As your child grows older, they naturally crave more independence, which they may express by refusing to eat. Food refusal is a common developmental behavior problem at mealtimes and typically peaks around 2 years of age. It can be challenging for families to strike a balance between allowing their toddler more freedom while maintaining parental control.
When children are introduced to new meals or ingredients, food refusal is often a common response. This is perfectly natural, particularly for young children. Understanding the developmental stages of feeding can help explain why food refusal occurs.
Food Neophobia
One developmental stage is known as food neophobia, which literally means the fear of new foods. We typically see toddlers exhibit this around 18 months, as they become more mobile and independent. Food neophobia is an ancient survival mechanism designed to stop young children from putting everything into their mouths—an instinct that once protected children from consuming harmful substances.
Although we no longer forage for food like our ancestors, this cautious response remains part of our development. While some children hardly show this wariness, others can be much more obvious about it. The neophobic response tends to peak at around 20 months and can last until a child is 3 or 4 years old.
Children might reject foods based on appearance, taste, or smell. They may even refuse foods they once enjoyed if they look different—for instance, a bruised or blemished fruit. This behavior is especially noticeable in children with sensory hypersensitivity. They might want to observe food first by poking, prodding, or watching others eat it before they feel comfortable enough to try it themselves. Research shows that it can take up to 15-20 attempts before a child accepts a new food, making persistence key.
Disgust and Contamination
Another feeding stage involves fears around disgust and contamination. Children may avoid foods they think resemble something disgusting, like spaghetti that reminds them of worms. Additionally, they might reject food if it has touched something on their plate they dislike, fearing contamination.
Understanding these behaviors as part of normal feeding development can help parents and caregivers manage food refusal more effectively.
Is there a particular aspect of food refusal you're dealing with right now?
If you'd like more strategies to manage food refusal, read Key Points to Managing Food Refusal.
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