How do I know if my 2 and a half year old is eating too much? Should I tell him no when he wants more food?

Question

My son seems to be a bottomless pit! He is not skinny but he is not overweight either. However he is 85th percentile for weight and 25th percentile for height- so he is stocky. Should I let him eat as much as he wants or should I cut him off?

Answer 1

I would try to back off unless everything you give him is healthy . I would keep alot of canned fruit jello's fresh fruit and veggies in the house . Yogart and when he says he is hungrey give him these types of things instead .

Answer 2

Just make sure that what he is eating is healthy. If he's eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and meat, then it's probably no big deal. If you're giving him nothing but pudding and chips, then you need to cut back and only offer him healthy foods. Most toddlers go through phases where they are stocky, then they stretch out, then get stocky again, then stretch out again. My nephew was always 95-100% of height and weight, and he's not chunky at all. Just a very strong (and healthy) boy. If you still aren't sure, ask your doctor.

Answer 3

I am only writing an answer to add something to good advice already given. You say that he is a "bottomless pit"? I want to ask if you mean that he DOESN'T want to stop, and does he cry when you take the food away, or are you just using an exaggeration? There are medical conditions that make a person want to over-eat, because they lack a certain brain chemical that tells them when they are full. I hope you are just exaggerating----because if you aren't, then you need to take him to his doctor.
I am probably wrong, so don't be alarmed. Just trying to help. Also i want to commend you on caring about his eating habits. Sorry for any rude comments.

Answer 4

Heres how we feed our little guy. He is in the 95% of height and 60% in weight.

Get up at 8am feed breakfast. Cereal and an 8oz bottle
10 30am he gets a snack. Fruit cup/applesauce and a 4oz bottle.
12 30pm Lunch. Usually a grilled cheese sandwich no crust and an 8oz bottle.
1 - 3 pm naptime
3 30pm snack cookie and a 4oz bottle
7pm dinner. Raviolli or something and an 8oz bottle w/dessert like a pudding cup.

Answer 5

Well any doctor would tell you that your stomach is only as big a your fist. But if he is eating more than you, or even as much as you and you are grown then I would suggest cutting him back a little at a time so he does not feel hungry. Teach him to eat better. Don't just tell him no. Give him a little less each time. Or as others have said, give him healthy things instead

Answer 6

I too would recommend healthy meals and snacks with plenty of activity. I also would not underestimate the possibility that he may be thirsty-not hungry. When my daughter (4 1/2) asks for something to eat or says shes hungry when I've just fed her I insist that she drink a glass of water first...you'd be surprised how often that satisfies her. Parents definitely reinforce good or bad eating habits- so it's more than okay to say no! You are not going to be depriving him! Kids, like adults also eat out of boredom-so turn off the t.v./videos and encourage active play! GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

at least he's a good eater! most two year olds are picky eaters! if he's snacking all the time, cut out most of the snacks, and have him eat just at meal time. if he's eating alot at meal time, cut down on the portions a little (not a whole lot). if he's doing both, snacking all day, and eating alot at meal times, do small snacks through the day, and smaller portions at meal time. if he gets mad that you arent giving him all the food he wants, explain to him, that if he eats too much now that it will spoil his yummy supper, and that meal time is the most important meal of the day, because it will help him grow strong and big! if it seems that food isnt "sticking" in his stomach, try giving him thicker foods. i find with my daughter, she is more hungry sooner after a bowl of mac and cheese, because she burns the starch off soo fast because she is so active. if he is eating alot because he likes the taste of food, make sure you are giving him lots of healthy snacks. cant go wrong with healthy food!

Answer 8

Yes, you should tell him when to stop eating or else he'll be fat like every other kid in America. And if he's seriously still hungry then give him an apple or something healthy. Feeding your child healthy foods during their youth will help them in the long run when they're older to make better food choices.

Answer 9

make sure he is hungry when you feed him. not bored, sad, or unhappy. now is the time to instill good eating habits. feed him three meals a day and three snacks (healthy) in between. make sure he is not filling up on empty calories with things like soda, or alot of fruit juices. allow him one 6 oz glass of juice a day, and about 15oz of milk. if he is thirsty in between give him water. if he complains he is hungry in between meals or snacks, allow him to have a piece of fruit. this is not to say never allow him to have any junk food ever, but save those for special occasions. you can also cut back calories by buying healthier alternatives. never let him eat trans fats. limit saturated fats. food high in sugar like sugary cereals. and finally, be a good role model. take him to the park, for a ride on his tricycle. enroll him in a class or sport in his age group like swimming.

i don't want to say he is "over weight". that's something a doctor can decide. but it does seem like a larger gap in between his weight and height. my daughters has always been pretty close. (for example at her last appointment, she was 95 for weight and 97 for height, so she's big, but proportioned.) maybe you should take him to the doctor and see what he says. maybe he is due for a growth spurt at any minute and catch up, but do sill enforce healthy eating at home.

Answer 10

It depends what he's eating, give him a variety of fruits to eat and which ever one(s) he favors the most, buy more and let him eat as much as he wants.

Keep sugary/salty/fat/ect. things away from him. Fish is another thing that won't fill him up - So you might want to avoid that for not considering that fish doesn't fill people up as much as other foods.

Make things that he doesn't like as much, for example; If he doesn't like macoroni as much as he loves hot dogs, then make macoroni or something that he doesn't like or dislike.

Good luck!

Answer 11

I think as long as he's eating healthy and no junk he shoud be fine. Was he underwitght at birth? One of my guys was and ate non stop. I find kids grow out then gain the height after. As long as Doc say it's ok I wouldn't worry. Also take into account your height as well.