Picky Eaters

 

WHAT IS PICKY EATING?

If mealtime feels like a constant battle at home, your child may be a picky eater or selective eater, or there could be a more serious feeding problem occurring. When a child or adolescent is a picky eater, they often reject certain food types or food groups. Some children will also show a strong preference for certain foods. 

Picky eating can be considered a normal stage of development. It is more common in early childhood and becomes less frequent by the age of 6. About 1⁄2 of picky eaters will outgrow this phase and be more open to trying new foods, however, some children do not and may require additional support. A picky eater is classified as eating 20 foods or less. 

SIGNS OF PICKY EATING

 
Infant highchair tray covered with food scraps

  • Ongoing poor weight gain or dropping or losing weight.

  • Frequent choking, gagging, or coughing when eating meals.

  • Avoiding foods that have certain textures.

  • Avoiding foods that are a certain color.

  • Avoiding a certain group of food (meats, fruits, vegetables, grains)

  • The child only eats a certain brand of their favorite and preferred foods.

  • Eating less than 20-30 different foods.

  • Mealtimes are a constant battle.

  • The child does not like various food items to be touching on his/her plate.

  • The child does not like sauces, spices, or strong flavors

WHAT CAUSES PICKY EATING?

  • Lack of hunger

  • Poor motivation to eat

  • Stress 

  • Gastrointestinal problems

  • Sensory processing challenges

  • Impaired oral-motor skills

  • Developmental delays

STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING A COMFORTABLE EATING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILD

 

  • Make Mealtime, Family Time

  • Take the Focus Off Your Picky Eater

  • Eliminate Distractions

  • Be a Good Role Model

  • Plan, Shop, and Prep

  • Offer Choices and Control

  • No Short-Order Cooking

  • Make Small Changes Over Time

  • Offer Rewards and Reinforcers

  • Practice Calming and Coping Mechanisms Before Meals

Here are some tips and tricks for children ages 2-8 who may be experiencing picky eating. The goal with the younger kids is to increase body awareness and regulate their nervous system to prepare them for the more intense tactile/touch experiences associated with trying new foods!


Here are some tips and tricks for older children and teens who may be experiencing picky eating. The goal for the older kids is to get them involved in interacting and preparing their food in order to maintain healthy eating habits.


Working to improve your child’s picky eating habits can be very stressful. Remember it is a long-term process and with the help of our occupational therapists we believe you can succeed. Here is a reference of the general do’s and don'ts to picky eating that you can use as guidelines for mealtimes at home! If you would like a list of more resources, this link includes books, websites with more picky eating strategies to use in the home, and local specialists.