Child won’t eat? Why you don’t have to worry. As a parent, it can be incredibly frustrating and worrying when your little one refuses to eat. However, it's important to remember that this is often just a phase and not necessarily a sign of something more serious. Children’s appetites fluctuate naturally, and picky eating is common at various stages of development. Instead of stressing, let’s explore why this happens and how you can help encourage your child to eat without feeling pressured. Written by Amanda Rogaly, Founder of BabyYumYum Parenting Portal.
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Being a good parent is the hardest job in the world and it’s your responsibility to look after your child’s basic needs – sleep, oxygen, shelter and food. But what if you are unable to satisfy one of those needs?
In my case with my second born child I was confronted with a baby that had a terrible relationship with food from just a few month old.
She was never really interested in food, both formula and solids and a “meal” would end in tears for both of us no matter how many “how to feed your baby” books I read or how many specialists I saw. My child just did not want to eat full stop.
What to do when your child just won’t eat
She would fill up on yoghurt and then not eat for the next few meals. There was no routine or logic to her meal choices. One day it would be only pumpkin that she loved and then the next time I gave her her “favorite” it would end up as a pumpkin mush on the floor.
This pattern of eating carried on and, with me so desperate to get calories into my petite princess, she was able to eat WHATEVER she wanted, whenever she wanted: chips for breakfast, chocolate for lunch and ice cream for dinner in the most interesting of places; on the table, in the car, sitting in the kitchen sink and my all-time-favourite in the cats basket.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ: 6 Ways to Raise a Healthy Eater – Simple Tips for Parents
For 3 years I plied her with copious amounts of a meal replacement formula in her bottles, which is what kept me sane and gave me peace of mind that she was getting all the necessary nutrients for the day. And as she has grown (normally) and been able to communicate with me more, I have come to realise a few things :
- Children are like animals – they are either grazers or hunters.
- A hunter likes structure, routine and making a meal out of food. They like to master eating through familiar eating locations such as a high chair or dinner table, at a set time with repetitive foods.
- A grazer likes to just stroll along and eat what they want, when they want and they will run at the first sign of disruption or pressure (especially from a parent ). They also like to change their minds regularly depending on the offering as they are looking for different foods.
- Unless your child is not thriving, happy and content, then stop stressing. They are individual beings and need to be respected as individuals and not machines or cookie cut-outs of what society dictates children should be.
- You know your child better than anybody else so when Aunty Merle tells you that your child is sick because they never eat, you can confidently tell her that times have changed and many childhood sicknesses are in fact caused by the food that they eat and not by the food that they don’t eat.
- Don’t give up. Trust your instinct and your child to work through this minefield together.
- Be prepared to try suggestions and new ideas which may or may not assist in your plight.
- Be patient with yourself and your child and always offer positive reinforcement.
- Focus on the job at hand, which is trying to feed your child. The rest of the formalities, eating at a table, with cutlery, during family meal time, will follow.
- Peer pressure is the most effective eating tool. When they enter playschool and they see their friends wolfing down food they too will follow suit.
- Try to make eating fun and not a chore. Allow lots of colors, smells and textures. Allow for mess and encourage and repeat the same foods a lot.
- Allow your child to be part of the food-making process – allow them to pick the carrot with you (even if it means picking it from the shelf at your grocery store and not your vegetable garden), clean it together, steam or prepare it and then eat it together.
- Don’t doubt your ability as a parent. Know that your concerns mean that you are in fact the best type of parent: one who cares.
CHECK OUT: Help! My Child Only Wants To Eat Yoghurt! Why, What And How
FAQs: Child Won’t Eat? Why You Don’t Have to Worry
Is it normal for children to go through phases of not eating?
Yes. Many children go through fussy eating phases, especially between 1 and 5 years old. It’s a normal part of development as they assert independence and explore new tastes and textures.
How do I know if my child is eating enough?
If your child is growing well, active, and healthy, they’re likely getting enough even if some meals are small. Nutritional intake balances out over several days, not just one meal.
Why does my child suddenly refuse foods they used to love?
This is common. Children may reject familiar foods due to mood, teething, tiredness, or even a desire for control. It’s usually temporary and not a cause for concern.
Should I force my child to eat?
No. Forcing food can create stress, power struggles and negative associations with mealtimes. Instead, offer healthy options and let your child decide how much to eat.
How can I encourage healthy eating habits?
- Offer a variety of foods without pressure
- Eat together as a family
- Model healthy eating yourself
- Keep mealtimes calm and distraction-free (limit TV/screens)
Is it okay if my child skips a meal?
Yes. Children are intuitive eaters. If they’re not hungry, they may skip a meal and make up for it later. Trust their natural appetite regulation.
What if my child only eats a few foods?
This is typical in early childhood. Continue offering new foods alongside familiar favourites. It can take 10–15 exposures before a child accepts a new food.
Can snacks affect mealtimes?
Yes. Large or frequent snacks can reduce hunger at mealtimes. Offer structured snack times and ensure they’re not too close to main meals.
Should I hide vegetables in food?
You can, but also keep offering them visibly. The goal is to build familiarity and acceptance. Hidden veg can boost nutrition but shouldn’t replace visible exposure.
When should I be concerned about picky eating?
Speak to your GP or health advisor if your child:
- Is losing weight or not growing
- Has very limited foods or textures
- Shows signs of anxiety around food
- Has other feeding difficulties (e.g. gagging or choking)
Take a look at Dealing with picky eating in children.
What about supplements or vitamins?
Most healthy children don’t need supplements if they eat a varied diet. In South Africa, vitamin A supplements are sometimes offered through clinics. You can also read 6 Must-Have Vitamins for Your Child’s Health and Wellbeing. Ask your healthcare provider if unsure.
How can I make mealtimes less stressful?
Keep mealtimes short (20–30 minutes), eat together, avoid pressure or bribery, and praise positive eating behaviours gently. Focus on creating a positive atmosphere, not a perfect plate.
Disclaimer: This information is for general parenting guidance and does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about your child’s growth, nutrition, or eating behaviour, consult your GP, paediatrician, or a registered dietitian.
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