How can I improve my 18 month old's appetite?

Question

He has never been a good eater but his appetite continues to decrease. Doctors say give him less milk but he wont eat much of anything else.

Answer 1

My daughter was like this too when she was younger. It was a battle to get her to eat. I had to slowly add a bit of pediasure to her milk (start off with like 1/2 oz) because she wasn't eating enough....even though it was tiring, I also started looking up different recipes online and cooking different meals to see what type of foods my toddler likes to eat. It took some time but now she's eating more even though she still can be picky...

Answer 2

My mom has always said when a kid gets too picky, dont give them anything but what you feel they need, until they get on track. For instance if all he wants is milk, give him no milk. Let him get used to something else, and let him know Mommy, or Daddy, say what it is he will eat, not himself. Now is a good age for him to learn that the meal is what you put before him. On the flip side, he's at an age where he is gauging his independence. He's figured out that his choices count, and make a difference when he refuses to eat something he doesn't want. But, two can play at that game! Let him have his choice when it's between two fruits, or two types of juice, but don't let that be an option when it's time for lunch or dinner, and you have a set meal plan. And remember, if he's healthy and well-adjusted every other way, telling him no, and letting his tummy grumble a bit won't kill him. When he's actually really hungry, he'll eat what you put before him, it's animal instinct. Good luck!

Answer 3

I used to watch my neice a lot back when she was between 1 and 5... she always had a terrible appetite (never hungry, and when she was it wasn't much). My brother took her to the doctor and was told that he should giver her whatever she wants just to make sure she's getting enough calories.
That's not to say give him all the cupcakes and candy he wants, but if he'd rather have bologna than not eat, give him the piece of bologna - it's better than nothing.

Best of Luck!!!

Answer 4

Try a variety of easy to make and easy to digest foods for your child to possibly take interest in. If this cycle continues, then you should seek professional help despite what the idiot doctor tries to say. It could just be your child's stomach is retracting. There are a variable of possibilities. It is a good sign that he is still eating.

Answer 5

My 15 month old is just starting this. She used to be a biiiig eater (her nickname is pork chop!) but all of a sudden she refuses to eat. I finally figured out the best way to get her to eat is to let her out of her chair and while she is playing with her toys, I just keep popping food in her mouth. She is way too into her toys to even notice what I am doing. She is still getting enough to eat and we aren't battling it out every night trying to get her to eat!

Answer 6

My son is 14 months old and when i'm able to feed him a spoon full of food. I clap and begin celebrating it. He then gets the point that he did the right thing and continues eating.

Answer 7

I believe all kids go through this stage, I always thought my son wouldn't sat down to take the time to eat. He'll eat when he gets hungry enough. As with all things, this to will pass.

Answer 8

a accepted serving length for a toddler her age is a million Tablespoon. do not assume her to eat a large purchase. upload a multivitamin. try now to not rigidity-it is only a accepted section all toddlers her age go with the help of.

Answer 9

give him some vitamins that will increase the appetite.