduce fruits and vegetables to baby a few weeks after baby adjusts to cereal.

Who should receive this message?

• Parents of babies less than six months old.

How can this message be used?

Open:

Advance preparation: Gather sample paint chip cards from a paint/hardware store. Select a rainbow of colors, or cut multi-colored construction paper into 3 X 5 inch cards.

Ask parents to:

• Pick a color that says something about how you feel about eating vegetables. (Allow less than a minute for their selection. You want them to feel rushed so they project their feelings into the color and they don’t have time to rationalize their responses.)
• Next, pick a color that says something about how you feel about eating fruit? (Share responses.)
• How do you want your child to feel about eating fruits and vegetables?

Dig:

• What successes have you had getting your other child to try vegetables? (Skip this question if parent has no other children.)
• What can parents do to make babies—and children—love vegetables and fruit?
• How can your child have even healthier eating habits than you? Sample responses:
  • Offer fruits and vegetables often.
  • Eat them often so your child sees that you enjoy them.
  • Experiment until you find veggies and fruits that you do like or fun ways of eating them.
  • Don’t stop serving them if your child appears to dislike them. (Babies who spit out food may just be playful, not expressing preference. It often takes 10-15 exposures for a child to accept a new food.)

Connect:

• How would your life and health be better if you loved fruits and vegetables? How would you feel about yourself? Sample responses:
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Feel more in control.
  • Feel proud that you are taking care of your body.
  • Feel confident that you are providing a good example for your children.
  • Feel you are doing the best you can to protect future health.
  • Enjoy smooth skin, shiny hair and a slim body.
• How will your child’s life be better if they learn to love fruits and vegetables now?
• How will you feel if your child learns to love fruits and vegetables?

Act:

• What fruit or vegetable will you try this week?
• What fruit or vegetable do you plan to offer first?
• What are you excited for your baby to eat?