Are you at your wits' end with mealtime battles? One minute your toddler is joyfully scarfing down broccoli, salmon, and quinoa, and the next they’re flinging the same foods off their tray like they’ve never seen them before. 😩

You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong.

As a feeding therapist, I hear this story all the time. That sudden shift from adventurous eater to “mac & cheese only, please” can feel confusing, frustrating, and downright exhausting.

So… what’s going on?

Why Do Toddlers Suddenly Become Picky?

Here’s the good news: it’s developmentally normal for toddlers to go through a picky phase. But that doesn’t make it any easier. Understanding why it happens can help you handle it with more confidence (and a lot less stress).

1. They’re discovering their independence.

Around 18–24 months, toddlers start to realize that they can say “no”—and they love that power. Food becomes one of the few areas where they can exert control, and rejecting a once-loved food is an easy way to assert themselves.

2. Their growth is slowing down.

After their first year of rapid growth, toddlers’ appetites naturally decrease. They simply don’t need as much food as they used to, so meals may feel smaller or more sporadic.

3. Their sensory system is maturing.

Textures that were fine a few months ago might now feel “weird.” That pasta they used to devour might now seem too mushy. As their oral-motor and sensory systems develop, preferences shift—and sometimes, foods that were once safe become challenging.

4. They’re influenced by others.

If your toddler has an older sibling who’s picky, they might start copying that behavior. Even watching a friend say “eww” at daycare can change how they view certain foods.

So, What Can You Do About It?

While it’s tempting to beg, bribe, or battle it out at the dinner table, here’s what I recommend instead:

✅ Keep offering variety – Even if they don’t eat it today, consistent exposure helps build familiarity and reduces anxiety around new foods.

✅ Avoid pressure – The more we push (“just one bite!”), the more they pull away. Instead, stay neutral and calm, even if they reject the meal.

✅ Serve a safe food with each meal – Include one or two foods you know they usually accept, alongside one new or less preferred item. This helps them feel more in control.

✅ Model the behavior you want to see – Toddlers are mini copycats. If they see you eating and enjoying a range of foods, they’re more likely to give it a try.

“Is this just a phase?”

For many toddlers, yes—it’s a phase. But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. If picky eating starts to impact growth, nutrition, or family mealtimes, it might be time to get extra support.

Want More Strategies?

I’m hosting a FREE webinar all about picky eating: Beyond the Plate: A 3-Part Webinar Series To Understand, Overcome, and Prevent Picky Eating starting April 3rd.

✅ Learn how to reduce mealtime stress
✅ Understand the root causes of picky eating
✅ Walk away with real tools you can start using that day