Fussy Eating

Other things that might affect their appetite:

• Tiredness 
• Feeling unwell 
• Teething 
• Snacking throughout the day 
• Drinking large amounts of fluid, especially just before meals 
• Constipation

You may worry that your child is not eating as well as they once did, here are some suggestions to try to help you overcome this stage:
 

• Eating family meals together helps encourage children to enjoy a variety of foods and spend time with the family. Including low protein foods into family meals is helpful. 
• Remove distractions such as the TV, games and toys during mealtimes, to ensure they focus on their food. A relaxed chat about their day at the table will provide an enjoyable and calm environment. 
• Offer food when your child is most hungry. Some children eat well in the morning, but less so later in the day. 
• Avoid large meals when they are too tired to eat. 
• 3 meals and 2 snacks a day is a good pattern to implement – try not to give your child too many snacks or large drinks close to meal times as this can reduce their appetite. 
• Offer 2 courses at meal times – a main course and a dessert, so there is a variety of foods offered to your child. 
• Try not to provide oversized portions (see the ‘How much should my child eat?’ piece to refresh your memory on serving sizes). Too much food may overwhelm your child.  Once they finish what they are given, offer more. If they are hungry they will accept it. 
• Praise your child when they eat well but try to ignore it if a food or meal is rejected. Children can often pick up on your concerns and it could make the situation worse. 
• Don’t use food as a reward. You can reward them in different ways, for example, a sticker for their reward chart, take them to the park or play their favourite game. 
• Encourage your child to feed themselves. Giving them this control may mean that they eat more. Finger foods such as low protein sandwiches, permitted vegetable sticks and permitted fruit are good options for this. 

Let children explore and play when introducing new foods. There are many steps to acceptance, eating being the last step.

• Don’t ask your child what they would like to eat, a child of 2-3 years will always go for their favourite. However, if you would like to give them a choice let them decide between two meals you are prepared to make. 
• When you are introducing new foods, it is enough  if your child simply touches or tastes the food. Don’t worry about the amount that they eat initially. 
• If your child refuses to eat a food they previously accepted, wait and offer it when the whole family are also eating it. 
• Serve food they like alongside the food they have refused, so the meal looks familiar. Don’t make a fuss or comment if it has not been eaten. 
• Always praise your child for trying a new food. 
• Don’t make something different if they refuse the meal you have prepared, they will be hungry and eat at their next meal. It will restrict their diet further if you keep making their favourites. 
• Don’t let frequent refusals put you off trying something different. 

Children respond well to consistency.

• It is important that everyone involved in your child’s care and meals, manages their behaviour and fussy eating in the same way.
• If you feel your child has an extreme reaction to trying new foods or is especially anxious about trying new foods, speak to your child’s dietitian who will be able to help or may choose to refer you to someone who can help further.