Daughters lost her appetite?

Question

My 20month old daughter has never been a fussy eater and her appetite has always been great to say the least. But for the lastmonth or so she has started to become really fussy about what she eats. She is not unwell at all. I just wondered if this is a phase that all toddlers go through because i'm getting fed up of making beans on toast for every meal.

Answer 1

It's a phase. My son went for years hardly eating enough to keep a bird alive (in my opinion). It started at about the same age as your daughter.
The pediatrician said not to worry about it as long as he was healthy. He's now 16 and I wish he was still so cheap to feed as he used to be. Just keep providing nutritious choices but don't try to force her to eat.
Peace

Answer 2

Ye its a phase! She has reached the 'terrible twos' early, this is the age when they realise they have a say in what goes on in there life and that they do have a little bit of power and control. The important thing is to find a balance in which she has enough control to feel empowered and give her confidence but at the same time she knows when it comes down to it you are the boss. Try giving her a choice before meal times of only 2 or 3 things, she has the power to choose but at the same time you have control too. When she has made her choice thats it, she must eat it or nothing else dont worry she wont let herself starve. Even if she chooses beans on toast for a bit longer then dont worry long as as she is eating something then thats all that really matters. Its a really good sign that your daughter is growing up and finding her place in the world.

Answer 3

Welcome to the reality of parenthood! This is a normal phase for toddlers to go through. Just keep offering her other food - remember no child will ever willingly starve themselves. If she has beans on toast for breakfast - so what - who made the rule that she had to have breakfast cereal? As a mother of three including a toddler, ten and thirteen year old I can say they all went through this and the toddler still is! Believe me when they get to four/five years old you can reason with them then and they will become more willing to try other things. Best just to ride through this time calmly because the more you react the more your daughter will not eat. Speak to your health visitor if worried about maybe giving your daughter some vitamin drops and if you note down what she has eaten over a couple of days rather than just one you will probably see that she is actually getting enough essential nutrients. Good luck.

Answer 4

I have a 2and 1/2 yr old daughter and she was like your daughter loved her food and was not fussy at all when she hit two she then became very fussy. i have 2 bits of advice be strict don't give in and give her sweets crisps etc because if u do she will never eat meals as she knows u will give in and give her junk. also i found a homoeopathic solution the tablets are called Pulsatilla and cost less than £5 for 125 tablets they increase a child's appetite i wasn't sure they would work but they did for my daughter if u have a local herb shop you can go there and ask. best of luck

Answer 5

Snap, my daughter is just the same! What I have been doing is keeping to the routine of 3 meals a day (breakfast,lunch and dinner) and if she eats anything then thats a bonus if she don't well I try not to get annoyed with her. She's always got a drink in her hand so I know her fluids are going in.
Heathvistors reckon snacking is good for them throughout the day. Personally I think that would muck up her 3 meal aday rountine, but whatever works for you and baby eh..
Best of luck though mate

Answer 6

Welcome to the 'near-twos'... as exciting and exasperating as the 'twos' and the 'post-twos'. All kids, it seems, go through this stage - they just like to try-it-on. It seems to be a kind of experimentation to see how far they can push you and what they can get away with.

Be persistent about offering a variety of foods. It is important that they try lots of different things and a variety of tastes. Don't predict what they might eat - trying something unexpected sometimes is really popular. Sushi and curries are really popular with our 1 and 2 year olds! Never offer an alternative as they will seek this every time. If they are not hungry enough to eat what you offer, then they are not really hungry.

We have had a rule with our almost-3yo that he has to try EVERYTHING on his plate. Even if he doesn't like it - just one bite - he doesn't have to finish it. It is surprising how often he 'likes' something that he at first refused to touch.

Remember that no child will ever starve themselves.

Answer 7

I think it's normal for kids to go through phases. Mine are teens and they still have times where they eat like crazy and then back off and don't eat too much. They've always been like that.

With babies, a lot of time they'll get hooked on eating one thing for a few months, then move on to the next thing. It seems like all they'll eat is rice, then toast, then...

Speak with your doc if you're worried, but I saw this phase in my kids - still do. They're fine.

Answer 8

I think she is trying to tell you that she does not want the beans and toast anymore not for every meal. You need to try something different with your child. If any other thing does not work than call the doctor and them what is going on and they can help you. Good luck

Answer 9

My oldest went thru a stage like this at the same age. I was concerned and asked the doctor about it. The doctor's response "children will eat when they're hungry - don't worry about it". A week later he began eating again like normal.
Who in the world feeds their child beans on toast.....
The child needs healthy foods. Beans are difficult on a body - no matter what the age. The last thing she needs is a bunch of gas.

Answer 10

All my children have gone through this phase. With my son I used to cut his sandwiches up into shapes like stars or hearts (using a pastry cutter) then I'd rearrange food on his plate in the shape of a face or something. It worked for him but with my daughter nothing worked. She was a real skinny little thing and worried me to death but shes 10 now and eats like a horse. I know its hard not to worry but she'll be absolutely fine.