Feeding or Eating Challenges for children in Northern Territory

Fussy eating is a normal part of development, and many toddlers are picky eaters. Up to half of all toddlers refuse to eat a new food at least half of the time. Picky eating usually improves as children get older. If your child is healthy and has enough energy to play, learn and explore, they are probably eating enough.

It can take 10 to 15 tries, or even more, for a child to get used to, accept and enjoy a new food. Around half of parents give up on a food after only 2 or 3 tries. Keep offering healthy foods even if your child does not eat them, because repeated exposure helps unfamiliar foods feel normal over time.

Eat a wide variety of foods yourself and eat with your child, so you are a good role model. Try to avoid food becoming a power struggle. Being forced to try new foods can lead to unhealthy eating habits and a negative relationship with food over time. Bribing with lollies or desserts only makes children think those foods are better than the meal.

If your child eats only a very small range of foods or won't eat whole food groups, and this goes on for longer than a few weeks, see your GP, child and family health nurse or a dietitian. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne lists these as examples of feeding problems rather than typical eating: mealtimes that are consistently longer than 30 minutes even without distractions, refusing so many foods that growth is not adequate, and becoming extremely upset when new foods are offered. If you think your child has digestive problems, sensory sensitivities, food allergies or an eating disorder, talk to your doctor.

A dietitian can help you and your child manage fussy eating and slow or poor growth. You don't need a GP referral to see a dietitian. Speech pathologists also help people with swallowing and feeding problems. Your GP or child and family health nurse is a good place to start, and can help you find a dietitian if you need one.