The Top 7 Mistakes That Make Picky Eating Worse (And 7 Simple Fixes)

Picky eating can be an extremely stressful experience for both you and your little one. When they simply refuse to eat anything but the smallest selection of foods, it’s common to simply run out of ideas for what to try next.

But before you give up, there are a few things you should know. First of all, there are things you can do to help. Second, picky eating is a normal part of development and all children will go through it to some degree. Even the best eaters eventually go through a period of fussiness and food refusal.

The important thing to know here is that the way we react as parents when our toddlers go through this phase has a huge impact on whether it gets better or worse.

There are actually 7 really common mistakes parents make when trying to encourage their toddler to eat new food. Simply avoiding these mistakes will help make the process much easier for you.

By avoiding these mistakes you are going to make the fussy eating period shorter, easier to deal with, and you’ll end up with a child who is willing to eat a wider variety of food.

In this video I’ll walk you through each of these mistakes and what to do instead to help make this picky eating phase as short and as stress free as possible for you and your child.

#emmahubbard #babydevelopment #pickyeater

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[MrLunatico]

First time dad here and i was watching videos like this when my son was 12-17 months old! he was a very picky eater, anything new that he would "try" he would spit it right out! i was very worried and over thinking things ! im here to tell you not to worry and as long as he is eating something even if its the same thing over and over again and its still gaining weight theyll be fine. my son as soon as he turned 18 months old he turn into a vacuum, he is 26 months olds and eats and eats none stop! he even eats my food. hope this can give you some type of comfort, everything will be fine!

[surabhimadhavan]

Actually the last point is very true and I've personally experienced this.. My husband likes and eats only some specific dishes.. He doesn't like to explore or adjust with the new taste or infact new veggies if offered to him on a plate.. This made me really upset during the first year of my marriage.. When I talked to my mom in law about this, she told me that she used to make only those dishes which he liked and would eat happily.. even if something else is made at home, she would definitely make one dish out of his favourites so that he can eat without fuss.. This practice of her has made him a picky eater and now he's trying hard to adjust..

[turyk]

One of the most important videos parents need to hear. You're just great, we've been following you for over a year.

[meghancooley]

Another great video Emma.
I’ve definitely stopped exposing new food with my little one and I’ve stuck with food I know they like.
This video has motivated me to keep presenting new foods!! Thanks Emma 🤗

[EmmaHubbard]

Thanks for watching! Which mistake have you found yourself falling into? I frequently need to remind myself that my kids know when they are full not me!

[sudeshnapodder]

Can you please make a video on brushing teeth and dental hygiene. My 18 month old hates brushing and does not even allow me to do so. Thanks for all other videos.

[blessedbeyondmeasure]

It seems like these vidoes pop up at the exact time I need them. Thank you Emma

[aquadraco]

My parents used pressure to try to get me to eat when I was young. Not only did it not work, I developed food aversion, became underweight, and it took me years to become comfortable trying new or disliked foods. I still struggle with certain foods today.

[emilydrake]

I am about to be a new mom and looking up information for early stages. not only is this video so informational, but REALLY helped me understand some of my personal food habits based on how my parents handled my eating. they pretty much did all of these bad habits

[lilangelanie]

The most awaited video for my baby who's started eating solids. Thank you so much Emma ❤🧡🤎

[AliceinJapanaland]

Maybe it's just my toddler, but I've actually found the opposite effect for some of these don'ts. Yesterday she had a meltdown because she didn't want to eat her lentils. Today, I mixed them in with her rice and some cream cheese, not to hide the lentils as much as to make the texture more palatable for her and to make it more similar to a lentil barley mock risotto that I know she likes. It didn't quite work, although she didn't have a meltdown. But then when I started eating my cucumbers, she wanted some and I asked her to eat some rice. Then she said, "then cucumbers" and i said Ok. We finished rhe cucumbers and she still had some rice so I cut up some cherry tomatoes and said "let's try it some rice with tomatoes- is it yummy?" She said yes and then continued to eat her tomatoes and lentil/rice/cream cheese together without issue.

So...? Maybe it's in the approach? Or maybe my kid is just more flexible

[ketakikadam]

I’ve made most of these mistakes and now paying heavily for them. My child is so stressed when he sees his plate in my hand. Trying to undo all the wrongs but its very hard. He is my first n only child, m living away from my family I freaked when his appetite suddenly dropped. Force fed him, gave him only those things that he liked. Now trying my best to reverse it.

[BabySleepTeam]

Thanks for the great video Emma! Love your point on allowing our little ones to tell us when they are full…so different to when we were growing up which was to get dessert when we out the whole plate! Thanks so much for sharing!

[yolgag]

Amazing tips. I wish that i would have watched it before doing all these mistakes😂

[anaedwards]

I have two picky eaters, after watching this I've realized that I am the one to blame. Wish I came across this video 8 years ago

[athirapremraj]

Hi Emma,
I am a new mom and the first thing I do when I come across some trouble with my baby is your channel. Thanks for this video and all other developmental milestones videos. They are a huge relief. As I was checking, I could not find a video on helping a baby poop, the current problem I am facing. Could you please make a video on this? TIA.

[sarahmarshall]

Your content is always very informative but I have been enjoying your improved video editing style! Even more engaging now!

[graceyblossom]

Thanks for the tips!

I am guilty of hiding veg in foods like in a homemade sauce and my toddler loves to eat it but if I offer these vegetables as they are he often won’t eat them. I don’t ever force it and keep putting them on plate. Hopefully will work one day 😃

Sounds like I also might be giving him too much milk late on in the day…

[irinaandrievschi]

Thank you for the video! Can you please give some advice related to pacifiers? Until when is it safe to use, and what kind of pacifiers are better to use? Also, when and how to get rid of them?

[noziphonkuna]

Hi Emma, thanks for these. Could you make a similar video but for fussy baby eaters, before they are toddlers. Mine is 9 months old and still refuses most solids or the bottle (including breast milk/formula in the bottle)