How to prepare for a video visit about Picky Eating (Child) - Guidance

Audience: adult

Picky eating is common in young children and usually part of normal development. It involves a child being selective about the foods they eat, which can cause concern for caregivers. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child's eating habits, identify possible causes, and discuss strategies to encourage a more varied diet. Before the visit, gather information about your child's eating patterns, growth, and any related symptoms. During the video visit, the provider may ask about your child's behavior, nutrition, and overall health. This guidance helps you prepare for the visit, know what to expect, and understand when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can support education and advice but cannot replace in-person evaluations when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child is losing weight or not gaining weight as expected — seek in-person medical evaluation promptly.
• Child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very little urine output — get urgent medical care.
• Child has difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or choking episodes during feeding — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing general concerns about picky eating behavior.
• Providing guidance on feeding strategies and nutrition.
• Reviewing growth patterns if data is available.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing underlying medical conditions causing feeding problems.
• Performing physical examinations or growth measurements.
• Managing severe feeding difficulties requiring hands-on care.
• Addressing urgent medical emergencies like dehydration or choking.

What is picky eating in children?

Picky eating means a child often refuses certain foods or only eats a limited variety. This behavior is common in toddlers and preschoolers and usually improves with time. It is different from medical feeding problems or nutritional deficiencies. Understanding this helps caregivers stay patient and supportive.

How to prepare for your video visit

Before the visit, keep a food diary for a few days listing what your child eats and drinks. Note any reactions to foods or mealtime behaviors. Have your child's growth records handy if available. Prepare to discuss your child's appetite, weight changes, and any concerns about health or development.

What to expect during the video visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's eating habits, growth, and overall health. They may observe your child's behavior if possible. The provider will offer advice on feeding strategies and when to seek further evaluation. They may also discuss if any tests or referrals are needed.

Tips for managing picky eating at home

Offer a variety of healthy foods without pressure. Keep mealtimes calm and consistent. Avoid forcing your child to eat, which can increase resistance. Encourage self-feeding and involve your child in food choices. Patience and repeated exposure to new foods often help over time.

When to seek urgent care

If your child shows signs of poor growth, dehydration, difficulty swallowing, or severe food refusal affecting health, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may require immediate evaluation beyond telemedicine.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Keep a detailed food and drink diary for 3–5 days before the visit.
• Note any unusual behaviors or reactions during meals.
• Gather recent growth measurements or health records if available.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection for the video call.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the feeding advice and strategies discussed during the visit.
• Monitor your child's eating habits and growth regularly.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended by the provider.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Maintain a supportive and patient approach to your child's eating habits.

FAQs

What causes picky eating in children?

Picky eating often arises as part of normal development, especially in toddlers exploring independence. It can also be influenced by taste preferences, texture sensitivities, or past negative experiences with food. Most children outgrow picky eating with time and patience.

How can I encourage my child to try new foods?

Offer new foods alongside familiar favorites without pressure. Repeated exposure, sometimes 10 or more times, may be needed before a child accepts a new food. Make mealtimes positive and involve your child in food preparation when possible.

When should I worry about my child's picky eating?

If your child is not gaining weight, shows signs of nutritional deficiencies, or has feeding difficulties like choking, it’s important to seek medical advice. Also, if picky eating severely limits diet variety or causes stress at mealtimes, professional support may help.

Can a video visit help with picky eating?

Yes, telemedicine can provide education, discuss feeding strategies, and help decide if further evaluation is needed. However, it cannot replace physical exams or urgent care when serious issues are present.

Sources

1. Picky Eating in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Feeding and Eating Disorders in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Childhood Feeding Problems — Mayo Clinic.
4. Picky Eating and Food Neophobia in Children — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child's health, please seek direct medical attention.