What’s normal?

Many toddlers and young children go through a picky eating phase. This is a normal part of development.

1. Appetite changes between ages 2-4
2. Some days they eat a lot; other days very little
3. It can take 8-10 tries before a child accepts a new food
4. Most kids outgrow picky eating over time

What can you control:

1. Offer balanced meals and snacks regularly; preferably 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily
2. Always offer least favored food group first
3. Create a calm, no-pressure environment
4. Limit grazing between meals
5. Offer small portions
6. Introduce new foods without pressure
7. Make dinner the main meal to try new foods

For toddlers (ages 2-3):

1. Don’t apply too much pressure, they will tend to resist more
2. Let them come to the table hungry
3. Stick to a routine
4. Plan snacks to allow for a routine

For preschoolers (ages 3-4):

1. Encourage trying one bite per year of age
2. No “clean plate” rule
3. If they don’t eat, offer the same meal later
4. Avoid making separate meals
5. No separate desserts if dinner isn’t eaten

The Big Picture:

1. Focus on what your child eats over a week, not just one day
2. Family meals and eating the same food as the child is important
3. Stay consistent!