The weaning period is a 'window of opportunity' when an infant is open to accept a variety of foods with different tastes, textures and flavours

Daily changes in the vegetables offered to infants during the weaning period have been shown to lead to immediate increases in acceptance and intake of novel tastes and dietary diversity in later childhood^1-5. Some studies revealed that the number of exposures required for a new food to become accepted decreases as the diet becomes more varied^{4, 6}. An exposure to a variety of vegetables during weaning also results in a higher preference of other food-types, such as meat². In contrast with the commonly repeated advice to try a new food on 3 consecutive occasions before offering something new, research findings indicate changing what is offered daily is most effective in encouraging willingness to try a new food³. A growing body of research suggests a combination of variety both between and within meals may be the most effective of all⁷.

A preference for varied flavors may also lead to a greater variety in the nutritive content of foods and leads to an increased likelihood that a well-balanced diet is consumed².

1.    Nicklaus S. Children's acceptance of new foods at weaning. Role of practices of weaning and of food sensory properties. Appetite. 2011;57(3):812-815.
2.    Gerrish CJ, Mennella JA. Flavor variety enhances food acceptance in formula-fed infants. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2001;73(6):1080-1085.
3.    Maier AS, Chabanet C, Schaal B, Leathwood PD, Issanchou SN. Breastfeeding and experience with variety early in weaning increase infants' acceptance of new foods for up to two months. Clinical Nutrition. 2008;27(6):849-857.
4.    Schwartz C, Scholtens PA, Lalanne A, Weenen H, Nicklaus S. Development of healthy eating habits early in life. Review of recent evidence and selected guidelines. Appetite. 2011;57(3):796-807.
5.    Skinner JD, Carruth BR, Bounds W, Ziegler P, Reidy K. Do food-related experiences in the first 2 years of life predict dietary variety in school-aged children? Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2002;34(6):310-315.
6.    Williams KE, Paul C, Pizzo B, Riegel K. Practice does make perfect. A longitudinal look at repeated taste exposure. Appetite. 2008;51(3):739-742.
7.    Mennella JA, Nicklaus S, Jagolino AL, Yourshaw LM. Variety is the spice of life: strategies for promoting fruit and vegetable acceptance during infancy. Physiology & Behavior. 2008;94(1):29-38