What to try
- When you prepare meals, bake or cook, talk to your toddler about the different smells coming from the foods.
- If you are chopping fruit or vegetables, pass your toddler some to smell, remembering that they will try to eat it too, so think about how much to give them.
- Talk about the difference between the smells and notice which ones your toddler seems to like and dislike.
- When the meal is ready, comment on the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen.
- Talk about how all the individual scents have now combined to make one big, beautiful smell.
Not all foods will be safe to sample raw: fish, meats, eggs and potatoes should always be cooked, plus there are certain beans, salads and vegetables that are recommended to be cooked. Always ensure the food you pass your toddler is appropriately sized and won’t pose a choking hazard.