Often, during the transition to table foods, fruits and vegetables may be left behind in favor of easy-to-eat table foods. This is the time to shape eating habits that carry into later childhood, so eating a variety of fruits and veggies becomes second nature.

The USDA's Food Guide Pyramid suggests children eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. When your baby is ready for solid foods, this 5-a-Day principle can help you set a goal for offering a variety of fruits and vegetables each day, even if it's just a taste.

It's important to emphasize that 5-a-Day is a goal -- don't force a child who is not interested. Just keep trying. Make it fun & colorful. And remember to offer foods you may not like -- an older baby or toddler may like them!

And don’t forget, children under the age of two get many benefits from full fat yogurt, cheese and milk, all of which are great snacks!

• ‹ Preschoolers- Healthy can still be fun, sweet ...
• Infancy to 2 years old- The dangers of a ... ›