Why is my toddler or preschooler a fussy eater?

By understanding a little about why toddlers and preschoolers can be fussy eaters, you can help to alleviate some of the stress around mealtimes and help to make eating fun.

Just because your child says they won't eat a particular food it doesn’t mean they don’t like it. They may not have even tasted it!
 

Why is my toddler or preschooler a fussy eater?

Here are 5 reasons behind why your toddler or preschooler might be fussy eaters :
 

1. Your toddler's or preschooler's appetite

 

• Erratic appetites are common between one and five years old.

 

• Toddlers and preschoolers have a naturally fluctuating appetite which is influenced by their growth cycles.

2. Finding their place in the world

 

• For many toddlers and preschoolers, fussy eating becomes apparent between 12 and 15 months of age, prior to this they may have happily tried everything.

 

• This happens to coincide developmentally with when toddlers are becoming aware of their independence, expressing themselves and testing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour.

 

• They can be very strong-willed when it comes to making decisions (what, when, where and how they eat) about food.

 

• It’s all part of their social, intellectual and emotional development.

 

3. Getting noticed

 

• It’s a great way to get attention or a reaction. Toddlers and preschoolers may refuse food just because they know it’s important to you and it provokes a reaction.

4. Your toddler's or preschooler's taste preferences

 

• Toddlers and preschoolers have different taste preferences to adults.

 

5. Life is too exciting!

 

• The world is a fun place with lots of distractions! Toddlers and preschoolers may find it hard to sit still and eat as there are so many other fun things to do instead.

More food and eating articles to enjoy:

• Are kids yoghurts doing more harm than good?
• Tips on getting toddlers to use cutlery
• Pica disorder

^{Source: This article has been kindly written for us by Yum Yum Kids. Image source: whattoexpect}