Babies ‘more likely to enjoy’ foods their mums ate during pregnancy

Researchers observed this by analysing the facial expressions of three-week-old newborns whose mothers had consumed either kale or carrot capsules during pregnancy.

The findings suggest that food preferences could start developing in the womb, potentially giving parents a way to encourage healthier eating habits from the start.

According to the study, unborn babies have a highly sensitive sense of smell. This means the flavours in foods eaten by mums-to-be can pass into the amniotic fluid, subtly exposing the baby to those tastes.

After birth, researchers found that babies whose mums ate carrot capsules during pregnancy had more positive reactions to the smell of carrots. Similarly, those whose mothers consumed kale capsules showed a favourable response to the scent of kale – even though it’s often considered a divisive vegetable.

Lead author of the study, Professor Nadja Reissland, explained:

Potentially this means we could encourage babies to react more positively towards green vegetables, for example, by exposing them to these foods during pregnancy.

The research involved 32 babies, mostly from the North East of England. It found that newborns exposed to certain flavours in utero showed more frequent “laughter-face” expressions and fewer “cry-face” responses when presented with familiar scents after birth.

This could mean that babies may already associate these smells with comfort, paving the way for easier acceptance of these foods during weaning.

Co-lead author Dr Beyza Ustun-Elayan highlighted the potential long-term benefits:

By introducing these flavours early on, we might be able to shape healthier eating habits in children from the start.

Getting children to eat vegetables can feel like an uphill battle for many parents. But this study offers a glimmer of hope – what you eat during pregnancy might make those first bites of broccoli or spinach a little less challenging for your little one.

Shaping a baby’s food preferences early on could also play a part in tackling fussy eating habits and encouraging a balanced diet later in life. While more research is needed to confirm these findings on a larger scale, the idea of giving your baby a taste for healthy foods before they’ve even entered the world is a fascinating one.

Should pregnant women change their diet?

If you’re pregnant, this doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire diet or start forcing down kale smoothies. Instead, it’s about adding a variety of nutritious foods into your meals wherever possible. Think colourful veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats – all of which support both you and your baby’s development.

Professor Reissland adds, “The findings highlight how important it is for mums-to-be to focus on eating a healthy and varied diet during pregnancy.”

It’s also worth noting that pregnancy cravings and aversions are entirely normal, so don’t be too hard on yourself if the thought of kale or carrots doesn’t exactly appeal right now.

The study, published in the journal Appetite, was a collaboration between Durham University, Aston University, and academics in France. It builds on previous research showing that babies begin to recognise and respond to their mum’s voice and other external stimuli while still in the womb.

Now, it appears that food scents and flavours could be added to that list – and they may even influence how your baby feels about certain foods once they’re born.

Pregnancy can already feel overwhelming, so the idea of shaping your baby’s future food preferences might seem like an extra layer of pressure. But this research is less about rigid rules and more about embracing the idea that healthy eating during pregnancy could have surprising benefits.

While there’s no guarantee that your little one will grow up loving kale crisps and carrot sticks, it’s a reminder of how incredible (and complex!) pregnancy truly is. It’s yet another reason to celebrate small wins – even if that win is sneaking a veggie or two into tonight’s dinner.

So, if you’re currently growing a tiny human, why not toss a few extra carrots into your casserole or give that kale salad another go? It could just make life a little easier when it’s time for your baby to try their first spoonful of greens.

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