Dealing With a Fussy Eater

Baby mealtimes can feel overwhelming when food gets refused, heads turn away and dinner ends up on the floor. One of the most helpful things to do is to give your child a range of different foods, textures and flavours. This can help them develop a taste for all kinds of food later on.

Don’t worry too much if your child refuses sometimes; most babies go through a fussy eating stage. Children’s tastes change over time, and what they reject one day they might love the next. It will all be ok as long as they are getting the right nutrients.

Tips for feeding picky eaters

Stay calm when your child refuses

If your child rejects the food, simply take it away. Don’t make a big deal of it, as reacting can make refusal feel like a game. Instead, be patient and encourage them as they eat. If they spit out certain foods, just try again the next day.

Offer a variety of foods

Offer a range of different foods, so if they don’t like one thing, they can try the rest. Mix new foods in with something they already love, and include plenty of fruit and vegetables across the week.

Change the preparation method

If you’re struggling to introduce new foods to picky eaters, try changing the way you prepare food. See if your baby prefers new foods puréed, mashed or grated. Laying your child’s food out in different colours or fun shapes can spark their interest in trying it.

Make mealtimes enjoyable

Try not to leave meals until your baby is over-hungry or too tired. Have mealtimes as a family, make appreciative noises, and show them you have tasted the food too. A little praise and encouragement go a long way.

When to seek further support

A fussy eating stage is a normal part of how babies learn to eat, and most children grow out of it. But if you are worried about your child’s appetite, they’re not gaining weight, or are out of ideas on what to feed a picky baby, speak to your health visitor or healthcare professional for advice.

For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parents Support Hub