Fussy eating is common in childhood. For parents, though, it can be a daily source of frustration.
Children can suddenly become very selective about what they eat, particularly from around one year of age, with fussy eating often peaking at around 20 months.
So how do you know when it’s just a normal stage — and when it might be something more?
Start with growth and nutrition
The first things to consider are growth and nutrition.
A child can be growing well and still not be getting all the nutrients they need. If their diet is very restricted, it’s worth looking at what they are eating and drinking across a typical day.
Are they constantly grazing? Drinking lots of juice or other drinks between meals? Missing entire food groups?
Reducing drinks between meals and allowing more time between meals can help encourage appetite. And while it can be tempting to give up on foods your child refuses, continuing to offer a variety of foods is important.
When should you worry?
Sometimes, food refusal can be a sign of an underlying problem.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) can cause symptoms including vomiting, reflux, coughing and food refusal in younger children. Older children may experience abdominal or chest pain, difficulty swallowing or food becoming stuck.
Another possibility is paediatric feeding disorder (PFD), where eating is not age-appropriate and may be linked to medical, nutritional, feeding-skill or psychosocial difficulties.
If your child’s eating is becoming increasingly restricted, or you have concerns about their growth or nutrition, it’s worth seeking professional advice.
Keep perspective
Most fussy eaters don’t need extensive investigations. The focus is usually on encouraging appetite, gradually expanding the range of foods and making sure children receive the nutrients they need.
And remember, some fussiness is simply part of growing up.
Dr Amit Saha, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, consults at Kinkaya. A referral is required to see Dr Saha.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.