Any ideas how to get my fussy 2.5yr old to eat?

Question

My daughter is 2.5years and will only eat a few diff things mainly toast or bread. Its so frustrating cos I feed her all home made stuff when weaning and she would eat anything. Now its a battle at mealtimes. Ive tried no snacks between meals so she is hungry but it dont work. Should I give her what she wants after shes refused the other meal? I dont want her to starve!

Answer 1

As my pediatrician told me he has "never seen a child who starved with caring parents and no medical issues be strong but loving and this too will pass". We have a two bite rule in our house which is even if you have had something before and didn't like it you must eat 2 bites of it before you can pass on it [daddy and I follow it too just to set a good example] and I used to have a chart for my son where if it was a food he didn't like but tried it again he would get stickers and after 5 he could choose the next meal. He is 16 now and has learned how much tastes change, he hated pickles now loves them same with many other foods and he eats tons of fish and veggies most kids and some adults wouldn't have even tried. Even my husband has changed [when we first married he wouldn't eat many veggies especially broccoli but now likes it :)]
I also always served small amounts of everything this way he didn't get too overwhelmed and he could ask for more if he liked it. Good luck I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I also have a 2.5 year old all kids are different I can say that we all sit around the table together for dinner and if we are trying something new she may not want to try it, but as we are eating we all say how lovely and delicous it tastes making all of the usual mm sounds and this usually gets her to try it. All in all mine is a really good eater, but she does have her days when she just messes around with the food on her plate and she will just want to eat the bread, as long as she has had a few nibbles and drinks her milk then I dont stress just keep trying and she will get there eventually if you are all eating together as a family and she is having what the rest of the family are eating

good luck
from a mum of three 14....2.5 and 11 weeks

Answer 3

No I wouldn't give her what she wants, because than you are letting her tell you what is and isn't, she will be the one controlling you, instead of you controlling her. I would try different things, such as: with hot dogs, you can cut it to make it look like an octopus and than with ketchup and or musturd you can make eyes and the rest of the face, and just make different animals or shapes with things. Just like with sandwiches you can use cookie cutters and make hearts or any shape cookie cutter. Try making meal time a fun time with these animal shaped or cookie cutter shape things. And tell her if she eats it all gone than she can have a bed time snack or that maybe she can have 5-10 minutes of extra special time with mommy or daddy. I'd try doing animal shapes and all. This is just my opinion though. I have a son born aug.2004 and he eats everything, even hot sauce and jalapenoeno's. So I don't have that problem, but I did with some of my other boys. I am a mom of 5 boys so I do know what i'm talking about.

Answer 4

You can try using cookie cutters on some of her food or sprinkles which have basically nothing in them and won't change the flavor. It might make her want to eat more. Last night I made pumpkin shaped biscuts and orange gravy for dinner. The kids loved it way more than "regular" biscuts and gravy. lol She won't starve herself, try giving her apples and peanut butter,applesauce or string cheese, etc. for a snack if she needs it so at least she is getting something healthy if she is refusing most foods and be sure she is getting a multi-vitamin. Good Luck

Answer 5

Don't feed her. just giver her the dinner you have cooked at the appropriate time. If she doesnt eat after a little encouragement, take her plate away but don't her leave the table until the whole family have finsihed. Next dinner time do the same thing. Don't make a fuss, just let her get on with with. She will learn in time and don't worry, she won't starve.

Answer 6

No child who is offered food will ever starve. My doctor told me that when my son was that age, and it's true.

If she's otherwise healthy with lots of energy then don't worry. Just keep doing what you're doing, and eventually it'll start to improve.

DON'T be tempted to offer snacks to fill her up, believe me - it's a lot harder to change the earting habits of a 10/12 year old than a 2 year old.

Answer 7

I too used to do the same thing when I was of this age. Well make something that your daughter like. Then also if she dont eat that then stop purchasing toast and other stuff. When she would feel hungry, she will automatically eat what you made for her
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Answer 8

Grow edible plants together with her - cress grows in a day or so, and she will love eating the cress in sandwiches!!! Or bean sprouts etc - these are all quite quick and if she's had involvement in growing it, she will want to eat it. Also get her involved in the cooking - make healthy soups together and get her to stir (under close supervision of course)

Answer 9

my son, now 8 years old started to be like that @ that age too, his Dr. told me let him eat the meals he likes & be sure he has a childs multivitamin everyday.
My son is now starting to try food he would never eat before & he's finding out that he likes some of them,
just give it time & you will see her tastes will change as
she gets older. Take Care

Answer 10

she won't starve just make sure she has something to drink but persevere and don't give in at the moment she is using food to gain control over you and get your attention. don't worry no one will shop you to social services! and in the long run you will be doing her a big favour if you're in the uk did you see Chubby children this 11 year old girl weighed 13 stone! and she was soo unhappy being big...i tell you it was scary