--- title: Making the food journey fun | PaediaSure UK description: Making the food journey fun --- [![PediaSure](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/PDS-logo.png?width=120&height=60&name=PDS-logo.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) [Where to buy![arrow-white](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/WArrow.svg)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/where-to-buy) [![logo-black](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/abbott-logo-black.svg)](https://www.uk.abbott/) Healthy Nutritious Shakes for Kids ![close](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/close%20(1).svg) ![menu](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/menu-burger.svg) [![logo1](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png?width=300&height=143&name=PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) [![logo2](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/abbott%20logo.svg)](https://www.uk.abbott/) [![cart](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Registration/header_cart.png?width=46&height=46&name=header_cart.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/where-to-buy) ![menu](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/close%20(2).svg) [Where to buy![arrow](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/arrow-white.png)](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/where-to-buy) *Healthy Nutritious Shakes for Kids* ![close](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%20LP%202020/Similac%20-%20EleCare/close%20(1).svg) # Making the food journey fun: ### Tips for Fussy Eaters ![PDS Website Banner_748x421px_FoodJourneyFun_v2](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Huble%20-%20Abbott%20Assets/Abbott%20UK/Pediasure%20UK/PDS%20Website%20Banner_748x421px_FoodJourneyFun_v2.jpg) ![PDS Website Banner_748x421px_FoodJourneyFun_v2](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Huble%20-%20Abbott%20Assets/Abbott%20UK/Pediasure%20UK/PDS%20Website%20Banner_748x421px_FoodJourneyFun_v2.jpg) If your child is a fussy eater, you’re definitely not alone. For many, mealtimes can feel like a bit of a battleground, but the good news is that this phase is perfectly normal. Refusing to eat certain foods or being hesitant to try new ones is all part of how children explore the world around them. It’s a journey, and with a bit of patience, creativity, and understanding, you can help make food a fun and positive experience for your little one. It’s important to remember that fussy eating isn’t just about what’s on their plate. It’s also about creating an environment that helps them feel comfortable, curious, and open to new tastes. Here are some practical tips to make the food journey enjoyable for both you and your child. ## **Getting Them Used to Mealtimes** One way to make mealtimes less stressful is to give your child the same food as the rest of the family. Not only does this save you time, but it also helps them feel included. Avoid adding salt to their portion, but otherwise, let them see that they’re eating what everyone else is enjoying. Minimising distractions is another helpful step. Try to keep the TV off and put away books or screens during meals. This helps your child focus on their food and begin to recognise their own appetite cues. Eating at the same time as them can also be a game-changer. Sitting down together creates a routine and shows them that mealtimes are a shared experience, not something to rush through. ## **During the Meal** When it’s time to eat, start with small portions. It’s less intimidating for your child and makes it easier for them to feel a sense of achievement when they finish. Make sure to offer plenty of praise, but steer clear of bargaining or bribing, as this can create pressure around eating. If your child refuses a certain food, try to stay calm and avoid forcing them to eat it. Sometimes, it’s about how the food is prepared. For example, experiment with serving vegetables raw or cooked, grated or whole. You could even encourage them to explore their food with other senses like smell or touch before tasting it. This makes trying new foods feel more like an adventure than a chore. ## **Tips for You** Mealtimes are often smoother when your child isn’t overtired or overwhelmed. Try to avoid serving meals when they’re at their most exhausted—it’ll set you both up for success. Staying calm is also key, even when things don’t go as planned. If you show frustration, it can make mealtimes more stressful for your child. Instead, try to model a relaxed attitude. It’s also a good idea to avoid using food as a reward. While it might seem like an easy way to encourage eating, it can create unhealthy associations in the long run. Stick to offering no more than two healthy snacks between meals each day to help keep them on a balanced schedule. ## **Extra Steps to Make the Journey Fun** For many kids, getting involved in the food process can make a big difference. Growing food together, even something as simple as herbs on a windowsill, can spark curiosity and excitement. Cooking together is another fantastic way to make them feel included—it’s messy, but it’s also a great opportunity to bond and learn. You can even involve them in meal planning and shopping. Let them pick out a fruit or vegetable at the store or choose between two meal options. The more familiar they are with the process, the more confident they’ll feel when it comes time to eat. ## **A Journey Worth Taking** Helping your child navigate fussy eating can feel challenging, but it’s also a chance to create positive memories around food. By keeping things light, fun, and pressure-free, you’re setting the stage for them to develop a healthy relationship with eating. Remember, it’s not about perfect meals—it’s about enjoying the journey together. **References** NHS. (n.d.). Fussy eaters. Retrieved from [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/fussy-eaters/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/fussy-eaters/) NHS. (n.d.). Tips for fussy eaters. Retrieved from [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/fussy-eaters/#tips-for-fussy-eaters](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/fussy-eaters/#tips-for-fussy-eaters) 1 [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/nutrition-infection-and-stunting-the-roles-of-deficiencies-of-individual-nutrients-and-foods-and-of-inflammation-as-determinants-of-reduced-linear-growth-of-children/195A1401085226A8201FEA0EB05BFB02](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/nutrition-infection-and-stunting-the-roles-of-deficiencies-of-individual-nutrients-and-foods-and-of-inflammation-as-determinants-of-reduced-linear-growth-of-children/195A1401085226A8201FEA0EB05BFB02)  2 [https://uk.pediasure.abbott/picky-eaters/](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/picky-eaters/) UK-PDSHK-2200053 3 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5118732/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5118732/) 4 Contains essential fatty acids which are needed for normal growth and development of children. