Is Using Food as a Reward Harmful?
The short answer
Research consistently shows that using food as a reward can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. It teaches children to eat when they are not hungry, increases preference for reward foods (usually sweets), and can contribute to emotional eating later in life. Instead, use non-food rewards like stickers, extra playtime, or special activities.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
Not applicable as babies are not eating solids.
Not applicable for this age group.
This is an ideal time to establish neutral attitudes toward all foods. Avoid praising baby excessively for eating certain foods while showing disappointment about others.
Begin treating all foods neutrally. Do not use one food to bribe baby to eat another. All foods served are acceptable options.
This is when food rewards become most tempting. Resist using treats to manage behavior. Saying "eat your vegetables and you can have dessert" teaches children that vegetables are undesirable and dessert is the goal. Serve dessert as part of the meal in small portions or offer it on some nights without conditions.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You occasionally use a special food to celebrate but do not tie it to behavior
- You serve all foods as neutral options at mealtime
- You use non-food rewards like stickers and activities for behavior management
- You find yourself relying on food rewards frequently and want to change
- Your child only eats certain foods if bribed with treats
- You are concerned that food reward patterns may be developing into unhealthy eating habits
- Your child is showing signs of emotional eating or binge eating
- Your child has an unhealthy relationship with food that causes significant distress
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Feeding Concerns
Does Pressuring My Child to Eat Backfire?
Yes, research consistently shows that pressuring children to eat backfires. It decreases their enjoyment of food, increases picky eating, reduces their ability to self-regulate intake, and can create negative associations with mealtimes. Children who are pressured to eat tend to eat less of the pressured food, not more. A relaxed, no-pressure approach produces better long-term results.
Should I Make My Child Finish Everything on Their Plate?
Requiring children to clean their plate undermines their ability to recognize and respond to their own fullness signals. This can lead to overeating, an unhealthy relationship with food, and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight later in life. Instead, serve small portions and let your child ask for more. Trust that they know when they are full.
Should I Withhold Dessert Until My Child Eats Dinner?
Using dessert as leverage ("eat your vegetables and you can have dessert") actually backfires. Research shows this approach elevates the status of dessert, makes vegetables seem like a chore, and teaches children that sweets are the most desirable food. A better approach is to serve a small dessert alongside the meal or on some nights without conditions, keeping all foods emotionally neutral.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
Could My Baby Be Aspirating During Feeding?
Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Signs include coughing or choking during every feed, a wet or gurgly voice after eating, recurrent chest infections, and breathing changes during meals. Silent aspiration can occur without obvious coughing. If you suspect aspiration, contact your pediatrician as a swallowing study can diagnose it.