What to do When Your Child Won't Eat

According to Research Gate, Food Refusal is a severe feeding problem in which children refuse to eat all or most foods presented and exhibit problems with growth.

Children need to consume the right amounts and kinds of nutrients to grow well, maintain a healthy weight, prevent tooth decay, develop a strong immune system, and avoid some developmental and behavioral problems. When there is food refusal, a child will not be able to achieve this. In children, food refusal is a common problem that if ignored, can lead to health and psychological problems. Not only can food refusal have consequences for the child’s diet, weight, and nutritional status, but it can also lead to a great deal of anxiety and stress for the child and the family. As a parent, If you are in this situation (trying to force your child to eat), you will agree with me that food refusal is one of the most frustrating things a parent can go through with their child. The stress of not knowing if the child is receiving enough nutrients can be hard enough. 

There are some foods that kids just love to avoid. Sometimes they genuinely just don’t like them, and that’s okay because we all have different tastes. But, when food refusal starts happening to whole food groups, colors, or textures, it can become a problem.

But, what really are the causes of food refusal in children?

Common Causes For Food Refusal

1. Often the transition from milk to solids takes some trial and error and babies are drinking too much milk (or juice), and aren’t hungry enough to eat. Hence, a child might be reluctant to eat.
2. As a child grows, he/she starts learning how to eat. Sometimes the child is being fed pureed food for too long. Babies get used to the smooth texture, and refuse all lumps and bumps. Also, Children with poor oral motor skills begin to refuse foods as they physically aren’t able to chew them.
3. Teething is another basic reason why children refuse to eat their food. In this kind of situation, parents are to know that the key is to identify that the children are in fact teething. So, change the texture and temperature of their food, rather than offering more tempting foods, which can create bad habits.
4. Often we are told to praise, praise, and praise our kids for eating their dinner. Funnily enough, this can cause the assumption that eating dinner is not expected, so once babies get to around 12 months of age, they will start to test the boundaries. Of course, be positive and encouraging, but there’s no need to go over the top.
5. Children are not offered a new food a sufficient number of times to allow acceptance of the food. A child may need to be offered food up to 20 different times before they become familiar with it and accept it.
6. Poor posture and low muscle tone can make children uncomfortable in their high chairs or at the table. Choosing a suitable high chair or seating position with appropriate support and a food rest for your child will help to maximize their comfort, and accommodate eating.
7. Physical complaints, including gastro-oesophageal reflux, constipation, breathing problems, and general colds and flu, can impact appetite and taste and result in food aversions, especially if a child experiences pain when they eat. It is important to seek medical advice, provide appropriate foods and alter portion sizes if necessary, returning to their usual healthy eating pattern once they are well.
8. Nutritional deficiencies can impact a child’s interest in food. For example, a child with iron deficiency will often experience low energy levels impacting their appetite and ability to learn, including learning how to eat.

So, parents, the most important thing is to try and figure out what causes the eating problem of your child in the first place, and then you will be in a better position to resolve it. 

Take note, if you suspect your child has a medical concern that is affecting their appetite or causing food refusal, it is been advised that you meet a medical practitioner, especially a Registered Dietitian or a Nutritionist for assessment and nutritional intervention. You can also reach out to us as we are here for you, as we have certified nutritionists that are dedicated to working with you to attain a good health status. Reach out to us using the contact form at the sidebar on the homepage.