Picky eating is a common concern among parents, but did you know that it can sometimes be linked to underlying oral motor challenges or sensory issues? While it’s normal for children to have food preferences, extreme picky eating that persists beyond toddler hood may signal a deeper issue that requires attention. As speech and feeding therapist, we want to shed light on some of the signs that indicate picky eating is more than just a phase and what parents can do to help.
Signs That Picky Eating May Be More Than a Phase
- Avoiding Certain Textures – Does your child gag at mushy foods like yogurt or refuse crunchy textures like crackers? Sensory sensitivities can make certain textures feel overwhelming.
- Limited Food Variety – If your child only eats a handful of foods and refuses to try anything new, it may indicate difficulty with oral motor skills or sensory processing.
- Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing – Children with oral motor challenges may struggle with chewing firmer foods or moving food around in their mouths, leading to frustration and avoidance.
- Strong Reactions to Smells or Colors – Some children have heightened sensory responses to food smells, colors, or even the way food is presented.
- Preferring Soft or Pureed Foods Beyond Toddler hood – If your child continues to prefer only smooth foods past age two or three, it may indicate oral motor weakness.
- Coughing, Choking, or Gagging While Eating – These are red flags that should be evaluated by a feeding specialist.
- Refusing to Eat in New Environments – If your child struggles with eating in different settings, such as school or restaurants, sensory processing challenges may be at play.
What You Can Do
- Encourage Oral Motor Exercises – Strengthening the muscles used for eating can help with chewing and swallowing. Try activities like blowing bubbles, using a straw to drink thicker liquids (like a smoothie), or practicing chewing on resistive foods like dried fruit, crunchy carrots, or whole grain crackers.
- Offer a Variety of Textures Gradually – Instead of forcing new foods, introduce them in small, non-threatening ways. For example, if your child dislikes crunchy textures, try adding small, finely chopped crunchy foods into a favorite soft dish (like mixing finely chopped apples into oatmeal) before progressing to larger pieces.
- Make Mealtime Fun and Stress-Free – Avoid power struggles by creating a positive eating environment. Let your child explore new foods through play, such as touching, smelling, and licking the food before eating. Fun tools like cookie cutters for sandwiches or colorful plates can also make meals more appealing.
- Use Food Chaining – Start with a food your child already enjoys and make small changes to slowly introduce new textures or flavors. For example, if they like plain pasta, try adding a small amount of sauce, then gradually add different seasonings or mix-ins.
- Model Positive Eating Habits – Eat together as a family and show excitement about trying new foods. Children often mirror adult behaviors, so seeing you enjoy a variety of foods can encourage them to do the same.
- Seek Support from a Feeding Therapist – If your child’s picky eating is severe and impacting their nutrition or daily life, a feeding therapist can assess underlying causes and develop a personalized approach to help them expand their diet comfortably.
Picky eating isn’t just about being stubborn—it can be a sign of deeper challenges. If your child is struggling, trust your instincts and seek support. A little guidance can go a long way in making mealtimes more enjoyable for everyone!