Advice and resources : Helping your child to try new foods – fussy feeding

Overview

Many children will go through a fussy or picky phase of eating, typically between the ages of 18 months and up to 5 years’ old (developmental age not necessarily actual age).

Children will not usually refuse normal family foods to the point where they are failing to grow appropriately. If your child is growing well this means they are likely getting enough calories (energy) and protein for growth, even if they are eating less than you expect.

How you can help

Here are our top tips for helping your child to interact with new foods.

• Create a positive mealtime environment, free of stress and try to eat together as a family, where possible, to provide positive role models.
• Ensure your child is relaxed and content when offering new foods.
• Keep distractions to a minimum.
• Sensory play is a great way to give your child the chance to explore and interact with new foods. These play opportunities can increase their tolerance to different textures, smells or tastes.
• Establish a routine of regular meal and snack times so your child knows what to expect.
• Encourage your child to try new foods gradually by offering a little amount at a time on a separate plate, trying again and again (a new food can take up to 20 times to become accepted).
• Try presenting foods in different shapes / colour / temperature.
• Remember to celebrate any progress, whether big or small!

We know that this is a process that can be challenging for both the parent/carer and the child. Start slowly. Try to make it a part of your everyday routine so that it all becomes normal for everyone.

Remember that progress can differ from child-to-child, and strategies should be tried for at least six months to be sure if they are working or not. 

Guides

How we can help

Sensory processing

We have developed advice pages to help your child manage sensory experiences, and we run online workshops to help parents.

• Learn more about sensory processing: Learn more
• Book your place on a sensory processing online workshop: Book onto an online workshop

External support

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT)

The following videos were developed by professionals working for RBFT.

ARFID Awareness UK

Information, resources, and support about avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

• Visit the ARFID Awareness UK website

Beat Eating Disorders

Beat is a leading charity offering support to anyone affected by eating disorders. They provide helpful resources, helplines, and advocacy to guide people through recovery.

• Visit the Beat website

National Autistic Society

A UK charity for autistic people and their families, providing support, guidance, and advice.

• Visit the National Autistic Society website

NHS UK

Find more information about fussy eating and tips for parents.

• Visit the NHS UK website

Patient Webinars (NHS)

A series of webinars by NHS specialist paediatric dietitians to help guide parents when feeding children who exhibit fussy or restricted eating habits. You can also find further information and handouts on this website.

• Visit the Patient Webinars website

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Download this guide developed by dietitians to help parents of children who are extremely fussy easters.

• Read the booklet (PDF)