Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders

Picky Eaters

• Decreased range or variety of foods that will eat = 30 foods or more
• Foods lost due to “burn out” because of a food jag are usually re-gained after a 2 week break
• Able to tolerate new foods on plate and usually can touch or taste a new food (even if reluctantly)
• Eats at least one food from most all food texture groups
• Frequently eats a different set of foods than the rest of the family, but usually eats with the family
• Will add new foods to repertoire in 15-25 steps on Steps to Eating Hierarchy
• Sometimes reported by parent as a “picky eater” at well-child check-ups

Problem Feeders

• Restricted range or variety of foods, usually less than 20 different foods
• Foods lost due to food jags are NOT re-acquired
• Cries and “falls apart” when presented with new foods
• Refuses entire categories of food textures
• Almost always eats different foods than the family
• Adds new foods in more than 25 steps
• Persistently reported by parent as a “picky eater” across multiple well-child check-ups