Fussy eating is a normal stage for many children, especially between ages 2 and 6. Pressure tends to make it worse; patience and repetition tend to help.

Repeated exposure works

Children may need to see and taste a new food many times — sometimes 10–15 — before accepting it. Keep offering small amounts without fuss.

Division of responsibility

A widely used approach: parents decide what, when and where food is served; children decide whether and how much to eat. This removes battles and helps children listen to their own hunger.

Practical tips

• Serve one "safe" food the child usually eats alongside new foods.
• Eat together and model enjoying a variety of foods.
• Keep portions small — they can ask for more.
• Avoid using dessert as a reward for eating vegetables.
• Involve children in shopping, growing and cooking.
• Offer foods in different forms — raw, roasted, grated, blended.
• Keep mealtimes to around 20–30 minutes.

When to get help

Speak to your GP or health visitor if your child is losing weight, not growing as expected, eats a very limited number of foods, gags or is distressed by new foods, or if mealtimes are causing significant family stress.