Nursery World - Nutrition: On the safe side

What lies behind some children’s fussy eating habits, and how can practitioners and parents overcome the problem? Meredith Jones-Russell reports

[asset_library_tag 1908,Download the PDF of this article]

Selective or fussy eating is a widespread feature of early childhood but can pose plenty of problems for parents and practitioners alike. According to the eating disorders team at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, eating a restricted range of foods is a common feature in young children, with up to 20 per cent of children under five displaying fussy behaviour and the problem persisting up to the age of eight in about a third of these. For some, the problem persists throughout childhood and even beyond.

Understandably, fussy eating habits in children create a feeling of anxiety in carers. Paediatric registrar Ilana Levene explains, ‘From an evolutionary perspective, we are deeply programmed to nurture our children, ensuring that they survive and thrive. What could be more important than providing food, the most basic survival need?

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included