Mealtime can easily become the most stressful part of the day for parents. We all want our children to eat healthy, diverse foods, but toddlers are notorious for their strong opinions. Is it normal for a 2-year-old to suddenly refuse anything green? Absolutely. But how do you know when “picky” crosses the line into a feeding disorder?

It helps to understand that eating is a complex motor skill. Just like learning to walk, children go through specific phases of feeding development. Knowing these milestones can help you determine if your child is on the right path.

Between 6 and 9 months, babies should be opening their mouths when a spoon is presented and beginning to eat lumpy, mashed foods. They also start to hold a bottle independently during this time. As they move into the 12 to 18-month range, they should be grasping a spoon with a full hand and starting to drink through a straw. This is also when they usually begin to hold a cup with two hands.

By the time they are 18 to 24 months old, most children give up the bottle entirely. They should be able to chew a broad range of food and drink from a cup with limited spillage. At this stage, self-feeding is frequent, and you will see more precise tongue movements.

However, there are red flags that indicate you might need support from our feeding therapists. If your child is a very picky eater—specifically, if they are willing to eat only four or five foods total—this is a cause for concern. Other warning signs include gagging on certain textures or drooling excessively past the teething age. If you notice these issues, or if mealtimes are causing significant distress for your family, please schedule an evaluation so we can help you make eating a positive experience again.