Is my child a picky eater — or is something more going on?

All children have food preferences and go through phases of pickiness. But sometimes mealtime struggles go beyond typical picky eating. This quiz was designed by our pediatric SLP and feeding specialist Mary Brezik, M.S., CCC-SLP to help you figure out where your child falls and whether a feeding evaluation might help.

Disclaimer: This quiz is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or therapeutic advice, a clinical diagnosis, or a substitute for an evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist or feeding specialist. Every child is unique, and only a qualified professional can assess your child's individual needs. If you have concerns about your child's feeding, please consult your pediatrician or a licensed SLP.

What we love to see

Things most children do. This is what we're aiming for.

Signs to watch for

Check any of these that sound like your child.

0 of 12 checked

Check every sign to watch for that sounds like your child.

Food variety & flexibility

What we love to see

Eats the most volume of their favorite foods

Signs to watch for

Eats the same foods every day or at every meal (ex. PBJ every single day)

Eats foods served in social settings (restaurants, family meals, birthday parties, school lunches)

Doesn't eat or must bring foods from home in social settings

Eats various brands of favorite foods (ex. cheese pizzas, chicken nuggets, chips)

Very specific about brands (ex. only eats McDonald's nuggets, only gala apples)

Eats some foods in all food categories (fruits, vegetables, starches, proteins)

Refuses entire food categories (ex. no fruits, no vegetables, no proteins)

Trying new foods

What we love to see

Is gradually adding new foods to their diet

Signs to watch for

Does not try new foods and/or has stopped eating previously enjoyed foods

Perceives new foods as curious and interesting even if hesitant

Appears fearful, anxious, or upset around new or non-preferred foods

Is willing to taste a new food

Refuses to taste new foods and becomes upset when asked

Tolerates non-preferred foods on their plate

Becomes upset when non-preferred foods are seen, smelled, or anywhere near them

Mealtime habits

What we love to see

Stays at the table for at least 10–15 minutes to eat a meal

Signs to watch for

Eats "on the go" and is constantly moving or getting down from the table

Is able to eat in a variety of settings (dinner table, school, grandparents' house)

Is reliant on watching a screen to get through a meal

Nutrition & growth

What we love to see

Is gaining weight appropriately according to their pediatrician

Signs to watch for

Is maintaining the same weight over a period of time or losing weight

Daily calories come primarily from solid foods with milk/milk alternative to supplement

Significant daily volume of drinkable calories — pouches, PediaSure, protein shakes, smoothies, yogurt drinks