Typical and problematic feeding
Mealtimes can be challenging at any age, especially when introducing solid or new foods.
It's normal for children to be unsure about trying new things, and they might need support in building healthy relationships with food.
There is a difference between typical and problematic feeding behaviours.
Typical feeding behaviour
Common behaviours include:
- eating certain foods one day and refusing them the next
- being hesitant to try new foods but gradually accepting them
- preferring to eat from a specific plate or cup.
Problematic feeding behaviour
Behaviours become problematic when they affect a child’s growth or overall health.
Signs include:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) - where a child’s weight or weight gain falls below expected levels
- Nutritional deficiencies from limited food intake.
Failure to thrive can be shown through weight tracking using:
- World Health Organisation (WHO) growth charts
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts
In some cases, feeding behaviours may be linked to conditions like:
- Digestive issues, such as food intolerances or allergies
- Sensory concerns, including sensory processing disorder, autism, or ADHD
- Eating disorders like avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) or anorexia nervosa.
Seeking health professional help
If you think your child has digestive problems, sensory sensitivities, food allergies, or an eating disorder, talk to your local doctor. They can help you find a paediatric specialist or dietitian for more help and diagnosis.