How is it that some toddlers have a great appetite and enjoy eating a variety of healthy foods, while others are particularly fussy and have a very limited food repertoire?
These fussy eaters might only want to eat a limited variety of tastes and textures. They typically do not enjoy healthy foods, preferring those foods which are high carbohydrate or sugary foods.
Food fussiness is often on account of a discomfort with the taste or texture of the food. The child might have a complete aversion to touch around and inside their mouths, and this makes them very sensitive to certain food textures.
Premature babies and babies who have been cared for in the NICU are likely to have experienced uncomfortable invasive procedures, many of which involved the mouth and face, and which may have made them really uncomfortable with many oral experiences.
These babies are likely to have found it difficult to feed comfortably and especially to manage the transition to solid foods. Babies who have spent time in the NICU often experience reflux. This may be due to a heightened autonomic nervous system response.
Prepare only one meal for the whole family and avoid preparing something special or different for the child who is fussy. Eating is a social event. Where possible, eat meals with your child as a family.
Managing mealtimes in an organised, relaxed and calm manner can go a long way to assisting fussy eaters. Avoid forcing a child to eat anything. Rather, ensure that only healthy nutritious food is available, as this will also assist in ensuring better health, albeit that the child eats only a limited food repertoire. Where possible, prepare meals from scratch, using fresh vegetables and raw ingredients. Involving in the child in sourcing and preparing the food can also be really helpful.
Prepare only one meal for the whole family and avoid preparing something special or different for the child who is fussy. Eating is a social event. Where possible, eat meals with your child as a family. Do your best to keep mealtimes as happy social events, and also avoid making a big deal about fussy eating.
If mealtimes have been stressful, begin by changing things with the above points in mind. Offer healthy food which your child enjoys and set the tone for happy mealtimes.
I can assist you with an assessment of your child’s particular food preferences and possibly a broader assessment of their general development, including oral-motor development. This approach can highlight areas which benefit from therapy. Therapy is always gentle and respectful of the child’s sensitivities.
