Picky Eater - Rockwall, TX

does she have snacks in-between, or eat anything that you know of? They go through stages. I'd just suggest putting her favorite if she has one in front of her and then just ignore and see if she eats it. Does she still take a bottle, if so that may be filling her up where she doesn't want food.

Hopefully she is having a bowel movement every day. And hopefully she isn't having any food allergies or food sensitivities. If all else seems fine, likely she is just fine.

My son is 3 1/2 now and he still does it. The pediatrician says he is fine. So, I dont worry about it. I do notice him eating much much less when he hasnt pooped in a while though.

depending on how long it is between meals, she might be past hungry. Try feeding her a little snack every couple of hours or so. My son wont eat if it has been too long between meals, they can not go as long as we can so a cerial bar or cracker is a good tie over until dinner.

Any baby doc will tell you that when they are two they will eat when they are hungry. Keep putting the food out, she will eat when she is hungry, don't try to feed her at odd times because you think she is starving. Make sure you stay consistant with meal times and when she is hungry she will eat. Also, make sure she is not drinking herself full, My friend was letting her kids drink milk whenever they wanted it, and then wondered why they were never hungry. At 20 months she is just starting the terrific twos early, have fun, relax and know that like all other two year olds before her, she will not starve to death!

Toddlers are amazing at knowing what they want. I have NEVER fought with my kids about eating, and this is what I did. If they were done, that was fine. They may have to stay at the table until we were all done (that way they aren't "done" so they can play). Also, whatever they eat has to be enough to keep them until the next meal (of course, normal snacks are ok, but don't let them get away with not eating lunch and then having a bunch of snacks before dinner.) But, if you don't make it a fight, it won't be. She won't starve. Even if she's not eating much. They grow so much in those first few years, and I find when they plateau out a bit, they usually eat less.

Also make sure she's not filling up on juice or milk, that will make her full and not want to eat much.

I have a 21-month old son who is going through the exact same thing...since about 18 months or so. I even spoke with his doctor, who said it is normal, and that he will get what he needs on his own. She did do a test to make sure he is getting plenty of iron, but otherwise, didn't seem concerned. There are many days that I wonder how he continues to grow and thrive on so little food! My doctor suggested that I may be giving him too much milk before meals, but I don't think that is it. He just doesn't eat much!

He is definitely a grazer, and his favorite way to eat is when I cut up lots of small, healthy snacks and arrange them in a muffin tin. He will carry that pan around all day, slowly snacking on the fruit, cheese and grain-products that I fill it with.

I totally understand how you feel...lots of wasted food, and time! I would say to just keep providing healthy foods and she will take what she needs. Maybe even try the muffin tin method (which I got from Dr. Sears)! Good luck!

My 4yo has done the same thing for years. Some days she eats great. Some days I don't think she took two bites all day. I spoke with her pediatrian who said pretty normal. They will eat when they are hungry. Just keep sweets and unhealthy snacks away until the healthy food was eaten. (my daughter has a big sweet tooth) and for snacks I now give her the special K protein snack bars. The pedi said they are fortified with vitamins along with protein. Hope this helps some and good luck.

My kids go through stages like this, too. Sometimes they are growing. They stop eating, grow, and then we need new clothes. As long as she is healthy, active, and hydrated, I wouldn't worry. Also, these phases are generally followed by a period where you think you can never afford enough food to fill them.

My daughter was a great eater until about 15 months. Then she started to eat less and less. She just turned 2 and almost never eats dinner and only drinks her milk. The doctor said she is healthy and probably just not hungry. I know they stop growing so fast after a year so maybe they just don't need as much to keep them going. I can tell when she's going through a growth spurt though because all the sudden she'll want to eat again for maybe a week and then it's back to not eating again. Talk to your doctor and I bet he'll be able to set your mind at ease.

Sometimes my 23 month old will eat all day every day, then nothing. It is normal for toddlers to do this. When they are going through a growth spurt they eat non stop. If you are worried about her nutrition, buy some of those protein supplements for kids. Just remember, kids are the healthiest eaters. They eat when they are hungry. I read that it is an accomplishment if you can get a toddler to eat something from each food group IN A WEEK. Don't be too worried. If you are, call the pedi.

This is not unusual at all in my experience. As long as she is gaining weight and growing in a healthy manner, you should not worry. All my kids went through stages of not eating or eating a lot! Keep serving healthy foods. She will eat when she is hungry. I suggest not serving her junky foods just because you feel that she needs to eat something. If you are worried, call your pediatrician.

Our care provider told us that childrens taste change like every 7 days and if they dont like something one week keep trying and that children will Not starve themselves and will eat more or less depending on growth needs. My 2 1/2 year old will eat like a pig one day and nothing but nibbles at stuff with lots of encouragement for days on end
I guess if you keep finger type foods accessible like broccoli n dip cheese apple slices, pb&j is better than nothing which is how I get by in these times.
As he will tend to eat on the go better than sitting down.
I hope this helps good luck

Oh i am so glad to see these posts, Maddie is doing the same thing!

My oldest was so hard to feed it seemed. She would not eat any meat. When we were in a rush in town and needed to stop at mcd's for chickennuggets and fries...no way. She basically only liked beans, any kind and saltine crackers. I would have to keep beans in the car. We ate at blackeyed pea so much when she was little. Ti was her favorite place. At home during dinner i would still make her a plate and ask her to take one bite but never force the issue. Even if she did nto eat she had to sit with us for a little bit to learn table manners and patience. Now she is a great eater. She will always try anything i put on her plate. One thing is though, she does tend to go thru spurts. She gets stuck on a favorite food. If you give her the choice at lunch, she will pick her new favorite food. But that is not bad. Seh does do really well in stopping when she is full and not eating just because others are. Ps... She loves mcd's now!

Its very normal for kids to be picky eaters. My 10 year old same way she likes alot of bread products. Sometimes it drives you crazy when make something and they want eat

It's completely normal.. All kids' appetites wax and wane, some more than others. As long as she's growing, it's ok. Just be sure to give her her flintstones! Before long, it'll shift and she'll go through a period of eating everything in sight, then back to nothing.

You might want to cut back on milk, it may be filling her up. My daughter loved milk and would drink it every chance she got which in turn affected her appetite, her doctor recommended we cut her intake of milk and her appetite improved, just make sure the food she does eat is nutrient packed and not just empty calories.

This is not unusual for that age - my younger son was that way (until he was almost 8!). At this age, the world around them is open to explore and for my son, he would much rather be doing something than spending time sitting still to eat. If you are worried she's not eating enough, put some snacks on a plate or in small cups that she can snack on during the day (e.g., raisins, celery pieces, fruit, chicken - of course, leaving that out for only a short period). She will eat when she is hungry - also you have to keep in mind that for kids this age, a serving is the equivalent of 2 tbsp. So, she may have been eating more in the past just prior to growth spurts. And, just make sure you are limiting juices and milk during the day, as some kids will fill up just on that - remember, their tummies are still on the small side.

Given that is has been going on several weeks...and you have a 2 month old...I would guess she is using food as a way to control her world now that you have the new baby. She may not have been hungry the first few times, but being a good mom you probably paid a lot of attention to it…so now she knows – no eating = mom’s attention. I would spend a little extra non-food related time with her – and I bet things will get better as she adjusts to the new baby ;-)