How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Picky Eating (Child) - Guidance

Audience: pediatric

Picky eating is common in children and can cause worry for parents. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child's eating habits and get advice on how to encourage healthy eating. During the visit, you can discuss your child's food preferences, mealtime behaviors, and any concerns you have. Preparing for the visit by gathering information about your child's eating patterns and growth can make the conversation more helpful. While telemedicine can offer guidance and support, it cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care if your child shows serious symptoms. This guide will help you prepare for a successful video visit about picky eating in your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child is losing weight or not gaining weight as expected — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Child has difficulty swallowing or persistent vomiting — get urgent evaluation.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very little urine — seek immediate care.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing typical picky eating behaviors and concerns.
• Providing advice on mealtime strategies and nutrition.
• Reviewing growth patterns if data is available.
• Answering questions about when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests.
• Managing urgent symptoms like severe vomiting or dehydration.
• Diagnosing medical conditions requiring lab or imaging studies.
• Providing emergency treatment.

What Is Picky Eating in Children?

Picky eating means a child often refuses certain foods or eats a limited variety. This behavior is common and usually part of normal development. Children may prefer specific textures, colors, or tastes and may be hesitant to try new foods. Understanding this can help you support your child's growth and nutrition.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before the visit, observe your child's eating habits for a few days. Note which foods they like and dislike, how much they eat, and any mealtime challenges. Write down questions or concerns you have. Have your child's recent growth measurements handy if possible. Make sure your device has a good internet connection and a quiet space for the visit.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's eating patterns, growth, and overall health. They may suggest ways to encourage trying new foods and managing mealtime behaviors. You can share videos or photos of mealtimes if helpful. The provider will guide you on when to seek further evaluation if needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child is losing weight, vomiting frequently, has difficulty swallowing, or shows signs of dehydration, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious problem that needs a physical exam or tests.

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating at Home

Offer a variety of foods without pressure. Keep mealtimes positive and regular. Involve your child in food choices and preparation. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment. Be patient, as developing new eating habits takes time.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Observe and note your child's eating habits for several days.
• Write down specific questions or concerns about your child's eating.
• Have recent growth measurements available if possible.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a list of your child's current medications or supplements ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on feeding strategies at home.
• Monitor your child's eating patterns and growth.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms appear.
• Keep a food diary if suggested to track progress.

FAQs

What causes picky eating in children?

Picky eating often happens as children grow and develop their tastes and preferences. It can be influenced by texture sensitivity, past experiences, or simply natural caution around new foods. 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. Make mealtimes relaxed and positive. Involve your child in choosing and preparing foods. Repeated exposure often helps children accept new tastes.

Is picky eating harmful to my child's health?

Usually, picky eating is not harmful if your child is growing well and getting enough nutrients. However, if picky eating leads to poor growth or nutritional deficiencies, further evaluation may be needed.

When should I be concerned about my child's eating habits?

Be concerned if your child is losing weight, vomiting frequently, refusing to eat at all, or showing signs of dehydration. These require prompt medical attention.

Can a video visit help with picky eating?

Yes, a video visit can provide guidance, answer your questions, and suggest strategies to support healthy eating. However, it cannot replace an in-person exam if your child has serious symptoms.

Sources

1. Picky Eating in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Feeding and Nutrition: Picky Eaters — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Childhood Feeding Problems — Mayo Clinic.
4. Nutrition for Children: Tips for Parents — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has serious symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.