My son is almost 2 1/2 and is still eating baby jarred food. He will only eat turkey hotdogs and chicken nuggats (all high in sodium) So diet consist of Oatmeal for breafast banana for snack most day turkey hotdog with jarred sweet potatoes and green beans animal crackers or ritz crackers for snack maybe more friut and for dinner chicken nuggats jarred green beans and sweet potatoes. He will also eat rice and very little pasta. He has many allergies and is not able to have beef pork shell fish eggs milk strawberrys soy and pecans. He refuses anything except the above mentioned, what do I do to get him to ttry something else. He will not even eat chicken strips only nuggats.
You really need to get him off jar foods just so that his jaw/teeth can develop and get used to chewing. You could probably try making your own baby food, crushing or putting it in a processor to get him used to the taste of table food and then gradually introduce other solids. Good luck
My daughter in law went Vegan after my granddaughter was born. My granddaughter is 26mos old and eats a huge variety of raw veggies and fruits. A bowl full of colorful, healthy fruits and veggies is hard to turn down.
You might want to blanch them to get them a little more tender depending on your childs chewing capabilities. My granddaughter loves snap peas, they are so sweet and delicious and such a pretty green color.
Go to the book store and check out the cookbook section, there are lots of books for feeding toddlers where you can get some ideas.... actually the library would be better. Take a note pad and jot down some recipes.
If a child is hungry they will eat what you put in front of them... trust me he wont starve while you experiment. Keep in mind too that he is at age where he is trying to "control" what he can in his little world... food is one of those things.
Cook things that smell good, dont let him snack prior to, the aromas will lead to hunger and he'll try the things you have on the plate for him. Don't play games, if he doesnt want it wrap it up and put it in the fridge and offer it to him again later when he's hungrier. You are the boss ya know?
My son is VERY picky as well. Will your son eat any mac and cheese (Whole Foods or even Amazon can point you in the direction of a dairy/soy free one)? My son only wants to eat mac n cheese, applesauce, etc. I have started putting stage 3 organic (Earth's Best) baby food in the mac n cheese, Sneaky Chef style. He is none the wiser.
All you can do is keep offering him a variety of foods. For many kids, this takes over 10 times of offering. Does your son have an sensory issues? A limited diet like this could indicate a problem with sensory processing. I would talk to his doctor and see what he or she has to say. Will he at least eat 3rd food? My son is limited as well and I know how frustrating it can be. In the meantime, can you get him low sodium hotdogs or make your own nuggets? Will he eat yogurt?
Go organic. My little one is a picky eater too. To avoid the sodium in the chicken nuggets I found some that are veggie based at http://www.quorn.us/Home/ .The products are excellent and the ones I buy don't contain soy. Because they taste good she cannot tell whether its chicken or not. As for hot dogs I buy from the Amish market. The don't add the fillers and salt. You can find the Quorn products in Giant and MOM's market. I wish you well. The Amish market is in Upper Marlboro on Brown Station Rd, about 25 minutes from your location.
I have to agree with grandma. Variety is the key. He also may have sensory issues. That would be something an OT can help with. In the meantime, try smoothies. Just blend part of a banana, and one or two other fruits and veggies. You can get a variety of protein powder that is not soy or dairy. There is pea protein and hemp protein and veggie protein. Try Vega brand, they are great. When feeing veggies you can give them raw or steam them lightly. Some moms have had success with then cutting them into various shapes with cookie cutters. Try other grains: quinoa, barley, millet, teff. Dive into beans: lentils, black , great northern, pinto, kidney, aduki and so many more. I'd suggest going to MOM's in Bowie, I think that is the closest one to you and looking through the store for various foods that fit outside his allergy zone.
Good luck,
L.
Do you eat at the same time as your son? I found that it really helped to introduce him to new foods. He also wants what is on my plate before he will eat his own.
