Fussy Eaters
Are you struggling with your little one being a picky eater? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s natural for parents to worry about their child not eating enough, especially when mealtime becomes a hassle. It’s normal for kids to refuse to try new foods or textures – it’s just part of their development.
So, who are fussy eaters? Fussy eaters are usually babies or toddlers who are very selective about what they eat or don’t like trying new foods. But why do they become fussy eaters? Here are a few reasons:
- They might be at a developmental stage where their natural curiosity to explore the world causes them to be hesitant to try new things, especially if it’s their first time trying a certain new food.
- Some kids are really sensitive to certain tastes, textures, or smells, which is why they might be reluctant to try new foods or even gag or spit out food they previously liked.
- They might be anxious or stressed about mealtimes, possibly because of a negative experience in the past.
- As kids get older, they start becoming more independent and assertive, and mealtime is one of the areas where they might try to assert control by being selective about what they eat. Saying no often is all part of their development as they’re becoming their own little humans with thoughts and opinions.
- It could also just be a habit they’ve formed – for example, if they always get food that’s separate, they’ll expect that. And once they get into a habit around food, they might not want to try new things.
Don’t stress too much about how much your child eats in a day. Instead, focus on the variety and quantity of nutrients they’re getting over the course of a week. If your child is active, gaining weight, and seems healthy, they’re eating enough. Check out our ‘Starting Solids’ blog for more info on what to feed your child. Remember, tastes and preferences change as they grow and develop, so keep trying different foods after a few days or weeks and offer a variety.
Here are some tips for parents with fussy eaters:
- Modelling is a great way to encourage your child to eat. They learn best by watching you, so try to be present for every meal and eat the same food you want your child to try. You can also ask other kids who are good eaters to sit with your child during meals but don’t comment on their eating. You could also invite people who your child really likes or bonds with as sometimes they eat well with them around or eat for someone else.
- Offer small portions and let them eat as much as they want. If they leave some food or don’t finish their plate, that’s okay. Clean up without comment and don’t push them to eat more. The goal is to make mealtime a positive experience, not a source of frustration or anxiety.
Try again after a few days. Once they get familiar with it, gradually increase your portion size. - Stick to a schedule, don’t let mealtimes get too close to bedtime or when they’re starving. Consistency is key to establishing healthy eating habits.
- Be patient – some kids are slow eaters. Never pressure them to eat as it can create anxiety around mealtimes and lead to fussy eating.
- Limit snacks to 2 a day, instead of relying on them for nourishment.
- Reward your child with activities or toys instead of food. This will help avoid your child from thinking of sweets are good and vegetables as nasty.
- Make mealtime fun! Use it as an opportunity to bond with your child and make it enjoyable. Let them help with cooking or arrange their own plate.
- Don’t be afraid to switch things up with your food presentation. If your little one isn’t a fan of boiled carrots, try grating them raw instead. And have some fun with it too – make a veggie smiley face on an omelette or cut the food into cool shapes and add some colour.
- Lead by example, parents! Avoid any negative comments towards any foods in front of your child and make sure you’re munching on the same stuff they are.
Keep in mind, what works for one family might not work for you. You will have to figure out what’s best for you. Just give any new approach a good two weeks before deciding if it’s a good fit. If you’re still worried, check with a doctor on the best course of action.
Overall, picky eating is super common with babies and toddlers. You can help your little one become a foodie adventurer by offering a variety of foods, sticking to a schedule, being creative, and being a good role model without putting any pressure on them.
Just getting started on the feeding journey and want to know where to begin? Check out our blog on starting solids.
