Picky Eater vs. feeding problem

How do you know if your child is a picky eater or needs feeding therapy?

Have mealtimes turned into a battleground at your house?  Many kids go through a "picky eater stage" between the ages of 2 and 4.  This is a very normal part of development. Typically children are trying to learn about their environment and finding ways to exert control.  Picking what they will eat is an easy way to gain control!  Sometimes kids won't grow out of this phase, or end up with a very limited diet.  Then its time to get help from a feeding therapist (typically an occupational or speech therapist). I have treated kids with feeding delays for the last 10 years.  I can tell you with absolute certainty that the earlier you get started with feeding therapy the quicker the progress.  There are a lot of different reasons kids might be picky.  The best thing to do is see a specialist who can help you sort it out. There are lots of strategies to help picky eaters move through this phase quickly.  There are also lots of resources and strategies to help problem feeders turn into happy eaters!

Here are some important questions to ask that will help distinguish the difference between a picky eater and a problem feeder:

• How many different foods will your child eat?
  • Picky eater=will eat at least 30 different foods
  • Problem feeder=typically restricts themselves to fewer than 20 foods
• Will your child eat food from all categories (sensory and nutrition)
  • Picky eater=eat at least one food from most food groups and textures groups (crunchy, smooth)
  • ​Problem feeder= Refuses to eat entire texture groups, color groups, or nutrition groups 
    • example: will not eat anything that is crunchy, or anything that is green, or any proteins 
• Can your child eat the same foods at the family
  • Picky eater=will eat different food than family but will eat at same time
  • ​Problem feeder=will eat different foods and often needs to eat at different time or place
• Will your child try new foods?
  • Picky eater=may need to be exposed multiple times but will eventually place in their mouth
  • ​Problem feeder=introduction of new foods results in meltdown/tantrum and complete refusal
• How long have your thought of your child as a "picky eater"
  • Picky eater=typically a phase that shouldn't last more than 3-6 months
  • ​Problem feeder=difficulties will be reported consistently to doctor; lasts for greater than a year

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If you have questions or want additional resources reach out to Dr. Kristen at 402-413-1356 or kristen@connectpediatrictherapy.com