Baby or Toddler Throwing Food
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby or toddler throwing food, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Food throwing is one of the most common (and most frustrating) mealtime behaviors, and it is actually a normal part of development. Babies throw food to explore cause and effect, test boundaries, and communicate that they are finished eating. While messy, it is a sign of healthy cognitive development. It typically peaks between 8 and 18 months and gradually improves as language develops and your child can tell you they are done.
Key takeaways
- Food throwing is one of the most common (and most frustrating) mealtime behaviors, and it is actually a normal part of development. Babies throw food to explore cause and effect, test boundaries, and communicate that they are finished eating. While messy, it is a sign of healthy cognitive development. It typically peaks between 8 and 18 months and gradually improves as language develops and your child can tell you they are done.
- Usually normal when: Your baby throws food toward the end of the meal when they are getting full
- Call your doctor if: Your child is not eating enough from any source and is showing signs of weight loss or nutritional deficiency
- 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, CDC guidelines, food throwing is one of the most common (and most frustrating) mealtime behaviors, and it is actually a normal part of development. Babies throw food to explore cause and effect, test boundaries, and communicate that they are finished eating. While messy, it is a sign of healthy cognitive development. It typically peaks between 8 and 18 months and gradually improves as language develops and your child can tell you they are done. At 6-9 months, at this age, food throwing is purely exploratory. Your baby is fascinated by what happens when they release an object and it falls. This is the same reason they drop toys from the high chair. They are learning about gravity and cause and effect. Offering small amounts of food at a time rather than a full plate can reduce waste while still allowing exploration. It is generally considered normal when your baby throws food toward the end of the meal when they are getting full. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is not eating enough from any source and is showing signs of weight loss or nutritional deficiency.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-9 months
At this age, food throwing is purely exploratory. Your baby is fascinated by what happens when they release an object and it falls. This is the same reason they drop toys from the high chair. They are learning about gravity and cause and effect. Offering small amounts of food at a time rather than a full plate can reduce waste while still allowing exploration.
9-12 months
Food throwing often increases as babies develop better hand control and the ability to intentionally release objects. Your baby may also throw food when they are finished eating but cannot yet communicate this with words. Teaching the sign for "all done" can give them an alternative way to signal the end of a meal. Stay calm and avoid making a big reaction, which can turn throwing into a game.
12-18 months
Toddlers in this range throw food for a mix of reasons: they are finished, they do not like that particular food, they want your attention, or they are testing boundaries. Setting a calm, consistent boundary by saying "food stays on the tray" and ending the meal after a few throws is an effective strategy. Avoid punishing or making it into a power struggle.
18 months+
As language develops, food throwing usually decreases because toddlers can verbally communicate their needs. If throwing persists well past 2 years old and is accompanied by other challenging mealtime behaviors, it may be worth exploring whether there are sensory issues or the mealtime environment needs adjustments. Most toddlers, however, gradually learn table manners through consistent, gentle guidance.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler throwing food and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child throws food at every meal and eats very little, leading to poor weight gain.
- Mention if food throwing is accompanied by extreme distress, gagging, or a strong aversion to certain textures.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby throws food toward the end of the meal when they are getting full
- Food throwing coincides with the age when your baby is learning to drop and throw everything, not just food
- Your baby eats some food and throws some at each meal
- Your toddler throws food less often when they are truly hungry versus just snacking
- Food throwing decreases over time as your child learns to say or sign "all done"
- Your child throws food at every meal and eats very little, leading to poor weight gain
- Food throwing is accompanied by extreme distress, gagging, or a strong aversion to certain textures
- Your toddler over 2 years old is escalating mealtime behaviors including throwing, screaming, and refusing to sit
- Your child is not eating enough from any source and is showing signs of weight loss or nutritional deficiency
- Food throwing is part of a larger pattern of extreme behavioral difficulties that are affecting your family's well-being
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby or toddler throwing food — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby throws food toward the end of the meal when they are getting full — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-9 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 not eating enough from any source and is showing signs of weight loss or nutritional deficiency.
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 baby or toddler throwing food normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby or toddler throwing food?
When is baby or toddler throwing food normal?
What causes baby or toddler throwing food?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby or toddler throwing food?
Is baby or toddler throwing food normal at 6-9 months?
Is baby or toddler throwing food normal at 9-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby or toddler throwing food?
Does baby or toddler throwing food go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby or Toddler Throwing Food.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler throwing food and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child throws food at every meal and eats very little, leading to poor weight gain.
- Mention if food throwing is accompanied by extreme distress, gagging, or a strong aversion to certain textures.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child throws food at every meal and eats very little, leading to poor weight gain
- Food throwing is accompanied by extreme distress, gagging, or a strong aversion to certain textures
- Your toddler over 2 years old is escalating mealtime behaviors including throwing, screaming, and refusing to sit
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is not eating enough from any source and is showing signs of weight loss or nutritional deficiency
- Food throwing is part of a larger pattern of extreme behavioral difficulties that are affecting your family's well-being
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 baby or toddler throwing food are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is not eating enough from any source and is showing signs of weight loss or nutritional deficiency.
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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