Desperate with Baby Daughter Eating Habits

S.,

My son is 2.5 and is a texture fanatic! If he doesn't like the texture he won't eat it...he does this thing where he rubs it on his lips and if it isn't appealing he says, "YUCK".

So, what you are going through is totally normal. Toddlers are by nature picky eaters. Food is still NEW and it can take time for them to decide what is 'good' and what is 'yucky'. My son doesn't like soup, he hates sauces and only eats lima beans, corn and carrots as far as veggies are concerned. But, in my mind that's a victory!!

What I have done is stick to a basic 'food routine' and gradually add things to that to let him 'try out'. Even if he doesn't like it at first, I will re-introduce it a week later. Over time if it becomes a part of his routine he starts to get used to it being on his plate and will eat some of it at least.

For example, in the mornings we always have half an egg, a protein (turkey sausage, beef sausage) and then some kind of carb like cereal (no milk-he hates soggy cereal), toast, half a bagel, oatmeal (still working on it), frozen waffle or pancakes. Then, I introduce different fruits or other sides like the oatmeal he's still not fond of...this gives him the basic of what he likes, but a chance to look at other things and try them.

Putting something new in front of a toddler without some sort of core basic food they WILL eat is like banging your head against a wall.

If she doesn't like cooked veggies, then serve her raw ones with the option to dip in dressing or sauce...they're healthier uncooked anyway. Have you tried Dino Bites or other finger food type stuff? My son loves appetizers from Whole Foods, and thinks they are special just for him. They have tons of cruncy stuff with cool fillings, and healthy alternatives.

Don't worry if she's a picky eater...it's normal for toddlers to not be 'adventurous' with food but, to work up to it.

My son loves the oddest things, and won't touch others...like he loves salmon, but hates spagethii sauce of any kind. Just find what works for her, and stick with it. Come up with a food routine that will allow her to have a comfort zone, and then introduce foods and let her be in charge of picking what she's up for. I take my son to grocery store with me and he helps me pick and choose his foods. It's fun and gives them a sense of empowerment and choice.

Good Luck and have fun! Food and toddlers can be tough, but can also become entertaining.

Cheers!
Deanna

http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/pickyeater.htm

My 26 month old daughter is a bit like yours. I've found that if I just continuously present a particular food, she sometimes will take to it. Often, this means she plays with it for awhile and makes a mess, but this method has been somewhat successful in expanding her diet. My rule is if she still won't eat it after about 12 tries, then I stop trying. She also rejects cow's milk, rice milk, soy milk, yogurt, etc... I give her vitamins and fortified orange juice and attempt to mix in spinach and things to some foods to help replace some of the things she's missing in her diet. I've discussed this with her pediatrician and feel better that I'm doing the best I can with her and that her basic nutrition needs are being met, even if not in the ideal way. I will say that her eating has improved tremendously since 19 months, so maybe things will soon improve for your daughter. She finally will sometimes eat meat. Oh yes, I also cut way back on giving her the breads and crackers that she loves. When she's a bit more hungry, she's more likely to try a food. Good luck!

Sounds pretty typical! Both my girls went through the same thing. I think once they find a new food that they like, they reject others. Just like activities. They will eventually get back to it with time. It's really part of their independence and making THEIR own choices!

just offer her a variety of foods like you already do. if she likes things crunchy right now try raw fruits and veggies cut small enough for her to eat. they go in phases on what they want to eat. my daughter when through a huge cheese phase now only wants to eat string cheese and fights with anything else. give it time if shes hungry she will eat. good luck!