Occupational Therapist Tera Robinson tells us when picky eating becomes a problem and how parents can remedy the situation. For more great information from Tera, go here.
When Does Picky Eating Become a Problem?
Ongoing coughing, choking or gagging while eating or drinking
Throwing up frequently
Consistent crying, arching or signs of pain or discomfort while eating
Difficulty breathing while eating
Falling off his/her growth curve
Hasn’t started eating baby food purees by 10 months old
Not accepting table foods by 12 months old
Not using a cup by 16 months old
Hasn’t transitioned to table foods from baby food purees by 16 months old
When older than 12 months old, eats 20 or less total different foods
“Burns out” on favorite foods and doesn’t pick up new ones to replace the dropped foods
Refuses entire food groups or food textures
Can’t tolerate new food on his/her plate
Doesn’t tolerate small changes to his/her favorite foods
Almost always refuses to eat the same food the family is eating
Mealtimes are battles: stressful and miserable for everyone, including caregiver and child
How to remedy the problem:
- Try to make meal time stress-free
- Introduce new foods in creative and very small ways
- If you cannot solve the problem, seek professional help
