Eating and drinking
Children can be fussy eaters, and this is a typical stage that most children go through. Parents can often find their children start refusing certain food groups, or foods that they have previously eaten.
Top tips for fussy eaters:
- Eat together as a family and be a positive role models for meal times and snacks
- Offer something you know your child will eat at meal times
- Give small portions sizes as this is less daunting for your child. When they finish, praise them and offer more.
- Offer finger foods, this gives children the opportunity to touch and feel the food and they are always in control.
- Meal times should last no longer than 20-30 minutes.
- Involve your child in food related activities such as shopping, putting food away and cooking.
- Allow your child to experience messy play activities.
- Avoid cleaning your child's face during meal times, allowing their face and hands to get messy.
More information about sensory feeding difficulties
Your baby's first solid foods - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Picky eating 2 - what and how children eat
Picky eating 3 - sensory issues
Picky eating 4 - practical strategies
Factsheets - Infant & Toddler Forum (infantandtoddlerforum.org)
32 Steps To Eating STARGOLD 04-23-18 (stargoldfoodfairy.com)