My child has food neophobia: what can I do?

From Hungry Baby to Picky Eater: Understanding Food Neophobia - Élhée

When he was little, alternating with his bottles, he ate everything: Brussels sprouts, strong cheeses… his mouth would open wide and round whenever a spoon approached. But lately, baby isn’t such a foodie anymore. On the contrary, he’s become picky and refuses anything new. The days of discovery and curiosity are over. On his plate, it’s only potatoes, pasta, and mashed foods over and over again. This is food neophobia—a natural suspicion, sometimes hard to manage, towards new foods.

SUMMARY:

Food neophobia, recognizing and adapting to this change
The influence of environment and the sociology of eating
The secrets of a plate that makes you want to eat
Élhée's tip: when the container makes all the difference
Supporting without stress: the key to peaceful mealtimes
Beyond neophobia: building a positive relationship with food

Food neophobia, recognizing and adapting to this change

Food neophobia usually appears gradually between 18 and 24 months old, which is about the same time as the “No!” phase and the beginning of opposition. While your child may have eaten very well before, they now more and more frequently refuse new foods. Is this happening at your house? Here’s how to spot this very common eating behavior with certainty.

Your child doesn’t want to try anything new anymore, and may even look disgusted or afraid at the idea.
They react badly to new foods, sometimes with gagging, repulsion, or even a bout of crying.
Some familiar foods become clear favorites (often plain pasta, potatoes, fries, mashed foods, etc.).
Mealtimes are more difficult, with anxiety or stress about coming to the table to eat.
Stomach aches, nausea, or headaches: your child may show physical symptoms as mealtime approaches.

Despite sometimes significant complications, food neophobia is still a natural mechanism, a key stage in baby’s development that you, as parents, will need to navigate with patience and creativity. 🤗

But don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to a study of 432 children aged 3 to 60 months (up to 5 years), published in 2018 by Natalie Rigal and Virginie Soulet, researchers in child psychology at Université Paris Ouest:

57% of children between 3 and 6 months show moderate food neophobia.
90% of children between 19 and 36 months (3 years) experience this behavior, peaking in intensity between ages 2 and 6.

This is a period that tends to calm naturally after age 3, and can vary in intensity from child to child.

In cases of mild neophobia, the child is a bit wary of new foods, but with encouragement and repeated tries, ends up accepting them without affecting their overall diet.
Moderate neophobia involves a categorical refusal of new foods, sometimes with clear signs of stress or anxiety.
Crying, panic attacks, or vomiting just at the idea of tasting something for the first time are signals of severe food neophobia.
Finally, neophobia can also be selective, with a child accepting some foods (like fruit or grains) but refusing others (such as vegetables, meat, etc.).

The influence of environment and the sociology of eating

Every child’s unique temperament also has a role in their relationship with food. Some, who are highly sensitive, are especially aware of textures, smells, or changes on their plate. A naturally shy temperament can also slow down the desire to explore new foods.

The family setting forms a child’s first taste laboratory. As parents and first role models, you’re passing along your own food preferences and attitudes toward eating.

Additionally, the overall atmosphere around meals leaves a lasting impression: an overly strict approach can cause tension, while a warm, positive, and collaborative environment encourages discovery and tasting.

Beyond the family, the broader social environment also has an influence. At daycare, and later at school—especially with lunch programs—your child discovers new foods, ways of cooking, and ways of eating. Other children then become role models, sometimes even more influential than parents themselves.

Finally, the food diversification phase lays the foundation for a relationship with food. Every taste discovery, every shared moment around a meal helps build a child’s food memories. BLW (baby-led w eaning) is especially well-suited to this, as it’s all about exploration and independence.

10 classic ways kids say “no” at the table

“What iiiis thaaat?” (Translation: Anything that isn’t pasta.)
“It hurts my eyes!” (Faced with a broccoli.)
“I’ll taste with my fingers first.” (Tactile testing above all!)
“It’s not like usual.” (It’s literally the same recipe.)
“I’m too tired.” (But dessert?)
“There are things/bits in it…” (Invisible, but impossible to swallow.)
“It’s not good!” (The classic, said before even tasting.)
“Ewww!” (Short, effective, and so expressive.)
“I want the carrots by themselves!” or “The sauce is ON the pasta!” (Disaster.)
“I prefer pasta.” (The ultimate argument, repeated daily, regardless of the menu.)

🤭 What about your child—what’s the line that made you quietly laugh inside?

The secrets of a plate that makes you want to eat

Do you remember the last dish that made your mouth water? Beautiful color combinations, a careful presentation, a good smell, and suddenly your appetite wakes up! For kids, even picky or demanding ones, it’s the same. Because we eat first with our eyes, a few presentation tricks can turn a meal into a discovery.

A palette of varied and surprising colors:
- crisp green beans and orange carrots: contrasts draw the eye,
- bright colors, sauces, that spark curiosity.
A play with shapes that brings a smile:
- vegetable stars and fruit cubes,
- sandwich triangles,
- heart-shaped pancakes,
- small servings all separated on the plate.
The art of food presentation:
- a little trail of peas across the plate,
- a broccoli forest under a mashed potato sun,
- miniature portions for new foods,
- reassuring rituals, set places, familiar utensils...
Tricks that work:
- “Bridge foods” (like sweet potato for mashed potato fans),
- Cooking workshops as a family where everyone participates, in a cheerful mood.

Élhée's tip: when the container makes all the difference

Has your child ever told you they wish they could eat like they used to? Like when they were a baby? Like when their favorite bottle was at every mealtime? If so, we have some good news for you: the BibROND is multifunctional.🩷

After breastfeeding or when bottles are done, did you know you can still use Élhée bottles? Remove the nipple and add the included lid to turn them into airtight little containers, perfect for transporting your child’s purées or fruit. It’s a simple way to take the stress out of eating and help your child feel reassured.

Want another tip for tackling your child’s food neophobia? The Élhée learning cup is also worth trying for making mealtime feel like a big-kid experience. Leakproof and designed for drinking, it’s the perfect excuse to eat and drink just like mom and dad.

Supporting without stress: the key to peaceful mealtimes

All parents know: staying calm when your child systematically refuses new foods, or flatly refuses to try what you offer, isn’t always easy.

So, at the next meal, take a deep breath and remind yourself you are not alone! The good news? The more gently you handle this period of food neophobia, the more open your child will be to trying new flavors.

So, in this phase of discovery, let go of pressure, do not insist on an extra bite or try to bargain with dessert (we’ve all done it 🫣). Let everyone eat at their own pace. And as your child’s first role model, share your excitement and curiosity about food with them: imitation will do the rest.

Finally, let time do its work—remember that food neophobia is a normal stage in developing taste awareness.

Small victories that mean everything

Family life is filled with little joys and wins. Celebrating them will encourage your child to keep exploring.

“Hmm, smells good!” Baby discovers a scent they like, even if it’s new.
The food offered wasn’t immediately rejected—your child examined it (maybe for a long time) before trying a taste.
Not convinced, but still gave a tiny bite a try (I serve you the whole thing, you try it and finish it if you like it!)

Beyond neophobia: building a positive relationship with food

So food neophobia is only a stage on the road to independent eating. Rather than something to “get through,” see it as an opportunity for your child to discover and build a healthy, untroubled relationship with food.

However, don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician if difficulties persist, if you’re concerned about your child’s health, or if they seem to keep adding more foods to their “refusal” list. In the meantime, enjoy every little change as a new treat. By building a good relationship with food today, your child lays the foundation for a peaceful, happy future.

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