[Blog] Sensory Aversions & Picky Eating in Toddlers
Feeding toddlers can be a challenging experience for many parents, especially when sensory aversions and picky eating come into play. In this episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Thara Shenoy shares her insights on these issues. With her extensive experience in pediatric feeding, Dr. Thara helps parents understand the complexities behind their child's eating habits and offers practical solutions to improve mealtime experiences.
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Why Are Sensory Issues on the Rise?
Dr. Thara discusses the increasing prevalence of sensory issues among children, attributing it to various factors:
Screen Time: "We are currently meeting a generation of children who are exposed to screen time very early in their life, and they're more passive compared to previous generations."
Outdoor Play: Children today engage less in outdoor activities, which limits their sensory experiences. "The shrinking of outdoor play areas" has significant implications for sensory development.
Less Exploration: Children are spending more time indoors, leading to fewer opportunities for natural exploration.
What Is a Sensory Issue?
Understanding sensory issues is crucial for parents. Dr. Thara explains that these issues can manifest in various ways:
Hypersensitivity: Some children may react strongly to certain stimuli, making them reluctant to try new foods.
Hyposensitivity: Others may seek sensory experiences, such as putting objects in their mouths.
"When a child has sensory issues, it will impact a child's overall development," she emphasizes. Parents should pay attention to their child's reactions to different sensory experiences, especially during mealtimes.
When Is the Right Time to Seek Help?
The question of when to seek professional help can be daunting. Dr. Thara recommends addressing persistent challenges early on.
"I do not recommend the wait-and-watch approach at all," she states. If a child struggles with eating, focusing, or experiences frequent meltdowns, these could be signs of underlying sensory processing issues. Early intervention is crucial for effective support.
What Are the Best Sensory Experiences for Newborns?
Creating a sensory-rich environment for newborns is essential. Dr. Thara suggests the following:
Visual Stimulation: Use contrast cards and colorful toys to engage the child's sight.
Auditory Stimulation: Sing lullabies and talk to the baby to promote auditory development.
Tactile Experiences: Avoid mittens to enable exploration with hands.
"Children explore things by touching," she explains, highlighting the importance of tactile experiences in development.
What to Do If a Child Refuses to Touch Food?
When a child hesitates to touch food, parents often worry. Dr. Thara notes that many children simply need more exposure to different textures.
"Most kids don't have sensory issues as such," she reassures. To encourage tactile exploration, parents should create a positive and messy play environment. "Make sure they get this exposure, and don’t worry about the mess," she advises.
What to Do If Your Child Avoids Grainy Textures?
For toddlers who only want smooth purees and avoid grainy textures, Dr. Thara stresses the importance of gradual exposure. She explains that if children have been fed purees for too long, they may not know how to handle new textures. "If you have given them purees till one and a half years, and then suddenly you give them a dosa or a chapati, they're clueless," she says.
It's crucial to challenge their oral motor skills progressively. Just as you would increase weights at the gym, you need to introduce a variety of textures in food. "Gagging is normal as they learn to manage new textures," she notes, emphasizing that this learning process is vital for their development.
Top Tips for Successful Mealtimes
Creating a positive mealtime environment is essential for fostering healthy eating habits. Dr. Thara suggests that parents should avoid using a "wait-and-watch" approach. Instead, they should actively engage with their children during meals, modeling appropriate eating behaviors.
"Be neutral during mealtimes," Dr. Thara advises. If a child doesn't finish their food, it's essential not to create a stressful atmosphere. Instead, focus on building a positive experience around food, allowing children to explore at their own pace.
How to Handle Food Pocketing?
Food pocketing can be a common behavior among toddlers. Dr. Thara explains that children may pocket food for various reasons, including distraction or sensory sensitivities. "It’s a normal developmental phase," she reassures parents.
To address food pocketing, parents should ensure that mealtimes are relaxed and pressure-free. If a child is pocketing food, it may be beneficial to assess their overall eating environment and routines. Encouraging children to take their time during meals and offering a variety of textures can help them become more comfortable with food.
How to Handle Toddler Picky Eating?
Toddler picky eating is another common concern for parents. Dr. Thara notes that most children go through phases of picky eating, especially between the ages of two and five. "90 percent of the time, they don't have any underlying issues," she states.
It's essential to remain patient and consistent during these phases. Instead of forcing children to eat certain foods, parents should focus on creating a positive relationship with food. Engaging children in meal preparation and allowing them to explore different flavors can help reduce picky eating behaviors.
What to Do When a Child Struggles to Drink Water?
Getting toddlers to drink enough water can be a challenge. Dr. Thara emphasizes the importance of role modeling. "Make sure that you drink enough water in front of them," she advises. Establishing a routine around water consumption can also be beneficial.
If a child refuses to drink plain water, Dr. Thara suggests trying infused water with fruits or offering alternatives like buttermilk or flavored beverages. "Using playful techniques can also help," she adds, sharing tips like turning water drinking into a fun game.
Conclusion
Navigating sensory aversions and picky eating can be overwhelming for parents, but understanding the underlying issues is the first step toward finding solutions. Dr. Thara's insights remind us that early intervention and awareness are key in supporting our children's development.
For more insights on sensory aversions and picky eating, don’t forget to check out the full podcast episode here: [Watch the full podcast episode here]. Together, let’s embrace the challenges of toddlerhood and create positive mealtime experiences for our children!
To learn more, don’t forget to check out the full podcast episode here: