Vegetables supply nutrients important for growth and development, but getting kids to eat them can sometimes be a challenge. Although the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid recommends that all children over the age of 2 eat at least three servings of vegetables a day, be aware that the serving size goes up as a child grows. From the time an infant starts solids at 4 to 6 months of age until about the age of 4, the recommended serving size for vegetables is one tablespoon per year of life. Serve vegetables in new combinations.
Children tend to favor peas, potatoes, carrots, beans and corn.
Mix these vegetables with others they are less likely to eat, such as broccoli and cauliflower. Prepare vegetables in new ways. Add vegetables and beans to soup. Mix a vegetable in with a favorite food, such as peas in macaroni and cheese. Add vegetables to pizza toppings or to spaghetti sauce.