Dealing with a fussy eating toddler

Most babies are accepting of the foods we put in front of them. Then at some point between their first and second birthdays that picture can change quite dramatically, and you suddenly have a fussy eater toddler. What once felt easy or fun can become stand offs and battles at mealtimes.

So, what happens? Why do we go from parenting a happy accepting baby to a shouty avoidant toddler?

Dealing with a fussy eater doesn’t involve force or frustration. Instead, creating the right environment and maintaining a calm, consistent approach is key. Below is a handy table of dos and don’ts to help you encourage better eating habits without making mealtimes stressful.

As well as feeling frustrated that you’re wasting food and your precious time making it, you may also be worried about your little one getting the right nutrients and whether they are growing properly. Try not to worry, this is often just a phase that toddlers go through. Use our tips below to get yourself on the path to feeling more positive and reducing your overall stress levels.

The introduction of new foods is often less about the food itself and more about how you offer them. If you have a table – use it! Sit and eat together as often as you can.

Put all the food in the middle of the table and let everyone serve themselves. This helps your toddler to feel included in the meal and reduces the anxiety of having foods they don’t like on their plate contaminating their accepted foods. Think about it in this way, if you went to a restaurant and your food came out with a slug on the plate, would you want to eat your meal?

Finally - don’t pressure! The more you try to get your toddler to eat something the more they will resist. In the short term, try to worry less about nutrition and focus on getting the environment right and the food will follow after.

One of the things I get asked a LOT is what are the best recipes for fussy eaters. I wish I could just write a picky eaters food list, but the reality is that it’s a very difficult question to answer because every child’s eating journey is slightly different and so are their preferences.

Some children love dry, crunchy beige foods. Whilst others want sweet or smooth foods.

Instead of trying to think of new recipes, try to ensure you are offering all of your child’s accepted foods across the week. Mix up when you offer foods and let go of food rules such as porridge is a breakfast food, and nuggets don’t go with rice. The more you can vary up your child’s diet within their safety zone the better.

Meet them in their space too to help them to feel included. For example, if your child leans towards bread create a family sharing board where everyone can make their own sandwiches with various fillings and maybe have some soup on the side for those who want it. Or if they like plain pasta, put a big bowl of plain pasta in the middle and a sauce with some cheese for the rest of the family.

I may sound like a broken record, but the more time you spend creating the right mealtime environment, getting into a good routine and allowing your child to find foods for themselves the better they will eat in the long run!

One day you’ll look back and wonder how they survived on so little. Until then – you’ve got this.

Fussy eating is a phase that many toddlers go through, but it doesn’t last forever. By following the right strategies, being patient, and creating a positive mealtime environment, you can help your child develop healthier eating habits over time. Remember to keep the bigger picture in mind – it’s not about each individual meal, but the overall balance of their diet across the week. And if you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

You’ve got this – one mealtime at a time!