Should You Worry About Your Toddler’s Food Strike? What’s Normal vs. Not
Aired April 28, 2025 | Hosted by Christine Miroddi Yoder
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Christine Miroddi Yoder:
Thanks for joining me! Today we’re talking about a super common — and super frustrating — topic: toddler food strikes.
Let’s break it all down — when it’s normal, when it’s not, and how to respond without losing your mind. You're absolutely not alone in this.
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The Normal Toddler Phase (Yes, It Happens!)
Every toddler goes through a developmental stage where they realize they can control their environment. That includes what they eat — or don’t eat. For some kids, this shift shows up as food refusal. And while it’s maddening, it’s also a sign their brain is developing appropriately.
This phase usually shows up between ages 2 to 3 in typically developing children. But if your child has developmental or cognitive delays, that “toddler refusal phase” might show up later — even around age 7, especially in kids with autism.
With this phase, you might also notice:
* Neophobia (fear of new things, including foods)
* Appetite dips (totally normal due to slower growth after age 2)
* Increased interest in grazing over structured meals
As long as your child is staying hydrated and growing steadily, these shifts are part of the developmental process.
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But What If It’s Not Normal?
There are red flags that suggest something more serious is going on. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Food refusal before age 2
If your child started dropping foods around 12–18 months (after eating well during infancy), that’s earlier than expected and could indicate a problem.
2. Weight loss or poor weight gain
Not gaining as expected? This could point to gut-related issues, like poor nutrient absorption. Definitely not something to “wait and see” about.
3. Extreme emotional reactions
We’re talking intense anxiety around food: screaming, gagging, refusing most meals. That can signal sensory processing issues or oral motor challenges.
4. A very limited diet
If your toddler eats fewer than 20 foods, eliminates entire food groups, or drops once-loved foods and doesn’t regain them, it’s time for support.
5. Gagging, vomiting, or spitting at sight of food
This is more than a preference issue. It may mean food is causing anxiety, overwhelming their sensory system, or triggering a poor oral motor response.
6. No interest in food
Even babies should be curious about food. If your child was never interested in solids — even at 6 months — that’s a major red flag. Kids should want to mimic you and explore what’s on your plate.
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What To Do Instead of Panicking
If you’re seeing the normal picky phase, here’s how to ride it out:
Stick to structure
Meals and snacks should happen every 2–3 hours, whether they eat or not. This consistency builds trust and predictability.
Offer tiny portions
Don’t overwhelm them. A single bite of each food on the plate is enough. It gives them control without pressure.
Avoid bribing or sneaking
Typical toddlers will eat when hungry. If you find yourself begging or tricking, it might be time to assess whether it’s more than typical behavior.
Keep exposing — without pressure
Even if they refuse a food today, continue to offer it. Many parents remove foods too quickly after rejection. Keep variety on the plate and let them surprise you.
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If the Red Flags Are There — Don’t Wait
Here’s the deal: if your toddler is gagging, vomiting, has extreme reactions, or isn’t interested in food — don’t “wait and see.” That advice may be well-meaning, but it can make things worse.
The longer you wait:
* The more foods your child may drop
* The harder it becomes to reintroduce them
* The longer it takes to build back trust, nutrition, and flexibility
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How We Can Help
If you’re not sure where your child falls, start with a baseline:
👉 Take the quiz at thepickyeaterstest.com to learn your child’s feeding level (Fearful, Stuck, or Curious).
From there, we’ll guide you toward the right next step — whether that’s one of our Roadmaps, the Unlocking Mealtimes program, or just learning how to approach mealtimes with a calmer, more confident mindset.
And of course, we’re here if you need support. You don’t have to do this alone.
