How health visitors can support parents to cope with fussy eating

Abstract

Fussy eating is a common problem in young children, and is usually a transient phase of development. Persistent fussy eating in conjunction with other concerns about development may necessitate appropriate referral, but in most cases the problem can be resolved with simple measures. Preventing and resolving fussy eating requires parents to offer their children the types of food they expect their child to eat, with repeated exposure to foods to encourage acceptance. Parents should be responsive to their child's feeding cues. Eating in a positive, social setting with others helps children to accept a range of foods.