One thing almost every parent worries about at some point: their child’s eating habits. Some children eat without much tantrums. But, some children show extreme dislikes for certain foods and some face difficulty swallowing food.
Do you think your toddler often refuses to eat anything green? Or do you see your baby simply turn their head away from every spoonful of food? Of course, it’s a matter of concern. But the question that’s stuck in parents’ minds—is this normal, or is there something more going on?
The thing is there’s a big difference between a picky eater and a problem eater. And when as a parent you know that difference, you can make all the world for your child’s health and happiness.
As Dubai’s certified feeding therapists, we’re here to make it simple for parents like you to understand the difference!
What’s a Picky Eater?
Picky eaters are pretty much common. There are children who only eat chicken nuggets, pasta, but reject bananas. They simply refuse to try new foods and parents often see them pushing their veggies around the plate. But here’s the thing: picky eaters still eat “enough” to grow and stay healthy. This means they have a limited menu, but they’re also getting the nutrients they need.
Well, picky eating is often a phase. With patience and gentle encouragement and sometimes, little help from therapists, most kids grow out of it.
What’s a Problem Eater?
Problem eaters, on the other hand, are not like picky eaters. They actually face more serious problems with feeding or swallowing. These children often have a feeding disorder, which goes beyond just being selective. Parents may find –
Their kids only eat a handful of specific foods (note that, sometimes even less than 10).
- They often gag, vomit, or refuse to eat certain textures.
- There is a continuous struggle with chewing or swallowing.
- The kids show extreme anxiety or distress around mealtimes.
- They have difficulty gaining weight or growing as expected.
These are the cases for problem eaters! For them, eating isn’t just a preference—it’s a struggle. And, they need pediatric feeding therapy to make improvements.
When to Seek Help: Signs Your Child Needs Feeding Therapy
As just mentioned above, there are certain types of cases for children with problematic eating. Parents must keep an eye out to identify the signs to consult a professional. The good news is- paediatric feeding therapy is widely available in Dubai, and there are certified feeding specialists who can help your child overcome these challenges.
Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Your child avoids entire food groups (e.g., no proteins or no fruits).
- Mealtimes are very and consistently stressful for both you and your child.
- Your child has trouble chewing, swallowing, or managing food in their mouth.
- They’re not meeting their growth milestones.
- They vomit or gag often
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time you reach out to an infant feeding specialist or feeding specialist for a baby.
How Feeding Therapy Can Help
Feeding therapy makes mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free. In Dubai, intensive feeding therapy programs are designed by experienced therapists to address the root causes of feeding difficulties.
Here’s what you can expect:
A feeding therapist will first evaluate your child. Especially their eating habits, sensory preferences, and any underlying issues.
They’ll create a tailored plan to help your child explore new foods and textures at their own pace.
As a parent, you will be involved in the plan. You will learn strategies to make mealtimes more positive and less stressful.
There will be regular check-ins to ensure your child is making improvements.
Whether it’s feeding therapy for toddlers or support for infants, these programs are designed to meet your child where they are.
Picky Eater or Problem Eater: What Can You Do?
If your child is a picky eater, try these tips:
Offer a variety of foods without pressure.
Make meals fun and interactive (let them help in the kitchen!).
Be patient—it can take multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food.
Or, you can consult a feeding therapist to design a specific meal plan.
But, if you suspect your child is a problem eater, “don’t wait”. Early intervention is a must for them. From intensive feeding therapy to one-on-one sessions, your kid will be guided properly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about your child’s problematic eating habits, don’t hesitate to reach out to a specialist.
We are Hope AMC! We have Dubai’s top-rated feeding specialists for babies and growing kids.
We conduct one-on-one sessions plus group therapy sessions to boost the confidence of the kid. We believe in a tailored therapy approach and that’s why our feeding therapy plans are uniquely designed to address specific issues of the child.
Visit our official website to discover more! Schedule a consultation to directly talk to our feeding therapists!
