A.M.
Don't worry too much about it. It's REALLY common, especially around that age, for their appetites to dwindle a bit. In the first 18 months, they are developing so quickly they can have crazy appetites, so when they suddenly drop, it can be a shock. This has happened with all 3 of mine. My twins are now 22 months and their appetites died suddenly around 17-18 months. They are just now gaining momentum again, it seems, as they once again become more active - running, jumping, getting outside to play more. Also, after 18 months, they should NOT be consuming more than 4 oz of 100% fruit juice or 16 oz of milk in a 24 hour period. Be sure that your daughter isn't feeling full from too many liquid calories. This was a problem with my twins...they are big milk drinkers. They were drinking 3-4 cups of milk per day, so no wonder they were so full! Our pediatrician also told us to look at their nutrition over the course of 1-2 week increments as opposed to daily (like we would for ourselves) as far as consumption of fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains goes. When I step back and look from that perspective, I can relax a bit and know that my kids are healthy and eating well. Just keep offering a variety of foods to your daughter. She'll eat when her activity level requires it. Sort of like us - if we're at a desk all day or in the car all day or something, we're not usually feeling as hungry as if we're constantly running around, working out, or on our feet! Our appetites all vary, but it's hard to know why when our little ones suddenly seem to go on food strikes! If you think anything could be wrong with her, or if her digestion or energy level or sleep patterns seem poor at the same time, I would say a trip to the doc never hurts. Or even just call. Most times, I've been able to get my own pediatrican to call me back on those pretty basic questions - and just his verbal response is the reassurance I need to know that I'm doing the right thing by being concerned and asking. Otherwise, do the activity test - take her out, run her around for a good hour, make her do a lot of walking, and see if she eats more later! All 3 of my kids act like they're starving after a good play! Good luck, and try not to worry too much!