Tackling Fussy Eating in Children: A Conversation with Sarah Almond Bushell
Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to discuss a topic close to my heart—fussy eating. As a parent who has faced this challenge with both of my children, I know many of you are in the same boat. To help us navigate this phase, we have Sarah Almond Bushell joining us, an international award-winning Registered Dietitian & Feeding Therapist with 25 years of expertise in pediatrics. She is the founder of The Children’s Nutritionist Limited. Sarah, a mother of two teenagers who were fussy eaters themselves, will share her insights and tips with us.
What causes fussy eating? Is fussy eating normal?
Sarah explains that fussy eating is a very normal developmental phase for most children. It’s not the parents’ fault; rather, it’s related to the child’s brain development. As children grow, they go through developmental leaps where familiar foods can suddenly seem scary. This phase, known as neophobia, is a survival mechanism dating back to prehistoric times. It was meant to prevent children from eating potentially poisonous foods. Additionally, around one to one and a half years old, children’s growth rate slows, and their nutritional needs decrease, making them eat less than when they were infants.
What age does fussy eating start?
Fussy eating usually begins in toddlerhood when children start to gain more independence and their imaginations flourish. As they grow older, they become more logical, which can either help them overcome their food fears or make them more set in their ways.
What effect could fussy eating have on your child? When to worry about fussy eating?
The most significant concern is nutritional deficiencies, even in an age where food is plentiful. Symptoms might include fatigue, frequent illnesses, or more obvious signs like iron deficiency detected through blood tests. Additionally, fussy eating can lead to stressful mealtimes, where the family dynamic is disrupted, and parents find themselves cooking multiple meals to cater to different preferences.
My daughter is 18 months and has been incredibly fussy at dinner time for the last six months. Is it usual for the fussy eating phase to last this long? How do you know when to get professional help?
Sarah advises that while fussy eating can be a normal developmental phase, there are cases where professional help might be needed. Some children have sensory differences, miss developmental skills, or have medical conditions affecting their eating habits. Sarah has developed a quiz to help parents determine if their child’s fussy eating is typical or if they should seek professional support. This quiz is available here.
What are the food culprits when it comes to fussy eating?
Children are born with a preference for sweet tastes but must learn to like bitter tastes, like those found in green vegetables. Texture can also be a significant issue, with children often rejecting chewy foods like meat or slimy foods like mushrooms.
Why do children like the “beige” diet?
Children gravitate towards beige foods like chicken nuggets and pasta because these foods have predictable textures and require less chewing. Additionally, starchy carbohydrates provide the energy their active brains crave.
Tips to improve fussy eating:
- Exposure: Children need to see and interact with the foods they are avoiding. Eating together as a family can help, as they see their parents eating these foods and learn that they are safe.
- Family-style meals: Serve food in separate dishes and allow everyone to take what they want. Use a "learning plate" for foods they don’t want to eat, encouraging exploration without pressure.
- Play with food: Allow children to play and interact with their food. This helps them become familiar with different textures and tastes, building confidence.
- Offer New Foods with Familiar Favorites: This reduces pressure and increases the likelihood of trying new foods.
- Involve Children in Meal Preparation: Making them part of the process can increase their interest in food.
What shouldn’t we do as parents of fussy eaters?
- Avoid rewards: Rewarding eating behavior can make undesirable foods even less appealing and increase the desirability of the reward food.
- Don’t pressure: Encouraging children to eat with phrases like "just one more bite" can feel like nagging and cause stress, making them less likely to eat.
- Avoid distractions: Using screens to distract children while eating teaches them to eat mindlessly, ignoring their body’s hunger and fullness signals.
Any other advice?
Sarah acknowledges that getting support for fussy eating can be challenging. While some services are available through the NHS or insurance, they are limited. Her quiz can help parents determine if they need to seek professional advice.
How can families get in touch with you and what services do you offer?
Sarah can be reached on Instagram as The Children’s Nutritionist. She offers various resources, including blogs and freebies on her website. Parents can message her directly for personalized advice and support.
Thank you so much, Sarah, for sharing your expertise with us today. Your insights are invaluable, and I’m sure many families will benefit from your advice. For anyone who missed the live session, the replay is available on our Instagram
