A Child’s Picky Eating: Normal Phase or Health Concern?

“My child’s a poor eater” is a complaint frequently heard during medical consultations. Such concerns are often unjustified but a source of much parental frustration. 
Marc Bellaïche, MD, a pediatrician at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris, addressed this issue at France’s annual general medicine conference (JNMG 2024) held in Paris last month. His presentation focused on distinguishing between parental perception, typical childhood behaviors, and feeding issues that require intervention.
In assessing parental worries, tools such as The Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale for children aged 6 months to 6 years and the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire for those under 6 months can help identify and monitor feeding issues. Observing the child eat, when possible, is also valuable.
Key Phases and Development
Bellaïche focused on children under 6 years, as they frequently experience feeding challenges during critical development phases, such as weaning or when the child is able to sit up.
A phase of neophilia (interest in new foods) typically occurs before 12 months, followed by a phase of neophobia (fear of new foods) between ages 1 and 3 years. This neophobia is a normal part of neuropsychological, sensory, and taste development and can persist if a key developmental moment is marked by a choking incident, mealtime stress, or forced feeding. “Challenges differ between a difficult 3-year-old and a 6- or 7-year-old who still refuses new foods,” he explained.
Parental Pressure and Nutritional Balance
Nutritional balance is essential, but “parental pressure is often too high.” Parents worry because they see food as a “nutraceutical.” Bellaïche recommended defusing anxiety by keeping mealtimes calm, allowing the child to eat at their pace, avoiding force-feeding, keeping meals brief, and avoiding snacks. While “it’s important to stay vigilant — as it’s incorrect to assume a child won’t let themselves starve — most cases can be managed in general practice through parental guidance, empathy, and a positive approach.”
Monitoring growth and weight curves is crucial, with the Kanawati index (ratio of arm circumference to head circumference) being a reliable indicator for specialist referral if < 0.31. A varied diet is important for nutritional balance; when this isn’t achieved, continued consumption of toddler formula after age 3 can prevent iron and calcium deficiencies.
When eating difficulties are documented, healthcare providers should investigate for underlying organic, digestive, or extra-digestive diseases (neurologic, cardiac, renal, etc.). “It’s best not to hastily diagnose cow’s milk protein allergy,” Bellaïche advised, as cases are relatively rare and unnecessarily eliminating milk can complicate a child’s relationship with food. Similarly, gastroesophageal reflux disease should be objectively diagnosed to avoid unnecessary proton pump inhibitor treatment and associated side effects.
For children with low birth weight, mild congenital heart disease, or suggestive dysmorphology, consider evaluating for a genetic syndrome.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is marked by a lack of interest in food and avoidance due to sensory characteristics. Often observed in anxious children, ARFID is diagnosed in approximately 20% of children with autism spectrum disorder, where food selectivity is prevalent. This condition can hinder a child’s development and may necessitate nutritional supplementation.
Case Profiles in Eating Issues
Bellaïche outlined three typical cases among children considered “picky eaters”:
The small eater: Often near the lower growth curve limits, this child “grazes and doesn’t sit still.” These children are usually active and have a family history of similar eating habits. Parents should encourage psychomotor activities, discourage snacks outside of mealtimes, and consider fun family picnics on the floor, offering a mezze-style variety of foods. 
The child with a history of trauma: Children with trauma (from intubation, nasogastric tubes, severe vomiting, forced feeding, or choking) may develop aversions requiring behavioral intervention. 
The child with high sensory sensitivity: This child dislikes getting their hands dirty, avoids mouthing objects, or resists certain textures, such as grass and sand. Gradual behavioral approaches with sensory play and visually appealing new foods can be beneficial. Guided self-led food exploration (baby-led weaning) may also help, though dairy intake is often needed to prevent deficiencies during this stage. 
Finally, gastroesophageal reflux disease or constipation can contribute to appetite loss. Studies have shown that treating these issues can improve appetite in small eaters.
This story was translated from Univadis France using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.” 
 
Send comments and news tips to [email protected].