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Fussy eating
- 1-5 Years
- 5-11 Years
- SEND
- Feeding and eating
Fussy eating is common in children, yet it can be stressful for parents and carers to manage.
More than half of children will show fussy eating habits at some point, as it can be a normal part of growing up. Most habits will improve over time.
This information is aimed at parents and carers of children who struggle to eat a wide variety of foods, but are growing well. This information is not aimed at children with an eating disorder, swallowing difficulties or any other physical reason that makes eating difficult. Read more about when to seek help.
Explore the topics on this page:
Understanding fussy eating
Fussy eating often starts in toddlers who may refuse new foods and even ones they used to like. It's normal for parents and carers to worry if their child isn't eating a wide variety of foods. It is reassuring to know that fussy eating does not usually impact most children’s growth or health. If your child is growing well they are likely to be getting enough of what they need.
Read our information about a healthy and balanced diet and the right portion sizes.
Creating positive mealtime routines
The main aim is for mealtimes to be as fun, calm and relaxed as possible.
Cook 1 meal for the family and try to eat all together. Let them know this is the meal you have cooked and if they don't want it they can come back to it later. It is an adult's role to put food on the table, but it is the child's choice whether they choose to eat it or not. Remember, if they are hungry, they will eat.
Make sure your child is sitting comfortably and able to reach their food and drink. Their feet should be able to rest on the floor or a stool. Read more about sitting position at a table.
Try to use positive language at mealtimes. If your child displays difficult behaviour like throwing food, try not to get too upset at them. Instead, talk to them about the behaviour you would like to see, such as keeping their food on the table.
Is your child choking or gagging on food
If your child is over 2 years old and struggles to chew without gagging, they may have a sensitive gag reflex. Chewing long hard foods that won't break up easily in their mouth can help. For example, dried mango, beef jerky or raw carrot.
Choking and gagging can be easily confused. Read more about choking and gagging on foods.
How to introduce new foods
It's a good idea to start the process slowly. Before introducing new foods, try to gradually change foods that they like. It can help make it easier for them to try new foods. Some examples of small changes to foods they like include:
- using a food cutter to change the shape of the food
- adding a small amount of syrup or spices to change the taste
- changing texture from mashed up foods to soft finger foods
- trying different brands or new flavours
It can take time for your child to accept new foods. This process can be difficult for parents and carers. Try to stay positive and be proud of yourself.
Top tips for introducing new foods
- Introduce new foods gradually, starting with small manageable chunks. Try to only give one new food at a time. Remember, it can take over 20 times of trying a food for your child to like it.
- Try to be patient and stay calm if your child refuses a food. Take the food away and try again another week. Do not force your child to eat something they don't want to or to finish their plate. This can make mealtimes stressful for them, which may encourage fussy eating behaviours.
- Serve new foods alongside a healthy food that they like. You can also try serving the food in the middle of the table and letting your child help themselves. This can help encourage their independence.
- Avoid hiding disliked foods by mixing them into meals. This can make them more suspicious of foods in the future.
- Act as a role model for your child. You can also invite friends over who eat healthily. If they see you and others eating healthily, they will be much more likely to eat healthily too.
- Talk positively to your child about the foods they are eating. Discuss how the food tastes, smells and looks. Encourage your child to imagine what it would taste and feel like in their mouth.
- Encourage messy play with food at mealtimes, especially with new foods. Allow your child to spit food out if they try it but do not like it. Try not to wipe their face if it's gets messy. Read more about messy play.
- Avoid offering foods they like as a reward, as this makes them want these foods more. Offer non-food rewards instead such as playtime or cuddles.
- Do not give your child too many snacks or drinks between meals, 2 healthy snacks a day is plenty.
Messy play with food
Children often explore the world through touch, whether that is with their hands or mouth. Messy play with food helps them become familiar with different sensations and makes new foods less scary. Every child is different, and some might not like certain textures at the start. If they start to become distressed, allow them to leave the activity.
Last reviewed: 7 April, 2025
