Fussy Eaters

It can be typical for children to go through phases of 'fussy eating'. It's natural to worry whether your child is getting enough food if they refuse to eat sometimes, but it's perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods. If you are worried about your child’s dietary intake, it may be useful to keep a food diary, that way you can monitor how much of what they eat.

fussy eating

It can be useful to note:
  • What they ate and the amount they ate
  • What time of day they ate
  • Where they ate and who was there
It may also be useful to note other factors e.g. distractions (was the TV on?), did they eat off their favourite plate, were they in a busy/noisy school dining hall. Although some children have a restricted diet, it can still be a healthy diet. It is also very important to rule out if there is a medical reason for them not eating/taking a restricted diet e.g. do they have a sore throat/tooth abscess? Do they have chewing/swallowing difficulties? If you are unsure, please make an appointment with their G.P.

fussy eating - a carrot

Fussy Eater Training Video

Alongside Occupational Therapy, this training has been devised with Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics colleagues. Please watch our YouTube video below of our fussy eating training for further advice and strategies.

Fussy Eater Leaflet

Messy Play

It can be helpful to encourage your child to experience and tolerate messy play and sensory activities to try to support trying new foods. Click here for our leaflet with ideas for getting messy with food.

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