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Is Picky Eating a Typical Part of Toddler Growth?
Yes, it is completely normal for a child to be a picky eater in early childhood. Picky eating is most common in children between 1 and 3 years old.
In the beginning stages, infants accept all types of foods since their tastes are still developing. But by the time a baby becomes a toddler, their tastes start to change, and their preferences become more selective.
The slowing of their rapid growth, which occurred during the infant stage, causes a decrease in their appetite for food. They have also started expressing preferences towards things.
What Makes Toddlers Picky Eaters?
It should be noted that there is no particular reason for children's pickiness about food. It is a combination of certain physiological, psychological, and behavioural factors that occur simultaneously.
Independence
Toddlers learn to resist. Declining something is a natural form of resistance that manifests itself especially clearly when it comes to food. It does not necessarily mean that they do not like what is offered to them. In fact, they just want to feel independent.Changing Appetites
Sometimes, you may observe that your toddler has a poor appetite. While sometimes they eat well, at other times, they barely eat. Such changes are rather normal and reflect the real physical needs of toddlers. Making your child eat during periods of poor appetite is rather detrimental to them.Fear of New Food
Toddlers may experience fear when exposed to new foods. This phenomenon is called food neophobia. It means that toddlers tend to prefer familiar tastes, colours, and textures while avoiding everything new. However, it does not mean that children will not eat new foods later on.Sensitivity to Taste and Texture
It is normal for some toddlers to be more sensitive to certain tastes or textures. It is possible that they would prefer softer foods to crispy foods or dislike foods with potent tastes. This could cause them to be selective in choosing their foods.Need for a Set Routine
Toddlers benefit from routines, and any disruption to meals might cause them to refuse to eat. They may choose to consume the same foods several times due to familiarity and predictability.Distractions at Mealtime
Toddlers may be easily sidetracked by toys or engaging activities when it comes time to eat, which prevents them from paying attention to their food. As a result, they may not finish their meals or appear to be picky eaters.Signs of Picky Eating Behaviour in Toddlers
Every child's picky eating behaviour may differ, but common symptoms include:
- Refusing to consume new foods
- Consuming a very limited variety of foods
- Avoiding foods based on their taste, aroma, or appearance
- Demanding the same foods
- Eating smaller quantities or missing out on meals
- Switching food choices frequently
Here Is What You Can Do for Your Child
To deal with picky eating is not to force your child to consume something, but rather to provide a favourable food-related environment.
Provide Choices Without Pressure
Continue providing different kinds of healthy food regardless of whether they like it on the first attempt. Sometimes a child needs several tries before consuming new food products. Do not pressure or force your child to eat.Maintain Meal Times
Try to maintain regularity in terms of providing meals and snacks. It is very helpful for children to have a regular schedule to feel safe. Also, do not let your child eat all day long.Give Appropriate Portion Sizes
Big servings might overwhelm your toddler and cause them to become uninterested in food before even starting to eat. Instead, you can give smaller servings that are not too intimidating. You can provide more when your toddler seems to be hungry again. Such an approach will help them be more confident while eating and trust themselves when it comes to feeling full.Create a Pleasant Eating Environment
It is crucial to create a positive atmosphere during mealtimes as your toddler needs to be comfortable when trying out different foods. It is important not to pressure your toddler into eating, but instead try to have pleasant family meals with your child at the table.Set an Example
Children at a young age mostly learn by imitation. Hence, when you find pleasure in consuming various healthy foods, your child, too, will be encouraged to do the same. You must have family meal times and exhibit good manners when it comes to various foods. Although your child might not be interested at first, he or she will be encouraged by constant exposure through you.Involve Your Toddler in Meal Time Activities
By involving your toddler in simple cooking tasks, you can encourage their interest in food. Allow your child to pick fruits or veggies from the supermarket, wash the fruits or veggies, and even help serve the food on the plates. The sense of involvement can make your child more eager to try the food he or she has been involved in preparing.Behaviours to Avoid
Certain behaviours can exacerbate your child’s pickiness when eating:
- Pressuring your child to consume all the food given
- Immediately substituting healthy food with junk food if your child refuses to eat
- Offering or withholding food as a means of punishment or reward
- Getting angry or frustrated whenever the child does not want to eat
When to Get Help from a Doctor
While picky eating in toddlers should not be an issue to be concerned about, you might need to talk to a specialist if:
- Your child experiences difficulty putting on weight
- Your child rejects all types of food belonging to one particular category
- Dinnertime turns into torture almost daily
- You notice signs of nutrient deficiency in your child
How Long Does Picky Eating Last?
Picky eating typically lasts only for a short period of time. When children grow older and gain more experience in consuming new food, their dietary habits improve.
Patience is necessary in such situations. If you constantly or continuously expose your child to various food items without pressure, they will start accepting them.
Although picky eating in toddlers might be frustrating, especially in cases where you are concerned about your child’s health condition, it is essential to understand that this is a natural stage. You should not pay attention to how many food items your child consumes at one sitting. Instead, try to create a positive and relaxing atmosphere surrounding feeding.
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FAQ on Why Toddlers Suddenly Become Picky Eaters
- My toddler suddenly stopped eating foods he/she liked before. Is it normal?
Such behaviour is typical for children at this age. It could be related to changes in appetite or independence. - Should I force my toddler to eat when they refuse to?
No, there is no need to force your child to consume foods they do not like. Forcing children to eat can be unpleasant for both parent and child, which is why it is better to leave food consumption optional for your child. - How many times should I offer my child a certain new food item?
There is no set number since everything depends on your toddler's readiness to try different kinds of food. According to the data collected by parents, up to 8 or 10 times before the child tries new foods offered to them.