Research findings using data from the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s study should reassure parents that their fussy toddlers can grow up with a healthy height and weight
Picky eating in toddlers is a well-documented phase when children don't want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents and has created a whole market for advice, guidance, and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures.
University of Bristol researchers Dr. Caroline Taylor and Dr. Pauline Emmett used data from the Children of the 90s longitudinal study to look at the height, weight and body composition of nearly 300 children between the ages of 7 and 17 years who had been found to be picky eaters when they were three years old.
The results were compared with 900 children in the same study who were not picky eaters. In a separate study, the same researchers looked at some of the reasons behind fussiness, particularly whether the parents' concern around the issue contributed towards the development of picky eating behavior.
Instead of being harmed by their diets, the mean height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of picky eaters were consistently above the 50th centiles of reference growth charts, showing that they grew normally. In addition, more than two-thirds of picky eaters were not underweight at any age point. Overall, the growth of the children who were picky eaters was reassuring.
Picky eating
Dr. Caroline Taylor from the University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Child Health commented: "Parents should be reassured by our research that the fussy toddler they may be faced with today can grow up with a good healthy weight and height, although a few may have periods of skinniness. Increased worry around feeding can contribute towards young children being pickier about the foods they will accept.
"Advice and support for families should include encouraging the introduction of lumpy foods by 9 months, offering new foods regularly but without pressure, and eating with their children as much as possible.
Julie Lanigan, the chair of the British Dietetic Association's Paediatric Specialist Group said: "Feeding and nutrition are the most frequently reported concerns of parents with young children. Naturally, parents want to feel confident that their child is growing, eating well and meeting their nutritional needs. Picky eating is a particular worry to parents who think their child may be missing out on energy and nutrients.
"A wide variety of foods is the ideal way to meet vitamin and mineral requirements but it is possible to have a complete diet based on fewer foods, provided these come from all four of the main food groups.
"These latest studies from Bristol should reassure parents that even though their child may seem picky they are taking in enough energy to support healthy growth. Picky eating is not a new phenomenon and is common in infants and toddlers, so parents should not blame themselves. What we do know now is that lessening parental worry is important to make feeding more enjoyable and less stressful."
"Provided children are well and have enough energy, not only to grow but to go about their daily activities, including walking, running and active play, there should be no cause for concern. If there are concerns around growth, low energy levels or a child is frequently unwell then parents and carers should consult their GP or Health Visitor."