My toddler is an extremely picky eater — should I be worried?

Picky eating is one of the most common parenting concerns and is developmentally normal for toddlers — after rapid infant growth, appetite naturally slows down. It can take 15 or more exposures to a new food before a child will try it, so keep offering without pressure. Serve new foods alongside familiar ones, let your toddler see you eating the same foods, and avoid making separate 'kid meals.' Never force a child to eat, and don't use food as a reward or punishment. Consult your pediatrician if your child eats fewer than 10 foods or is losing weight.