A fussy eater can be defined as a toddler who refuses to try a new food at least half of the time. Approximately half of all toddlers fit this description, so it is no surprise that food issues are a source of stress for parents. Eight out of 10 Australian parents are concerned about their child’s eating habits. One third of parents worry that their child isn’t eating enough.
Establishing healthy eating patterns is important to avoid problems such as obesity and eating disorders later in life. Various strategies can help your child accept a wider range of foods.
Don’t delay introducing ‘lumpy’ foods
Researchers at Bristol University in England have discovered that delaying your baby’s introduction to lumpier foods may contribute to fussy eating habits. ‘Lumpy foods’ are semi-solids like small bits of cooked soft vegetables or food that is mashed with a fork. The study found in the group of babies who were not given lumpy foods until they were 10 months or older, one in five were fussy eaters by the age of 15 months.
Compared to babies who were introduced to lumpy foods between the ages of six and nine months, the fussy eaters were twice as likely to have firm food preferences and were more likely to insist on baby foods well after their first birthday. This research suggests that giving your baby a wide variety of lumpy or chewy foods between the ages of six and nine months will broaden their food appreciation and reduce the likelihood of fussy eating later on.
Don’t be put off by food rejection
Australian research suggests that parents may need to offer an individual food up to 10 times before the baby will choose to eat it. However, around half of parents only persist two or three times before giving up on that particular food altogether.
Parents may be fussy eaters too
Children learn behaviours from their parents. Research indicates that while 27 per cent of toddlers are fussy eaters, 22 per cent of them have parents who admit to being fussy eaters too.
If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will notice and copy your wariness. Don’t limit your child’s food variety to only those foods you prefer. It may be that your child’s tastes are different to yours, and perhaps you are simply serving them foods they don’t happen to like.
Food and Growth
One third of parents worry that their child isn’t eating enough. Unless they are ill, a young child will never voluntarily starve themselves.
If your child seems healthy and energetic, then they are eating enough. If you are still concerned, keep an eye on how much food they actually eat over the day. Children tend to graze constantly, rather than restrict their eating to three meals per day like adults. You may be surprised how those little handfuls and snacks add up. For further reassurance, check your child’s growth and weight charts, or see your doctor or maternal and child health care nurse.
Keep Calm
Parents who feel worried about their child’s eating habits may try to force or cajole their child into eating their meals. If your child resists, mealtimes can become stressful.
Suggestions include:
* Remember that your child will never voluntarily starve themselves. Children are very good at judging their hunger and fullness signals.
* Keep calm and don’t make a fuss of whether your child is eating or not. Instead, concentrate on making mealtimes enjoyable family events.
* Be realistic about the amount of effort you put into making your child’s meals. Don’t feel resentful when they refuse to eat.
* Don’t threaten, nag or yell.
* Don’t use lollies, chocolates, biscuits, milk or desserts as bribes.
Mealtime strategies
Suggestions include:
* Be a good role model. Eat a wide variety of foods yourself.
* Ask your child to help prepare a meal. They are more likely to eat a meal they have helped to make.
* Set up regular habits for eating, such as always putting your child in their high chair or eating at the same table.
* Offer a range of foods on the plate and allow your child to pick and choose what they will eat.
* Forget about table manners. Don’t worry if your child makes a mess, or wants to pick food from your plate.
* Be inventive. If your child refuses plain steamed vegetables, present these foods in ‘hidden’ ways, such as mashed or minced in casseroles or soups.
* Offer alternative foods from every food group. For example, if your child dislikes cheese, they may eat yoghurt.
* At the end of the meal, take your child’s plate away. If they haven’t eaten much, offer them a healthy snack a little later on.
* Encourage your child to feed themselves. Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks available. But always supervise their eating, to avoid any risk of choking.
This great article is courtesy of Children, Youth and Women's Health Service Website, they have lots of informative articles on a whole range of Parenting Topics.