She Is Almost 2 and Doesn't Want to Eat

This is normal for a 2 year old. The more attention you pay to her eating the worse it will get.

If she gets one good meal that is great. At 2 the kids arent really growing much and do not need that much food.

You can try to give her a good breakfast- maybe eggs if she will eat them... but dont worry- kids will not starve. They will eat enough..

My 18 month old has days when she eats and other days when she doesnt eat much... I dont worry about it..

Sounds typical. My two-year-old does the same thing. The nutritionist at WIC told me that I shouldn't worry about it. She told me to think of my child's nutrition over the course of a whole week rather than day by day. If she gets a wide variety of foods, good healthy stuff, throughout the course of the week, that is what matters. My daughter intakes most of her calories before noon. I have learned not to worry about it too much. As long as the child remains healthy and active then she is doing just fine.

I'm sure you have enough reinforcements now, but just thought I would add that my son (22 months) is doing the exact same thing. He isn't even consistent with breakfast like your daughter is...sometimes he eats it, sometimes he doesn't. Also, he will LOVE a certain type of food one day (such as hot dogs) and won't touch it the next. This all just started happening recently too...for a long time, I've known moms who had gone through this with their children when their children were much younger, and I thought I was lucky to have such a wonderful eater!! Well I guess it really does happen to just about everyone!! Like everyone else says, try not to worry about it. I like the suggestions I just read by others, saying you can try the V8 Fusion Drinks or Pedia Sure Drinks or Carnation Instant Breakfast. I know Juicy Juice now has some type of juice out there that has "hidden veggies" in it as well...I think I will give some of these a try myself! Good luck!

Hi C. -

When I asked our doctor, as our daughter was doing the same thing (she goes in phases), he told me that kids this age eat one really good meal, one so-so meal, and one not hardly at all, and that this was normal.

Someone suggested adding carnation instant breakfast (1 packet a day) to her milk, or other food to increase her calorie intake if we wanted to, but her doctor said we didn't need too. I would check with your doctor if you are really concerned - they may suggest something or if nothing else, set your mind at ease!

J.

all of my girl s were the same way breakfeast is always a breeze the other two meal are like pulling teeth from a tigger my doctor told me they will eat when they are hungry kids won't starve them self so keep trying but if she dose not eat let it go she will make up for it latteer if your little one is anything like mine were it all about controll

My son is EXACTLY the same. Breakfast seems to be a breeze 99% of the time, and other meals are a battle. Every once in a while he'll surprise me and gobble down a big lunch or dinner, but usually he acts like he isn't hungry. The Dr. said it's normal and not to worry unless his wieght starts to drop, but he's not a heavy kid to begin with. We added a daily vitamin (Flintstones makes a "My First" vitamin for their age that you don't have to cut in half like others) and we have also been using the Pedia Sure shakes to insure he's getting some nutrients during meals he's less likely to eat. He really likes them and there are several flavors. Another thing we've done is instead of regular juices, he gets the V-8 Fusion juices. He loves them and he's not only getting his fruit juice, but also servings of vegetables in his juice. They're a little pricey for juice, but worth it in my opinion. He's going to be 3 in August and is showing signs of outgrowing this phase, so hang in there... He's been better about eating lunch and dinner, though often times it's things like chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese. Not my first choices, but hey, he's eating. Then there are the surprise days when he'll scarf down pork tenderloin and broccoli (believe it or not, he loves broccoli!?!?). There are still times when he'll take a bite and say he's done, but we've created rules... He doesn't have to eat but he has to stay at the table during lunch and dinner time to avoid the "I want to play instead of eat" battle. Also, if he doesn't eat he is not allowed anything else except water. I leave his plate on the table for a while (depending on what's on it obviously) so that way if we are snacking in the evening and he wants some, he has the opportunity to go back and finish his dinner and then share in the snack. If it's something that had to go in the fridge, I'll wrap up the plate and offer it again if he indicates that he's hungry or wants to share a snack. Seems to be working for us, so hopefully they're some ideas that will help you. Good luck, and it will pass...

I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old.
I noticed that 2-3 year olds seem to be grazers. They eat a little here, and a little there all through out the day.
The trick is to make sure that even their snackies are healthy. Fruit and veggies, cheese and crackers, or other dairy, peanut butter , and etc... pick and choose items from the 4 food groups.
Limited the juice to 4-6 oz a day, and make sure it is 100% juice - no sugar. My 2 year old even loves ice water. Introduce it on a hot day after playing outside.
If you make a big deal out of eating at meal times , thats when the battle begins. Good luck

both of my daughters have done the same thing. My youngest who is 3 right now is still going through it. I just let her go ahead and not eat. I know that she will eat when she is hungry enough. I have been told by alot of mom's of the same thing. I believe it is just something that kids go through.