10 Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters

Resource Details

Picky eating is often the norm for toddlers. After the rapid growth of infancy, when babies usually triple in weight, a toddler’s growth rate – and appetite – tends to slow down.

Toddlers also are beginning to develop food preferences, a fickle process. A toddler’s favorite food one day may hit the floor the next, or a snubbed food might suddenly become the one he or she can’t get enough of. For weeks, they may eat 1 or 2 preferred foods – and nothing else.

Try not to get frustrated by this typical toddler behavior. Just make healthy food choices available and know that, with time, your child’s appetite and eating behaviors will level out. In the meantime, here are some tips that can help you get through the picky eater stage.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.