Percentiles compare your child’s height and weight with other Australian children of the same age and sex. A low percentile is not automatically a problem, because children come in different sizes. What matters more is the pattern over time. A child who has tracked steadily along the 10th percentile is usually fine. A child who drops across two percentile lines needs a closer look.

Some fussiness is normal from about 18 months to five years, when children become wary of new foods. It becomes a concern when the food list keeps shrinking, whole textures are refused, your child gags or vomits at the table, or growth changes. Extreme, persistent avoidance can indicate ARFID, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, which responds better to early support.

For a first appointment, yes where possible, because your dietitian may want to measure growth and observe how your child interacts with food. Older children and teenagers should attend so they can be part of the plan. Some follow ups can be parent only, which suits families where the child finds appointments stressful or where the changes are mostly about routine.

Usually not, for a healthy child over 12 months who is eating a reasonable variety. Toddler milks are expensive, often high in sugar, and can reduce appetite for meals. Oral nutrition supplements have a real place for children with faltering growth, medical conditions or very restricted intake, but they work best as a short term bridge with a clear plan to move back to food.

Yes. Sensory sensitivity, strong preferences for particular brands or textures, and appetite changes from ADHD medication are common reasons families are referred. Your dietitian works with your child’s sensory profile rather than against it, expanding around foods they already accept. If your child has an NDIS plan, dietetics may be funded under improved daily living. Bring your plan details to the first appointment.

Warning signs include cutting out food groups suddenly, new rules about “clean” or “bad” foods, eating alone, skipping meals, intense exercise, or weight and period changes. Interest in health can shift into restriction quickly during the teenage years. Early assessment matters. Your dietitian can screen for disordered eating and refer to a GP or psychologist when a team approach is needed.