Is Using Food as a Reward Harmful?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to is using food as a reward harmful, here is what the guidelines recommend.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: You occasionally use a special food to celebrate but do not tie it to behavior
- Call your doctor if: Your child is showing signs of emotional eating or binge eating
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-3 months, not applicable as babies are not eating solids. It is generally considered normal when you occasionally use a special food to celebrate but do not tie it to behavior. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is showing signs of emotional eating or binge eating.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Not applicable as babies are not eating solids.
4-6 months
Not applicable for this age group.
6-9 months
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.
9-12 months
Begin treating all foods neutrally. Do not use one food to bribe baby to eat another. All foods served are acceptable options.
12-24 months
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed is using food as a reward harmful and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you find yourself relying on food rewards frequently and want to change.
- Mention if your child only eats certain foods if bribed with treats.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice is using food as a reward harmful — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that you occasionally use a special food to celebrate but do not tie it to behavior — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is showing signs of emotional eating or binge eating.
Related Conditions
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.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is is using food as a reward harmful normal?
When should I call the doctor about is using food as a reward harmful?
When is is using food as a reward harmful normal?
What causes is using food as a reward harmful?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about is using food as a reward harmful?
Is is using food as a reward harmful normal at 0-3 months?
Is is using food as a reward harmful normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for is using food as a reward harmful?
Does is using food as a reward harmful go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Is Using Food as a Reward Harmful?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed is using food as a reward harmful and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you find yourself relying on food rewards frequently and want to change.
- Mention if your child only eats certain foods if bribed with treats.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is showing signs of emotional eating or binge eating
- Your child has an unhealthy relationship with food that causes significant distress
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of is using food as a reward harmful are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is showing signs of emotional eating or binge eating.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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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.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.