Risk Factors Associated With Food Selectivity in Infants and Toddlers

Families of patients aged 3 to 6, evaluated between January and March 2023, were invited to respond to a questionnaire to investigate attitudes toward food in the first years of life. Based on the presence of food selectivity, 2 study groups were compared: 39 selective (42%) and 54 non-selective children (58%). Selective children tended to be less exposed to game activities with food (P < .01), did not show curiosity toward new flavors (P < .01), and presented a diet lacking a group of macronutrients (P < .01). Moreover, selective eaters were more likely to use pacifier and baby bottle (P = .02), to demand something different from what was presented on the dish (P = .04), to be distracted by screens during meals (P = .04). Also, selective children considered mealtime stressful (P < .01) and were forced to eat (P = .03). Finally, selectivity is a frequent reason of discussion between parents on their children nutrition (P = .02).