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If you consider your child a picky eater, you're not alone

It's quite common for parents to describe their children as picky or choosy about what they eat. In fact, a study of eating behaviour in young children found that up to 50% of parents consider their children to be picky eaters.1

Picky eating can persist throughout the childhood years

Although picky-eating behaviours can be short-lived in some children, for others it remains an ongoing problem. In one study, 21% of children aged 4 and 5 years were identified as picky eaters by their parents.2 Another study found that picky eating persisted in some children through 9 years of age.3

Is this your picky eater?

No two picky eaters are exactly alike. Take a look at the list below for some common types of picky eating behaviours.2, 4-7

How can you know if your child is at risk?

Talk to your child’s doctor about picky eating behaviours. This is especially important if your child: Loses or fails to gain weight Appears to be growing more slowly than normal Seems tired or lacks energy Has frequent illness or infections

Potential risks for persistent picky eaters7-10

Talk to your child's doctor about picky eating behaviours. This is especially important if your child: Differences in dietary intake Lower intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber Lower intake of some micronutrients Impaired growth Lower cognitive development

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Tips for dealing with your child's picky eating11*

Avoid distractions while eating – food should be eaten in a calm environment. Adopt a neutral attitude to eating behaviour – avoid excessive praise, criticism, stimulation and coercion. Feed at specific intervals and avoid snacking to encourage appetite – feed 3 to 4 hours apart and nothing in between. Limit the duration of meals – meals should last between 20 to 30 minutes or 15 minutes if the child is not eating. Use age-appropriate foods. Introduce novel foods one at a time and expose the child to the food up to 15 times before assuming it will not be taken. Encourage independent feeding. Tolerate age-appropriate messiness when eating. * Reprinted with permission

Suggested servings

References:

1. Carruth, BR, Ziegler PJ Gordon A, Barr Sl. Prevalence of picky eaters among infants and toddlers and their caregivers' decisions about offering a new food. J Am Dietetic Assoc. 004;104:S57-S64.
2. Jacobi C, Agras WS, Bryson S, Hammer LD. Behavioural validation, precursors and concomitants of picky eating in childhood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2003; 42:76-84.
3. Dahl M, Rydell AM, Sundelin C. Children with early refusal to eat: follow-up during primary school. Acta Paediatr. 1994; 83: 54-58.
4. Manikam R, Perman JA. Paediatric feeding disorders. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2000;30:34-46.
5. Carruth BR, Skinner J, Houck K, Moran J III, Coletta F, Ott D. The phenomenon of “Picky Eater”: A behavioural marker in eating patterns of toddlers. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17:180-186.
6. Wright CM, Parkinson KN, Shipton D, Drewett RF. How do toddler eating problems relate to their eating behaviour, food preferences, and growth? Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1069-75.
7. Galloway AT, Fiorito L, Lee Y, Birch LL. Parental pressure, dietary patterns, and weight status among girls who are “picky eaters.” J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:541-548.
8. Lindberg L, Ostberg M, Isacson IM, Dannaeus M. Feeding disorders related to nutrition. Acta Paediat. 2006;95:425-429.
9. Dubois L, Farmer A, Girard M, Peterson K, Tatone-Tokuda F. Problem eating behaviours related to social factors and body weight in preschool children: a longitudinal study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2007;4:9.
10. Chatoor I, Surles J, Ganiban J, et al. Failure to thrive and cognitive development in toddlers with infantile anorexia nervosa. Pediatrics. 2004;113:e440-e447.
11. World renown paediatric gastroenterologist visits South Africa. S Afr J Clin Nutr. 2008;21:45

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