本文回顧和幼兒飲食行為形成有關的文獻，結果顯示，對甜味的偏好是與生俱來的能力，且嬰幼兒均能隨著食物熱量密度調整進食量，即具有控制飲食熱量攝取的能力，但成人卻不具備此種控制攝食量的能力；而不論嬰兒或幼兒，似乎並不具備天生就能選擇符合自己生理需要的食物種類的能力。隨著年齡增加，經驗和學習對飲食行為的影響逐漸增加，甚至取代了生理本能。社會環境提供幼兒各種不同經驗和學習機會，家庭則是幼兒接觸最早的社會環境，父母的飲食教養方式、本身的角色典範均是影響子女飲食行為的重要因素；友伴、教師、媒體、教育也均是社會環境中影響幼兒飲食行為的重要因素。
This article reviewed the influencing factors on children's eating behaviors. The innate preference for sweet taste is generally recognized. Researches also showed that infants and young children can adjust their energy intake in response to the energy density of food. But neither infants nor young children have the ability to regulate nutrient intake according to their physiologically needs. Experiences and learning play major roles in the development of eating behavior as the children grow up. Social influences, such as parenting style and role model of parents, peers, teachers, and mass media all have significant effect on children's eating behavior.
