Need Help...1 Yr Old Not Eating

Hello J.,
I have a son who is 20 months now, but he also went through a phase were he didnt eat as much as he had been. But now he is back to his old self and eating me out of house and home, :). As long as he seems to be ok, no fevers, rashes or anything like that then his appetite loss is normal and usually slows down at that age anyhow because they become more active and dont want to be bothered with sitting down to eat. Well good luck.

Hi J.,

Are you still feeding your one year-old the babyfood that he used to like when he was younger? Around the time my little guy turned one, just two months ago, he started to want table foods -- the pasta, rice, meats, eggs, and vegetables that my husband and I were eating. He'll have a jar of babyfood or a toddler meal every once in a while now, but he prefers table foods. Hope this helps!

C.
27 yr. old SAHM to a fourteen month old little boy.

My son went through the same thing. He only ate when he was absolutely starving and still has days when he does the same thing. Your son's not eating is more then likely just a phase, but if it will make you feel better, don't hesitate to talk to your pediatrician about it.

~{@ J. G.

My almost 1-yr. old has done that lately too. I looked it up in the "What To Expect the First Year" book (excellent book, by the way - good answers to common questions and concerns) and it said that when they start really crawling or walking (toddler stage) that they don't tend to eat as much because they're not growing as fast. I guess they almost triple their birthweight the first year, and then really slow down. You've probably noticed this during his doctor's visits.

The book also said that toddlers know if they're hungry or not, so don't force them to eat. However, I don't offer him anything else to eat either. I tell him, this is what we're having and if you don't want it, then you don't have to eat, but don't ask for something in an hour. He has kind of started eating a lot again, but just for specific meals, like lunch.

Good luck, let me know if you find anything that works!

My daugher has gone through occassional phases when she doesn't want to eat. Since your child is a one year old, they aren't at risk of a horrible health problem if they don't eat as much. The best thing to do is do not force them to eat. Let them eat what they want, and let them go. But be stern in not letting them have ANY food at all until the next feeding time. So if your kids only takes two bites at his lunch then wants to play, but a half hour later he is screaming he is hungry, don't give in. Let him wait that whole two hours (or how ever long you have it set) until his snack time, or until his dinner time if you don't have a snack time in between. This will help them keep their eating on a good schedule and that way you can be sure they will eat all of the good food you have for their well balanced meal later. Doctors will also tell you, even if they don't eat anything at the last feeding scheduled, that they won't starve or be detrimentally (sp?) harmed from missing one meal one random rare day. Even if you feel guilty for sending them to bed when they say they are hungry, its often for the best. You will help keep them on a schedule, keep their lifes balanced and keep them eating healthily. Plus, if they learn once that if they don't eat at the time they are offered, they will learn real quick that being hungry is not good and will try to eat what they can from then on. Especially if they know you wont give in an hour later and feed them anyway. Remember, as a parent you are responsible for keeping the balance and schedules of your child's early life to help them grow into a balanced person. Also, don't frett. Like my daughter, your child surely will increase their eating habbits once they hit that upcoming growth spurt. Remember also, kids know when they are full, and forcing them to eat may make them ill or give them issues about eating when they associate negativity with it. As long as you are giving them healthy foods and not giving in to their whims of goodies and eating when ever they want, then your child will grow up healthy and fine. Oh and one other simple answer, your child may be just getting tired of the "usual suspects". Kids often get burned out on what was once their favorite dish. For months it seemed all my daughter would eat was some sort of pasta, (like spagetti, mac n' cheese, ravioli, etc)and then she suddenly didn't want it at all. This is a good time to start introducing new foods. Plus, at one years old, they are basically able to eat whatever you fix for yourself for dinner, with certain moderations ofcourse. Like it can't be as hot or spicy, and you may need to slice/chop/blend/grind it up a bit for them to eat. And it often makes kids happy to see they get the same thing as you.