Background: Picky eating is a widespread problem among young children globally, significantly impacting their physical and mental growth and troubling parents. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of picky eating among children aged 6 - 36 months who visited the Pediatrics Center at Thai Nguyen National Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from March to October 2024, involving a sample size of 194 children and their caregivers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and picky eating status was assessed through an 8-item standardized scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results: The highest rate of picky eating was recorded in the 12 - <24 months (50.0%), while the lowest rate was observed in the 6 - <12 months (11.9%). Picky eating was more prevalent in boys (65.5%), male/female: 1.9:1. It was also found in 10.8% of children with a history of premature birth and was more common among children whose mothers did not gain adequate weight during pregnancy (57.7%). Picky eating was more frequently observed in children who were not breastfed within the first hour after birth (49.5%), who were not exclusively breastfed during the first six months (58.8%), and who experienced incorrect weaning practices (60.8%).

Conclusion: The study found that Picky eating was most prevalent in the 12-<24 months (50%) and occurred frequently in boys (65,5%). These findings provide valuable data for local health interventions aimed at reducing picky eating in young children.