My child is a picky eater
Most relevant for 1–8 years.
1What might be going on
- Appetite naturally slows after the first year, and cautiousness about new food is a normal stage.
- Pressure at the table usually increases refusal rather than reducing it.
2What you can try
- Serve one familiar food alongside anything new, in a small portion.
- Offer, don't insist. Repeated calm exposure does more than a single successful bite.
- Keep meals to a predictable time and place, and end them without a battle.
- Involve your child in washing, stirring, or setting the table — food feels safer when it is familiar.
3Try this
Put a “no pressure” plate on the table: one new food, no comment, no reward. Repeat it for two weeks and watch curiosity rather than intake.
4Parent tips
- Look at the whole week, not one meal — variety usually balances out over days.
- Your child eats their share of the decisions: you choose what and when, they choose how much.
5Related resources
6When to seek additional help
Consider speaking with your child's pediatrician or another qualified professional if:
- Weight loss, very limited variety, gagging, choking, or pain when swallowing.
- Strong sensory reactions to textures and smells that affect daily life.
- If you're concerned, consider speaking with your child's pediatrician or a feeding specialist.