🍽️ Parent Guide: Picky Eating (What’s Typical & What’s Not)
Picky eating is a normal part of development—but it looks different at each age. Here’s what to expect and how to support your child 👇
👶 Around 6 Months
What’s happening: Babies are just starting solids and learning new textures.
Try this:
• Offer single-ingredient purées
• Repeat new foods often
• Stay calm if food is refused
Typical: Spitting out food or making funny faces 😝
Check in if: Your baby consistently refuses solids or chokes often
🧸 Around 18 Months
What’s happening: Appetite naturally slows and picky eating often begins.
Try this:
• Offer a variety of healthy foods
• Avoid forcing bites
• Model healthy eating habits
Typical: Wanting the same food every day
Check in if: Your child eats fewer than 10 foods or shows poor growth
🍎 Around 2 Years
What’s happening: Fear of new foods peaks and strong preferences form.
Try this:
• Serve new foods with familiar favorites
• Involve your child in meal prep
Typical: Refusing some foods but still eating from most food groups
Check in if: Very limited food choices, weight loss, or growth concerns
🥕 Around 3 Years
What’s happening: Kids can help prepare food, which may boost interest.
Try this:
• Keep mealtimes positive
• Encourage tasting (no pressure!)
• Offer simple choices
Typical: Occasional refusal, slow acceptance of new foods
Check in if: Extreme picky eating that affects health or growth
💛 Remember: Picky eating is usually a phase. Consistency, patience, and positive mealtimes make a big difference!