Picky Eating in Toddlers:What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Help

The group chat summary

If mealtimes have been tense, you’re in good company. Registered Dietitian Veronica La Marca shared what’s truly typical with toddler eating, when to look closer, and simple shifts you can try tonight to bring calm back to the table.

✨ Highlights and takeaways

🍎 Zoom out, not in – Appetite changes day to day. Look at how your child eats over 3 days to a week before worrying about one light meal.

🥦 What’s normal – Picky eating often starts after 12 months, peaks between ages 2 and 4, and neophobia (fear of new foods) can be part of it. Sensory sensitivities can also show up.

🤝 Set loving roles at the table – Parents handle the what, where, and when. Kids decide whether to eat, how much, and in what order. This cuts down on power struggles.

🍞 Always include an accepted food – Offer.