Picky Eating vs. Feeding Disorder: What’s the Difference?
If mealtime at your house feels more like a battle than a bonding moment, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder if their kiddo’s picky eating is just a phase or something more serious. We get this question all the time: "Is this just normal kid behavior, or does my child need help?" So let’s break it down—especially through the lens of pediatric nutrition.
What is Picky Eating?
Picky eating is incredibly common in toddlers and young kids. It often involves strong food preferences, refusal to try new foods, and a limited number of foods a child will willingly eat. These kids may not love veggies or insist on their chicken nuggets being a certain shape, but they’re still growing well, staying energized, and able to eat socially (even if reluctantly).
Signs your child might be a typical picky eater:
Eats from all food groups, even if selectively
Shows interest in food or eating, even if limited
Can eat with others or at school/daycare
Gradually accepts new foods over time
Picky eating can be frustrating, but most kids eventually grow out of it with a little patience and exposure. Our pediatric registered dietician can help guide families through this phase with practical, personalized strategies.
What is a Pediatric Feeding Disorder?
A feeding disorder is more than just picky preferences—it affects a child’s ability to eat safely and grow. Children with feeding disorders often eat a very limited number of foods (sometimes fewer than 10), struggle with textures, gag or vomit when presented with certain foods, or avoid entire food groups. This can lead to poor nutrition, delayed growth, and stress around every meal.
Red flags that may signal a feeding disorder:
Extreme food selectivity (very few accepted foods)
Weight loss or poor weight gain
Gagging, choking, or vomiting frequently during meals
Tantrums or anxiety around food or mealtimes
Refusal to eat entire categories of food (like all fruits or proteins)
Sensory sensitivities (can’t tolerate certain textures or temperatures)
These signs can appear as early as infancy or develop later—especially after illness, trauma, or sensory processing challenges.
When to Seek Help
If your child’s eating habits are interfering with growth, nutrition, or family life, it’s worth reaching out. Pediatric nutrition therapy can be especially helpful in these cases. A licensed pediatric dietitian can assess your child’s nutritional intake, work alongside your family to create manageable food goals, and collaborate with our speech and feeding therapists for a truly comprehensive approach.
How Southern Pediatric Therapy Can Help
At SPT, we offer pediatric nutrition services alongside feeding therapy to provide families with full-circle care. Our Pediatric Registered Dietician specializes in:
Identifying nutrient gaps and correcting imbalances
Guiding food exposure techniques based on sensory needs
Collaborating with therapists for feeding challenges and oral motor issues
Helping manage conditions like constipation, reflux, and failure to thrive
We also understand that feeding disorders often overlap with speech and sensory concerns. That’s why our team works collaboratively—speech therapists, occupational therapists, and our registered dietitian—so your child receives coordinated, whole-child care.
Wondering if your child needs nutrition or feeding support?
If you have questions or want to talk through your concerns, give us a call or send us a message.
📞 662-469-2906
📧 info@spt-team.com