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 10g linoleic acid and 2g alpha-linolenic acid. Contains protein and calcium . Protein and calcium are needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. 5 [https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1461](https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1461) 6 Data of file. Abbott Laboratories Ltd., 2018. PaediaSure Shake CLT in Spain. 7 [https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/Childrens_therapy/Picky_eating_3_-_sensory_issues.pdf](https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/Childrens_therapy/Picky_eating_3_-_sensory_issues.pdf) 8 Survey of 84 respondents of whom 95% would recommend to a friend or family member. Source: PaediaSure Shake, Verve, February 2021. 9 PaediaSure Shake is part of the PaediaSure brand. IQVIA wholesaler unit sales into UK community pharmacies, MAT  April 2023, Infant & Paediatric Oral Nutritional Supplement Drinks only. 10 [https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/](https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/) 11 [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e5066168bf5a551ea5c4429/t/5e51a743fe69f273e6c60205/1582409540251/Steps-To-Eating.pdf](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e5066168bf5a551ea5c4429/t/5e51a743fe69f273e6c60205/1582409540251/Steps-To-Eating.pdf) Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Ask a healthcare professional for guidance regarding your child’s specific nutritional needs. Do not exceed the recommended number of servings per day: 1 for 1-3 year olds, 2 for 4-10 year olds. [Get your discount](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/join-our-family) [![PaediaSure_Logo_300px](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hs-fs/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure%20UK/Homepage/PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png?width=300&height=143&name=PaediaSure_Logo_300px.png) ](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/) #### FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL  [![icon](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/Group%2033.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaediaSureShake)[![icon](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/Group%2034.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/paediasureshakeuk/) Food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Ask a healthcare professional for guidance regarding your child's specific nutritional needs. Do not exceed the recommended number of servings per day: 1 for 1-3 year olds, 2 for 4-10 year olds. UK Pharmacy No.1 Children’s Nutritional Supplement Drink. Source: PaediaSure Shake is part of the PaediaSure brand. IQVIA wholesaler unit sales into UK community pharmacies, year MAT April 2023, Infant & Paediatric Oral Nutritional Supplement Drinks only. To verify email [paediasureshake@abbott.com](mailto:paediasureshake@abbott.com). *Essential fatty acids are needed for normal growth and development of children. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2 g of α -linolenic (ALA) and 10 g of linoleic acid (LA). Contains protein and calcium. Protein and calcium are needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. ** Triple Sure System: Immune System†, Cognitive Development‡, Essential Nutrients^. †Contains vitamin D which contributes to the normal function of the immune system in children. ‡Iron contributes to normal cognitive development in children. ^Contains protein and 26 vitamins and minerals including calcium. #Survey 84 respondents of whom 95% would recommend to a friend or family member. Source: PaediaSure Shake, Verve, February 2021. §Nielsen value sales data (year to February 2022). Number of vitamins & minerals: Market leading kids’ multivitamin contains 7. PaediaSure Shake contains 26. To verify email [paediasureshake@abbott.com](mailto:paediasureshake@abbott.com). ¶Data on File. Abbott Laboratories Ltd., 2018 (chocolate flavour, strawberry flavour, vanilla flavour) & 2022 (cookies & cream flavour). PaediaSure Shake CLT in Spain. 1McCance and Widdowson, 2021. Composition of foods integrated dataset (CoFID). Available online: [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/composition-of-foods-integrated-dataset-cofid](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.gov.uk/government/publications/composition-of-foods-integrated-dataset-cofid__;!!BBM_p3AAtQ!IXRTy7yy-ZA-5Q5G3X3nHUarvDnt3ZOtlskCaXatjJ5b-iqA_brR8jSjBxAYlUkgbc8tgONeNyyBlIdgkn_DyyP7ju5-QbqH6Ne2$). Last accessed May 2023. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. One glass of PaediaSure Shake powder is 225ml. 2RCPCH, 2012: [https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/uk-who-growth-charts-2-18-years](https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/uk-who-growth-charts-2-18-years) Accessed August 2025 ♢Source Euromonitor International Limited; total global retail sales in 2025 for growing up milk formula that is marketed as complete and balanced nutrition for kids 2-13 years old. Euromonitor and Abbott calculation based in part on custom research conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 and Euromonitor Passport Dairy Products and Alternatives 2025. ♦6 in 1 Supplements include: Omega 3, iron, phosphorous, calcium, protein, vitamin D  PaediaSure Shake, and related brand marks, are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No use of any Abbott trademark, trade name, or trade address in this site may be made without the prior written authorisation of Abbott Laboratories, except to identify the product or services of the company. This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by residents of the UK. The product images are for illustrative purposes only. Registered Number: 329102 England. Registered Office: Abbott House, Vanwall Business Park, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4XE. © 2025 Abbott Laboratories Limited. All rights reserved.  ANIEMEA-P-GB-202501608  [![Abbott logo](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/abbott%20logo.svg) ](https://www.abbott.co.uk/) [![Abbott_logo_A](https://uk.pediasure.abbott/hubfs/Abbott%202021/PediaSure/Homepage/Abbott_logo_A.svg) ](https://www.abbott.co.uk/)