7 signs you should seek help for your picky eater

How do you know if your picky eater's behaviours are typical kid stuff, or something to worry about? Here are some signs to watch for.

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Felty friends: Mandy Milks, Line illustrations: Anthony Swaneveld, Photo: Roberto Caruso, felt material courtesy of thefeltstore.com

Valérie Marchand, a paediatric gastroenterologist in Montreal, has seen her share of picky kids. If any of these signs pop up, she says, see your doctor.

1. You are concerned about your child’s growth (weight and height).

2. Your child has trouble swallowing: It’s painful, food gets stuck, or he coughs or chokes while eating.

3. Recurrent vomiting.

4. You suspect a food allergy.

5. Food rejection after a scary choking episode.

6. Severe sensory aversions (not just to taste but to texture, consistency, colour and even temperature).

7. Extreme pickiness along with other medical and psychiatric conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and anxiety disorders.

A version of this article appeared in our November 2016 issue, titled “Give peas a chance,” pp. 86-92.

Read more:
Confession: I would help my picky eater, but I’m afraid of food
10 reasons to not panic about your picky eater
Picky eaters: 3 experts weigh in on your FAQs

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