Understanding Picky Eating
What is it? Picky eating is common in kids ages 2–6 and often means refusing certain foods, eating only favorites, or tricky mealtimes. Usually a normal phase, but sometimes linked to sensory sensitivities, habits, or medical issues.
Common Types
- Developmental: Normal stage tied to independence, slower growth, and changing tastes.
- Sensory-based: Aversions to textures, smells, or mixed foods.
- Medical-related: Oral-motor delays, GI discomfort, or swallowing problems.
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's picky eating at home when:
- Growth and weight gain are normal.
- Eats from all major food groups, even if limited.
- No persistent gagging, vomiting, or choking.
- Mealtimes are generally calm.
How to Manage at Home
🏠 Home tips for Picky Eating:
For all picky eaters:
- Keep a routine (3 meals + 2 snacks); avoid grazing.
- Limit milk/juice between meals.
- Always include 1–2 safe foods; rotate to avoid burnout.
- Serve the same meal to the whole family.
- Use dips/condiments for new flavors.
- Keep meals short, pleasant, pressure-free.
- Make it fun — playful presentation, model trying new foods.
- “No Thank You Bowl” for foods they don’t want.
For sensory-based picky eating:
- Explore foods outside mealtime (touch, smell, help cook).
- Use “food chaining” to build on familiar foods.
- Step-by-step exposure: Look → Touch → Smell → Kiss → Lick → Bite.
- Try calm settings (e.g., indoor picnic).
- Include non-food sensory play (play dough, pasta bins).
Safe Medications
- No medication treats picky eating directly.
- Vitamins or supplements may be recommended if diet variety is very limited.
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Eating habits are worsening or causing stress.
- Variety of foods is shrinking.
- Unsure if eating is typical.
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Persistent gagging, vomiting, or choking.
- Refusal of entire textures or food groups.
- Weight loss, slowed growth, or signs of deficiency.
- Ongoing stomach pain, constipation, or reflux.
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
