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Neophobia in Children: Why Kids Get Fidgetier with Age and How to Cope with It

Posted by Elin Oresten on

Do you think that feeding during the child's first year was easier than it is/was when the child got a little older? Suddenly, your picky eater may refuse to eat or taste new foods. Don't worry, you're not alone. Many children go through a neophobic phase in life, a natural part of their development where they become more "picky" about food.


Elin Oresten, licensed nutritionist and founder, goes through the reasons behind this and gives tips on how you can help your child explore and appreciate new foods.

Neophobia in children: A natural part of development and the role of the cave brain

This phase is often linked to children becoming more independent around a certain age. Our cave brain protects children from danger by making them suspicious of unfamiliar foods. Something that helped us thousands of years ago when children could walk freely in nature and then encounter dangerous foods, then suspicion of the new was very good. In today's society, this natural suspicion is not quite as important or convenient.

"The cave brain protects children from danger by making them suspicious of unfamiliar foods."

Dealing with a picky child: Tips for navigating through the neophobic phase

When children enter the neophobic phase, it can be more difficult to introduce new foods. Even previously liked foods can unfortunately end up on the “dislike list.” Here it is easy to end up in a vicious spiral where you start to exclude foods and make special foods for the child.


It is not impossible for a child to learn to appreciate new foods and flavors - it just takes more tasting opportunities. So give it time. Think long-term so that the child does not get used to a one-sided diet

Here's how you can help your child:

  • Continue to offer new foods regularly, even if the child refuses at first.
  • Be patient and allow time for your child to get used to new tastes.
  • Avoid excluding foods from your child's diet, even if they are not initially accepted.
  • Let all kinds of food continue to be on the plate, alongside the safe and popular.
  • Make meals a positive experience without pressure or compulsion to taste everything.
  • Be a good example by eating a varied diet yourself and showing appreciation for different foods.
  • Involve your child in cooking to increase their interest in different ingredients and dishes.
  • Serve small portions of new foods to avoid overwhelming the child.
  • Give your child time and several tasting opportunities to get used to new foods.
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Finger foods and BLW: A way to ease the transition through the neophobic phase

The appearance of food is an important factor for a child in the neophobic phase. If the child recognizes the appearance of the food, it can make the child more inclined to taste it. If the child has initially eaten the family's food (through finger food/BLW), there will not be a sharp transition from classic baby food to family food. A transition that can otherwise become even more difficult as the neophobia approaches.

Erbjud varierad kost

Seek help if you need it.

“Normal” neophobia is different from the definition of being very picky about food (picky).Very picky children are usually described as children who consume an insufficient variety of foods by avoiding a significant amount of foods. Both familiar and unfamiliar to them. If you have a child where you suspect nutritional deficiency due to this, it is always best to seek help.


*Food neophobia is usually defined in the scientific world as an unwillingness to eat and taste new foods. Often peaking around the ages of 2 and 5.

Elin Oresten Knatteplock

/Elin Oresten

Lic. nutritionist and founder of Knatteplock.

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BENEFITS OF EATING THE SAME FOOD WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY

Cook picky food at home

Children love to imitate, by eating the same food it facilitates learning and makes mealtime a positive experience of togetherness. As a parent you don't have to feed but can sit next to and enjoy the food.

Picking food gives children the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and consistencies at their own pace. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and a greater enjoyment of eating. By offering different textures and flavors, the child gets a broader taste palette, and there is a greater chance that the appetite will continue even during the naturally picky period that usually comes around two years. Research shows that children who are introduced to a more varied diet from the start eat more variety and more vegetables later in life.

  • Promotes exploration and independence at mealtime.
  • Develops early chewing skills.
  • Simplifies family meals and strengthens community.

Why pick-me-up?

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Promotes exploration and independence at the meal
Develops early chewing abilities
Simplifies family meal time and strengthens the community

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Encourage the joy of eating by letting your child explore flavors and textures on their own. Start the food adventure today - we are here for you and your child through messes, discoveries and challenges.
 
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Frequently asked questions about takeaway food

Finger food is a way of offering food where the baby/child eats themselves either with their hands or with a spoon.

Finger foods give children the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and consistencies at their own pace, from an early age. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and greater enjoyment of eating.

Make sure your baby shows signs of being ready for solid foods. She should be able to sit up in a chair on her own, be able to bring objects to her mouth on her own, and show an interest in food. Maybe your baby is reaching for your food or looking at your plate with fascination, then there is probably interest!

Consider offering foods that are fairly soft but easy to grasp. For example, sweet potato sticks, slices of liver pâté, cooked broccoli or omelette/pancake strips. Sandwiches with butter and/or liver pâté are also perfect for practicing motor skills. Slippery foods that are difficult to grasp can be rolled in seeds or sandwich crumbs. For example, avocado or banana. But in general, it is good to offer the baby what the rest of the family eats as often as possible.

Small babies don't have a pincer grip so it's big pieces that matter at first. The pieces should be longer than the palm of their hand because small babies (6 months) often can't open their palm on request. It may feel scary but it's actually safer with bigger pieces than smaller pieces when it's a small baby! If they take too big bites they spit it out again.

Read more here.

Many people worry about how their children will be able to chew finger foods without teeth. The good news is that it goes very well. Young children process food with their tongue, palate and toothless jaws.

Children only get molars when they are a little older (over 1 year old) and waiting to introduce solid foods until then can have negative consequences for the child's eating development.

Children don't learn to chew by eating puree, they learn to chew by practicing chewing different textures in their mouths.

Read more here.