Food Play

Exploring food is part of learning to eat.

Children experience food with all of their senses. Before a new food ever makes it into a child’s mouth, they may need opportunities to look at it, touch it, smell it, squish it, lick it, or simply become comfortable having it nearby.

Food play gives children a low-pressure way to explore. Pouring, scooping, stirring, spreading, touching, and helping prepare food can build familiarity while also supporting sensory exploration, fine motor skills, independence, and positive experiences around food.

The goal isn’t to make a child take a bite. The goal is to create opportunities to explore, learn, and become comfortable with food at their own pace.