Picky eating in a child typically refers to a pattern of eating where the child:

1. Eats only a limited variety of foods (often fewer than 20)

2. Rejects entire food groups (e.g. all vegetables or all proteins)

3. Is very sensitive to textures, colors, or smells

4. Refuses new foods

5. Has strong food preferences and may demand the same food repeatedly

6. Avoids mixed textures or complex meals, preferring simple, predictable foods(e.g. plain pasta, crackers, specific brands)

A pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a condition where a child has difficulty eating or drinking in a way that’s not developmentally appropriate, which can affect their growth, nutrition, and overall health. It’s more than just being a “picky eater”—PFD is a complex issue that can involve challenges with:

Medical (e.g., reflux, allergies, prematurity, respiratory issues)

Nutrition (e.g., not getting enough calories or nutrients)

Feeding skill (e.g., difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or transitioning textures)

Psychosocial factors (e.g., anxiety around eating, negative mealtime behaviors)

1. Your child eats fewer than 15–20 foods and they're not expanding over time, or are even losing previously accepted foods.

2. They consistently refuse entire food groups especially if they eat no fruits, vegetables, proteins, or other key nutrients.

3. They have strong sensory reactions to food such as gagging, spitting, covering their mouth, or becoming distressed at certain textures, smells, or appearances.

4. They have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or transitioning textures. This might include only tolerating purees or crunchy foods, refusing soft or mixed textures, or gagging on new textures

5. Mealtimes are high-stress if you or your child regularly feel anxious, frustrated, or upset at meals—or if eating becomes a daily battle.

6. They’re not growing well or seem low-energy. If you're concerned about weight gain, growth, or nutritional balance, especially if your pediatrician has mentioned it.

7. They have known developmental delays or feeding disorders like apraxia of speech, oral motor delays, or sensory processing differences. These can affect how they experience food.