10 Causes of Picky Eating in Children and Tips to Overcome Them
A child having difficulty eating is often a source of particular concern for every parent. When a child's appetite decreases, questions and anxieties start to arise. Is this a sign of a health problem or just a phase? Before looking for a solution, first identify what causes a child to have trouble eating.
In this article, you will find various factors that affect a child's appetite. Also, discover solutions that can help them rediscover the joy of eating, so your child is no longer a picky eater (GTM).
1. The Picky Eating Phase

Toddlers naturally love sweet foods. That is why they never refuse breast milk. This desire will last for some time and usually decreases when they enter adolescence.
Therefore, toddlers must learn to taste savory foods. Toddlers generally watch their parents and siblings when eating. If the people around them eat a varied menu, it is likely that your little one will adopt similar habits.
2. Feeling Unfamiliar with the Food

Another reason why a child doesn't want to eat is feeling unfamiliar with or afraid of their food. There is actually a term for the fear of trying new foods: neophobia.
Generally, this occurs when a child reaches the age of 2. Although this phobia disappears on its own, do not tire of introducing your child to new foods.
3. Sensory Preferences

Children have twice as many taste buds as adults. Therefore, their sense of taste is much more sensitive than their parents', especially when they taste strong or bitter flavors – such as vegetables.
Additionally, they may reject or favor food based on information they receive from other senses, such as:
-
Texture
-
Aroma
-
Appearance
-
Color
One effective way to overcome this reason for a child not wanting to eat is by allowing them to explore, and even play with, their food.
However, if the pickiness is too extreme, there may be an indication that the child has a sensory issue. Rather than experiencing nutritional deficiency, consult a doctor immediately.
4. Constipation

Constipation generally causes a decrease in appetite, and the child may even refuse to eat at all. Like adults, bowel movement frequency decreases because the child experiences difficulty doing so.
Usually, the cause of this condition is a change in diet or routine. Children who are potty training or recovering from an illness, for example, tend to experience constipation. Besides not wanting to eat, the child may also experience abdominal pain, bloating, and irritability.
5. Still Full

Ever see your little one insist on not eating because they are full? Maybe they really are still full. Some children continue to drink milk even after the toddler years, which makes them feel full.
If your little one leaves food on their plate multiple times, reduce the portion. Allowing them to serve their own food is also a good idea. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of fluids they consume before meals.
6. Feeling Tired

Fatigue and distractions can be reasons why a child does not want to eat, similar to adults. Generally, this happens when:
-
They have been very active all day.
-
They lacked sleep the night before.
-
They are currently preoccupied with something and do not want to rest.
If your child is often exhausted during dinner, provide a larger lunch portion during the day.
7. Teething

Teething often makes a child reluctant to eat. Swollen and sore gums naturally cause discomfort.
Read Also: Sido Muncul Jamu Anak Sehat: Ingredients, Benefits & How to Drink
Often, teething is accompanied by irritability, a low-grade fever, and excessive drooling. If this is the cause, parents can soothe the pain by gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger or providing a rubber teething toy.
8. Autoimmune

Celiac disease, a type of autoimmune disease, can also be a cause for a child having difficulty eating. Besides causing discomfort and pain, the child cannot eat just anything. This condition is very sensitive to gluten.
In addition to reacting easily to foods containing gluten, the digestive system's ability to absorb food also decreases significantly. Therefore, if a child has this condition, apply a disciplined gluten-free diet.
9. Eating Disorders

At least 5% of children and teenagers have ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder). Although this is an eating disorder, it is not a matter of body image, but rather anxiety toward the food they eat.
Due to such anxiety, children with ARFID suffer from nutritional deficiencies. This is why children with this eating disorder experience growth problems and lack energy in their daily lives.
10. Nutritional Needs Different from Adults

Toddlers need 1,000-1,400 calories per day, far less than an adult's requirement. Meanwhile, the little one is still drinking milk, so calories can also come from the milk they consume – not just from food.
Furthermore, a child's food needs can also differ from day to day. One day they may love eating everything, and the next they are reluctant. But that is normal, as everything usually returns to normal within a week.
Observe calmly and track your child's eating patterns. If there are indications of serious problems, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
To help increase your child's appetite safely and naturally, you may consider Anak Sehat from Sido Muncul. This can be a supportive step, while you continue to find out the cause of your child's difficulty eating.