The Struggle of Mealtimes with a Fussy Eater
Fussy eating in toddlers is one of the biggest challenges parents face. If your baby pushes food away, only eats beige foods, or throws their plate on the floor — you’re not alone. Nearly 80% of parents report their child going through a fussy eating phase, and while it can feel exhausting, it’s completely normal.
It can feel exhausting, emotional, and even anxiety-inducing. You might find yourself asking:
· Why won’t my toddler eat what I give them?
· Are they getting enough nutrients?
· Am I doing something wrong?
Take a deep breath — the answer is almost always no. Fussy eating is normal, and with patience, consistency, and a few small tweaks, it almost always gets better.
Signs Your Child Is a Fussy Eater
Every child is different, but common signs of a picky eater include:
· Rejecting food they previously enjoyed
· Eating only a small variety of “safe” foods
· Refusing to try new textures or colours
· Pushing away the plate or throwing food
· Wanting only plain or bland meals
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic – we’ve all been there! Let’s explore what’s could be causing this behaviour.
Why Is My Baby a Fussy Eater?
Causes of Fussy Eating
1. Normal Developmental Phase
Between 12–24 months, children naturally become more cautious around new foods (food neophobia). It’s thought to be an evolutionary safeguard - keeping little ones from eating potentially harmful things when they start exploring the world.
2. Sensory Sensitivities
Babies experience food with all their senses. A strong smell, a slimy texture, or even the colour of food can be overwhelming. For some children, sensory processing differences make them extra sensitive, which leads to rejection of certain foods.
3. Control and Independence
Food refusal is one of the earliest ways toddlers express independence. Around 1–2 years old, they realise they can say “no,” and mealtimes are the perfect testing ground for this new power.
4. Environmental Factors
TV, toys or chaotic mealtimes can distract children from eating. A lack of routine can also make them less hungry when food is offered.
5. The Tableware
It’s not always the food itself – sometimes it’s the plate the food is served on that is important. Have you ever eaten food from your child’s silicone or plastic plate and noticed that food tastes off?
· Silicone and plastic plates can harbour soap and food odours and affect how food tastes, especially when serving hot meals.
· If a child associates their plate with a “funny” taste, they may refuse the food altogether.
· Stainless steel plates are odour-free and taste-neutral, helping avoid this issue and ensuring food tastes exactly as it should.
shop stainless steel tableware here
6. Appetite Fluctuations
After infancy, growth slows down and so does appetite. Some days toddlers eat like adults, other days hardly anything.
7. Parental Anxiety & Pressure
Children are surprisingly good at picking up on stress. If mealtimes feel tense or pressured, toddlers may push back harder, reinforcing fussy behaviour.
8. Genetic Influences on Fussy Eating
Research shows up to 74% of fussy eating is influenced by genetics (UCL, 2024). Some children are born more sensitive to bitterness or textures — meaning broccoli may taste unbearably strong to them. But genes aren’t destiny: repeated, gentle exposure can help expand their food preferences.
9. Illness, Teething or Discomfort
Short-term illness, sore gums, or constipation can temporarily reduce appetite. Often once they feel better, appetite improves again.
10. Preference for Familiar Foods
Children naturally prefer foods they know feel “safe.” This is why many toddlers stick to beige, bland, or repetitive foods. They may resist new options until those feel equally safe through repeated exposure.
11. Health Issues & Underlying Conditions
Less commonly, underlying issues like nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron) or medical conditions can play a role. If your child’s diet is extremely limited, seek advice from your GP.
What Research Says About Picky Eating Phases
The NHS and child nutrition experts agree: fussy eating is usually temporary. Studies show it can take 10–15 exposures to a new food before acceptance. Pressuring rarely helps and calm persistence works best. Most children grow out of picky eating between ages 3–6.
How to Deal with Fussy Eating in Toddlers
Fussy Eater Tips / Practical Advice
Try these gentle, parent-approved strategies:
· Keep mealtimes calm and pressure-free
Avoid bribes or ultimatums. Offer the food, then step back.
· Offer small portions and celebrate small wins
A single bite is progress worth praising.
· Stick to a routine for meals and snacks
Structure reduces grazing and builds natural appetite.
· Role modelling – eating together as a family
Children like to mimic their parents. Eat the same foods alongside them to demonstrate behaviour.
· Choosing the best plates for fussy eaters
If your child seems put off by their food, consider whether the plate is the issue. Switching to stainless steel suction plates (non-toxic, odour free and durable) can remove hidden barriers.
Do Fussy Eaters Grow Out of It?
Is Picky Eating Just a Phase?
Yes, in most cases. Research shows picky eating peaks in toddlerhood and gradually improves with patience and exposure.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child eats fewer than 10 foods, isn’t gaining weight, or mealtimes are extremely stressful, it’s worth speaking to a GP, health visitor, or paediatric dietitian.
✅ Key takeaway for parents
It’s easy to feel guilty or frustrated but remember fussy eating is usually a phase, rooted in normal development, sensory experiences, or environment. With patience, variety, and the right approach (including neutral, baby-friendly tableware), most children grow out of it.
The Best Plates for Fussy Eaters
At Tots & Me, we designed our stainless-steel suction plates to support parents through the ups and downs of mealtimes. They are:
· Non-toxic and odour-free - no strange tastes from the plate
· Durable and hygienic - perfect for daily use
· Powerful suction – keeps mess to a minimum
· Divided into sections - to make tasting new foods feel less overwhelming
Sometimes, a simple switch in tableware can make all the difference. If you’re wondering whether your toddler’s fussiness might be linked to their plate, our stainless-steel suction plates are designed to be odour-free, taste-neutral, and completely toddler-proof. Explore the collection here
Want to learn more about the different types of weaning plates available?
👉 Read our comparison blog here
FAQ on Fussy Eating in Babies and Toddlers
Why is my toddler suddenly refusing food?
It’s often due to appetite changes, developmental stages, or teething.
How do I get my baby to eat vegetables?
Keep offering in small amounts, eat them yourself, and praise even small nibbles.
Can plates really affect the way food tastes?
Yes. Silicone and plastic can hold smells and affect flavour. Stainless steel is completely neutral and odour resistant.
When should I worry about my child’s eating habits?
If they’re not growing, have a very limited diet, or mealtimes are highly stressful, seek professional advice.
What are the best plates for fussy eaters?
Plates that are odour-free, non-toxic, and easy to use - like stainless steel suction plates.