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Familiarizing with Toy Food: Preliminary Research and Future Directions

  • Meghan Lynch, MA

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress for correspondence: Meghan Lynch, MA, University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 155 College Street, Room 620, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7 Canada; Phone: (416) 978-8112; Fax: (416) 978-3217

Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada

published online 22 August 2011.
Corrected Proof

Abstract 

Objective

A qualitative content analysis of children and parents interacting with toy food in their homes in view of recommendations for developing healthful food preferences.

Methods

YouTube videos (n = 101) of children and parents interacting in toy kitchen settings were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Toy food was categorized under 5 food groups, and interactions were compared to literature on developing healthful food preferences in children in real life.

Results

The most popular food group represented by the toys was Extras, followed by Fruits/Vegetables, Meats/Alternatives, Grains, and Milk/Dairy. Many parents were also found to encourage behaviors not conducive to healthful food preference development in children.

Conclusions and Implications

Future research needs to determine whether familiarization with toy food influences children's real-life food preferences. Nutrition education programs for young children and parents could greatly benefit from future research on this approach. Exploring novel ways of developing children's food preferences is well warranted.

Key Words: child, qualitative, social influences, food behavior

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PII: S1499-4046(11)00045-5

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2011.01.012

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