Child nutrition: ten facts about fussy food eating...

Although the troublesome tantrums that stem from tempting tots to try new tastes and textures may be tiring, introducing infants to unfamiliar foods doesn't have to deteriorate into another failed fight.

In order to ensure that eating is an enjoyable experience for the whole family, here are ten fundamental facts to consider when faced with fussy food eating...

1. Offering unhealthy options after the shunning of a specific food source can cause children to become purposely (and persistently) picky in an attempt to acquire more favoured foods.

2. The first food refusal should never be seen as final - it can take up to 15* exposures before cautious children accept a previously avoided food.

3. Force feeding won't work - the aggressive attitude that's associated with this inappropriate action can not only drive children to develop a genuine dislike for their 'feared' food/s, but leave them less likely to sense their satiety signals (a sensation that signals a feeling of fullness).

4. Parental attitude plays a predominant part in problematic pickiness - parents who purposely forbid specific food sources and/or display a distinct dislike for certain foods and fluids are more likely to encourage their minors to mimic the same selective trait.

5. Tinier tots are naturally neophobic - a 'fear' of the new (including unfamiliar foods!) commonly occurs between the ages of two and six and is often seen as a natural stage of child development.

6. Combining childrens' favoured foods with their nutritional no-nos increases the incidence of initial acceptance - particularly when presented in a way which makes food appear more fun.

7. Minors are much more accepting of unfamiliar foods if they've participated in their prep and presentation - a reason why kids should never be banned from the kitchen.

8. Introducing too many tastes too soon can reinforce reluctance and refusal - little'uns are less likely to feel overwhelmed if an unfamiliar food is introduced every few weeks.

9. Fussy food eating isn't just encouraged by apprehension, aggression and (the seeking of) attention, it can also stem from an already satisfied stomach - a reason why teaching tots to take the lead at mealtimes can reduce the risk of refusal as a result of an existing feeling of fullness.

10. Little'uns are less likely to try new tastes and textures if they're served in a way which fails to stimulate their senses - this includes touch, taste, sight, smell and sound.

Final thought: although the initial rejection of an unfamiliar food is often due to the introduction of a different taste (not the development of a genuine dislike), it's important to eradicate fussy eating from an early age in order to reduce the risk of hindered health, growth and development as a result of an inadequate intake of mandatory macro and micronutrients.

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