A large British study of childhood eating habits suggests that parents stand a better chance of avoiding having a fussy eater at the table if they introduce solid food to their children before the age of 10 months, the Electronic Telegraph reports. Researchers from Bristol University in Western England studied the health and development of more than 10,000 children from before birth. Starting solid food after 10 months of age significantly affected eating habits. They were also twice as likely as the other children to have definite likes and dislikes.
Most kids grow out of food fads and eventually come around to eating once-hated foods.
David Lewis, a child psychologist who's studied the issue, has also analyzed the way parents cope with fussy eaters. A feature from The Times of London defines the four types and offers additional tips for frustrated parents.