How to help 17 month old sensory food aversions?

[BananaHammock34]

My 17 month has been selective since he started weaning but it got a lot worse from 14 months. We lose “safe foods” every month. I think a lot of things he now dislikes but used to love are due to texture issues as he looks digested at even touching some of them. Or if they’re mixed in with other things, he spits that bit out. E.g jacket potato with baked beans - he spits out the beans (which used to be a favourite). He does it with beans when served separately too as I think he likes the flavour but just sucks the sauce off. He at least still tries them currently but when this has happened with other foods, he eventually stops trying all together. He’s also got pretty bad neophobia right now too so new foods are a no-go (but still offered).

I don’t know what to do if you think your child has some sort of sensory processing issue with food though? He doesn’t currently have any weight issues so I don’t think any medical professional would care. Any advice?

Your kid will fall into one of two camps.
One who can learn to like foods with exposure. Or one who will not!
If you want to make food less of a battle, keep it simple. Don't mix everything up - my DD would eat all the components of a sandwich but not a sandwich...
It keeps changing too - being at nursery/school etc, can help or hinder sensory eaters.
Kids don't mind repetition and may often prefer safe foods that have consistent and reliable textures and tastes.
From my experience keep the majority of their food safe and offer new things alongside but don't stress if not eaten.
My DD and my DSD were both like this. DSD came out of it slightly sooner but both were in their teens so be prepared to be patient.

Bear in mind that a degree of food phobia is an entirely normal phase for toddlers.

Sorry you are going through this. Sounds like ARFID

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/arfid/

How do you know he has neophobia? Or you under paeds for other things?

Toddlers go through phases. Just keep offering, keep stress low at meal times and give a multivitamin as well. My DD (diagnosed autistic as a teen) particularly liked dry things so quinoa, couscous, plain pasta, shed eat a whole banana or mango but not if she had to touch the slimy bit with her hand.

She always has eaten a varied diet but does have her preferences. However it can also be about the environment as much as the actual food and she can lose her appetite pretty quickly.

Yes I’ve tried not mixing things up and serving separately but because he’s also in that phase of not trying new foods, the separated foods don’t even get a chance. I keep exposing him to things too - both new and things he used to like, but they rarely get tried. I do also always offer a safe food alongside a meal but I’m running out of “safe foods” now. It means his safe foods get repeated very regularly and then I think he gets bored of them and then we lose them too. There’s now only about 15 safe foods (including junk like crisps). Other than waiting it out, I’m not sure where to go for help.

Other than waiting it out, I’m not sure where to go for help

Ask your HV for a referral to a paediatric Dietician although the wait might be long.

Have a read of My Child Won't Eat.

Ask your HV to do the 18 month ages and stages along with the 18 month Social & Emotional ages & stagess*. This should give the HV a clearer picture of whether something is causing the giddiness or it's just normal toddler behaviour.

Can I ask what milk he's on too and how much a day he has?

@SiouxsieSiouxStiletto Thanks. He’s still on breastmilk 3x a day. Sometimes more when poorly or teething. When going through a hungry phase, he can eat fine quantities straight after a breastfeed but other times it definitely impacts his appetite if not spaced well. I try to space 2 hours when possible.

Hi how’s your little one doing now ? Any positive improvements ? Many thanks ☺️

Did your little one start eating better? Couldn't believe how exact your description was, it sounded like you were describing my 22mo. Especially the deconstructing of meals😅 his safe foods are getting smaller and smaller and I don't know if it's a normal toddler thing or a sensory issue I need to worry about