When a child will only eat one food

Your child may find a food they love and stick with it. Everyone has a favourite food. This in itself is not a problem.

It can however become a problem if your child only eats that food and refuses other foods.

This could potentially pose an issue if your child’s diet on the whole is unhealthy or limited.

A child, as they grow, likes to assert their independence and this can include when it comes to food.

This is normal development.

It is when it goes beyond this and starts to become an ‘issue’ whereby they will only ever eat the one food that it needs to be addressed and strategies put in place to alleviate any future issues and long term food associations.

The quickest way to manage this ‘fad’ is to ignore and not make a big deal out of it.

Don’t give in to demands (it usually is just a fad. If it continues for a period then please seek professional assistance as it may be or lead to bigger issues/problems).

Managing the ‘fad’ is sometimes easier said than done.

It requires remaining calm, not worrying too much about their overall diet for the interim and not having a major meltdown.

A child may refuse at one meal and not eat anything at this meal, but they (generally) won’t starve till the next meal or snack offered.

If you child decides that they are now only going to eat only one food it can be very worrying. Especially if they have chosen this one food as their exclusive diet.

A child’s refusal to eat only a particular food is not usually too big a deal if they eat snacks as well. If they still have energy, aren’t lethargic, have regular bowel movements (that seem fine as well) then there is generally no reason to worry.

However, it is important to note (without trying to stress you out any further) some common childhood eating disorders manifest themselves in a fear of new foods and/or refusal to eat food that is served.

If you are concerned about your child’s intake then we recommend keeping a food diary of everything they eat and drink to monitor just what their intake is. It may surprise (or alarm) you what they are actually eating that you hadn’t registered during the course of the day.

If you are still concerned following the diary of what you see then the diary is a great tool that can be used to help the doctor with more information as it shows what they are lacking or not eating enough, etc.

It may be a good idea to add a multi vitamin supplement as well just to ensure that they are receiving vitamins and nutrients they may otherwise be lacking during their limited eating. Again this is something than can be discussed with your Dr.

• If the food is nutritious continue to offer it but start to present it in a variety of ways along with other foods as well at each meal.
• Serve food before your child is ravenous.
• Provide a variety of nutritious snacks, if possible, in between.
• Set a healthy example of eating habits.
• Don’t coerce or bribe a child to eat. Mealtimes should not be stressed or forced.
• Avoid high sugar snacks or drinks.
• Don’t force your child to eat or force feed them.
• Start introducing new foods (at an individual rate to check there are no reactions) at 6-10 months. This helps to set up a good eating habit.
• Try presenting foods in a fun vibrant way to make it more inviting and exciting.
• Include your child in meal planning and preparation. This may help to engage them in shifting their one food selection.