Wellness Blog

Most parents have been through it. You put a meal on the table, and your child makes a face and will not touch it. Picky eating is something that parents talk about a lot when they visit the doctor with their child.

It’s so hard to tell if your kid is just going through a picky phase or if there's actually a bigger issue with food. Let's break it down to see what's normal and what might be a red flag.

What is Picky Eating?

Picky eating is very common in children. Children, especially when they are between two and six years old. At this age, children want to be independent and food is one thing they can control. They may not like foods because of the way they look or smell, independently, or they may want to eat the same foods every day.

This is usually a part of growing up. Most children stop being picky eaters as they grow with the right approach.

Signs of Normal Picky Eating

Your child is likely a typical picky eater if they eat at least a few foods from each food group, maintain a healthy weight, have normal energy levels, and show interest in food even if they refuse specific items. Growth may slow slightly but should still be consistent.

When Picky Eating Becomes a Nutrition Problem

This is when parents need to pay attention. If picky eating goes on for a time, it can cause real problems with nutrition. Watch for these signs:

1. Your child is losing weight or not gaining weight
2. They look tired all the time
3. They often get sick
4. Hair fall
5. They have stomach aches all the time.

If your child does not eat meat or a lot of green vegetables, they might not get enough iron. If they do not eat vegetables or drink milk, they might not get a calcium deficiency. They might also not get enough zinc or vitamin D.

What Can Parents Do?

Try giving your child different foods without forcing them to eat. Put food on their plate but do not make them eat everything. Repeated exposure to a food, even if the child does not eat it right away, slowly builds familiarity. Eat meals together as a family and let your child see you eating different foods. Do not use food as a reward or punishment because this can make eating uncomfortable.

Make mealtime fun. Cut vegetables into fun shapes, let your child pick a new food at the store or let them help with cooking. Children are more likely to try something they helped make.

When to See a Doctor

If your child only eats one food, is losing weight or is not growing as they should, it is time to see a doctor. A Paediatric Nutritionist or dietitian can look at your child's diet. Find any problems before they cause long-term damage.

At GKNM Hospital, our Paediatric Nutritionists work with families to understand each child's eating habits, find any problems and make meal plans that are easy to follow. We know every child is different. We take our time with each child. Your child's health is our priority.