Strategies for Fussy Eaters

In my nutrition practice, one of the most common concerns raised by parents and carers is fussy eating. Virtually all children will go through a phase of fussy eating at some point, and children with SEN can be particularly inflexible regarding their food, sometimes restricting their diets to just one or two foods. For parents, this can be incredibly stressful and frustrating, but with proper support, their fussy eaters can learn not to fear new foods.

The first step is to select just a few new foods to introduce. Generally, it is easiest to introduce foods that present some similarity to foods that the child already likes or tolerates. Here are a few examples of food transitions that have worked in my practice in the past:

• sweet potato fries, similar to chips

• cherry tomatoes, similar to grapes

• edamame, similar to peas

• fresh mango, similar to dried mango

• peanut butter on an apple slice, similar to peanut butter on toast

The new foods should be presented very regularly and consistently to your child, one food at a time. Start by merely putting the food in a bowl next to her plate at the table, explaining to her what the food is and how it is similar to a food she likes. After a day or two, put the food on her dinner plate. After another day or two, ask her to touch it. Then to smell it, then to hold it to her lips, and finally ask her to taste it. Continue asking her to taste the new food regularly. She will gradually become accustomed to the new food. At each point in the process, let her know what the next step is going to be, e.g. “tomorrow we are going to taste the mango”.

Shower your child with praise when she interacts with the new food, but try to avoid getting frustrated if she refuses. Rewards may be helpful for some children, for example, many families have reported good success using a digital star chart app such as this one http://www.irewardchart.com, or a novelty plate such as Dinner Winner (available from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fred-DINNER-WINNER-Kids-Dinner/dp/B00I0VUMBI?th=1). For best results, try enlisting the help of a firm yet patient family member, friend, nursery worker or other helper, as sometimes the worst mealtime behaviour is reserved for Mum or Dad.

I always recommend set meal and snack times, rather than allowing children to ask for food and graze. Although there may be an adjustment, eventually your child will benefit from the predictability of knowing when she is allowed food. If your child uses a visual timetable, why not include meals and snacks?

Sometimes a multivitamin supplement may also be helpful, if a restricted diet is preventing your child from getting all of their nutrients from food, and possibly a probiotic as well if their digestive health is not optimal.

Generally, the first new foods are the most difficult to introduce. Once a few new foods have been introduced, most children will become less suspicious of unfamiliar foods and more willing to be adventurous at mealtimes. 

By Jenny Edelstein
Brain Food London Children’s Nutrition
www.brainfoodlondon.com