Feeding anxiety has a way of creeping in the moment someone says, “Just wait until they get picky.” In this episode, Kathy gently challenges that narrative and reframes what’s actually happening when toddlers begin to change the way they eat.
Kathy breaks down why the word picky is often applied far too early and how normal developmental and physiological shifts after the first birthday can dramatically affect appetite, interest, and behavior at meals. From food throwing and spitting to sudden preferences and decreased intake, she explains why these patterns are part of learning, not signs that something has gone wrong.
This conversation is a grounding reminder that toddler feeding isn’t about control or perfection. It’s about understanding your role, staying consistent through change, and focusing on nourishment instead of fear. If you’ve worried that your once-adventurous eater is “heading down the wrong path,” this episode will leave you feeling steadier, more informed, and far less alone.
Episode 21: Why My Baby Who Used to Eat Anything Is Picky Now | Food for Tot Podcast with Kathy O’Bryan | The Mini Me Dietitian
- Why “picky eating” is often labeled too early in toddlerhood
- What changes in appetite after age one are actually telling us
- How growth rate, curiosity, and opinions collide during this stage
- Why spitting, throwing, and playing with food are part of learning
- The difference between being full and being truly nourished
- How chasing preferred foods can backfire long term
- What your role is (and isn’t) in the feeding relationship
- How repeated exposure supports flexibility and food confidence
- Why consistency matters more than perfection in early feeding
Food for Tot Podcast with Kathy O’Bryan | Episode 21 on Spotify
Food for Tot Podcast with Kathy O’Bryan | Episode 21 on Apple
