Picky eating
18 months – 10 years · 4 min read
Most young children go through phases of eating only a few foods. For some, often children with sensory differences or autism, the list stays very short, and new foods can cause real distress. The goal is to widen the list slowly, without battles.
What parents often notice
- How many foods do they reliably eat? Fewer than about 20 is worth mentioning to a professional.
- Is it texture, colour, smell, temperature or brand that matters?
- Are they growing and gaining weight as expected?
What helps at home
- Serve one “safe” food at every meal, alongside a tiny portion of something new, with no pressure to eat it.
- Let them touch, smell, lick or help cook new foods; that all counts as progress.
- Change safe foods by tiny steps (a different shape of the same roti, then a slightly different flour).
- Eat together, keep mealtimes short and pleasant, and avoid bribes or force.
When to talk to a professional
- Weight loss or poor growth, gagging or vomiting with foods, or the list of foods is shrinking.
Who can help
- Paediatrician
- Occupational therapist (feeding)
- Dietitian
Sources
Last updated 28 September 2026 · General information, not medical advice. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified professional.