Fussy Eaters
As children grow and develop, their understanding of the wide world of food and drink evolves with them. They will learn what foods they do and do not like, whether due to taste, smell or texture; and these are completely normal traits for any child to have!
During the second half of the first year, most babies are willing to try many different foods, flavours and textures. In this way they learn to like foods that those around them like and know to be safe.
why toddlers refuse food by infant & toddler forum
By about a year, infants already have ideas about what foods they like, and what those foods look like. Those infants who have not been offered a wide variety of tastes and textures are more likely to be fussy eaters.
It can be concerning for some families when their children are fussy eaters, as they may worry that their child is not eating or drinking enough, that they are not getting the nutrition they need to grow and it can make preparing snack, lunch and meals frustrating.
We are here to help! If you have any concerns about your child’s eating or drinking, you can inform your child’s key person or their classroom. Together with families, we will work out the best ways to encourage children to eat healthy meals and wider their food horizons.
When should I be worried?
It’s natural to worry whether your child is getting enough food if they refuse to eat sometimes.
But it’s perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods.
Do not worry about what your child eats in a day or if they do not eat everything at mealtimes. It’s more helpful to think about what they eat over a week.
If your child is active and gaining weight, and they seem well, then they are getting enough to eat.
As long as your child eats some food from the 4 main food groups (fruit and vegetables; potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates; dairy or dairy alternatives; and beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins) you do not need to worry.
Did you know . . .
Young toddlers (over twelve months) begin to develop a neophobic response to food, which means they become wary of trying new foods. This may be a survival mechanism to prevent the increasingly mobile toddler from poisoning him or herself through eating anything and everything.
Tips for parents of fussy eaters
Children learn and copy adults behaviour. Try to eat with your child to encourage them to eat as well.
Praise your child when they succeed! If your child does eat something, even if its a little bit, make sure to praise them. This will encourage them to eat more in future.
Make mealtimes enjoyable! Sit down with your child and family and chat as you eat; this will make the experience more positive in your child’s mind.
Try to avoid lots of snack! Having several mini meals a day will fill them up, making them less hungry and more unlikely to eat bigger meals.
Patience is a virtue! Some children are slow eaters, so give them time to finish eating.
Repetition is key! If your child refuses a meal, do not force them to eat. Instead take the meal away and try again later. This can be frustrating but be patient and calm.
Resources:
Below we have provided a list of resources that we believe will be helpful for families who have a fussy eater – if you would like any further assistance though, please contact us for support.
How To Manage Simple Faddy Eating in Toddlers
You can contact Laura (SENDCo) at SENDCo@gooseberrybush.org OR Jean (Deputy Manager) at Jean.Scoffin@gooseberrybush.org for additional support.
