What to do about toddler son not eating?

Question

My 2 year old son hasn't been interested in eating much lately. He did eat a bit yesterday, but today has had maybe 5 goldfish and 5 baked chips. I made him scrambled eggs, chicken nuggets, a hotdog, oatmeal, (all his favorites) and he just doesn't want any of it. He used to eat peas and corn, but now he pushes it away and says "no". My husband is freaking out about this, but I say as long as he's drinking, having wet diapers and pooping, that it will pass.
Anyone else have experience with this?
TIA

Answer 1

firstly make sure he is not ill, and not the terrible twos. If he pushes his food away let him know that this is ok but you are only prepared to give him one meal and one chance if he doesn't eat it then he must leave the table and go to his room till you have finished yours, believe me he will only do this for a few meals you are also teaching him to make choices sounds hard but it will be worth it in the end. Good luck

Answer 2

I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one going through this right now. I have a 3 year old with the same issue. She just doesn't have an interest in eating and it's a fight during breakfast, lunch and especially dinner time. I will try feeding her, this last a little while even though she is old enough to feed herself. I have also told her if she doesn't eat her meal then no snacks until the next meal. I know it sounds harsh but so far so good. I still struggle a little bit. And kids go through growth spurts where they eat and sleep tons and then nothing so don't sweat it. Like you said as long as he is drinking and having normal diapers I think he will be fine. But if you are that worried about it, call and talk to a nurse at the dr.'s office to get some advice.

Answer 3

Sounds like a growth spurt. Kids will go through bouts of eating like there is no tomorrow and then barely eating at all. At the end of the not eating phase they will have gained weight as well as height. However cut out the snacks. Offer him only wholesome healthy meals and no snacks until he has eaten his meals. It doesn't matter WHAT the snack is healthy or not don't give in to snacking. A child doesn't decipher between a healthy and non healthy snack. All they know is that they are allowed to have a snack and if you allow them to they will skip meals thinking they can have a snack later to make up for a healthy meal.

Answer 4

Unless he has not been feeling well I wouldn't worry about it. My son just went through this a few weeks ago and he is 3. He wouldn't eat anything! I have been told that this is normal and that your son will not starve. He will eat when he's hungry. I agree with you in regards to him drinking. If he weren't drinking anything, and you weren't changing diapers often, then I would be concerned.

Though, I really don't think there is anything to worry about, maybe you could talk to your pediatrician just to put your husband's mind at ease.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Oh My GOSH do I KNOW where your coming from!!! My son is the EXACT same way! Won't eat anything! We called the pediatrician and she said that its normal especially between the 2-4 year range. She did mention to continue making a wide variety of things and that the kids will eat when they want. She also stated that the equivalent to a meal for a child is 1 tablespoon per food group per year of age...so they really don't eat that much when you think about it.... Don't worry...your son is completely normal!! Good Luck!!

Answer 6

My doc said not to worry as they will eat when they get hungry. It's almost impossible to get a child to eat a totally balanced diet. I mean think about it. My doc said if there is just one thing that he will eat, say spaghetti, then let him eat it everyday till he gets tired of it. you can offer it to him but you can't make him eat it. Just make sure h'es not sick or anything. My son loves anything with velveeta melted on it. I haven't feed my son any kind of baby or toddler food since he was a year. I just try different things., try this one, cook some egg noodles, put a tad of butter on them then put a can of cream of mushroom soup on it simmer till blended and you can add little bites of chicken or my son even likes tuna in it. Maybe you just need to try different things. You can buy cookie cutter type things and cut out fun fruit shapes. My son wont eat peas or beans. He'll be fine. Just experiment with him a little.

Answer 7

My 2 year old twins are going thru the same thing right now. It is very frustrating! But they will eat lunch at daycare and won't eat dinner at home. Their doctor told me to give them food, if they don't eat it don't change it. When they are hungry they will eat. I also try to reward them with applesauce or a banana (which they love) if they've eaten all their dinner. But I do worry that they are hungry....the whoas of parenthood!

Best of luck to you!

Answer 8

Oh lawdy yes! Toddlers can be very fickle... my oldest did this at age two, and it took him about 6 months before he started eating again... the best advice I can give is be patient and be pratical. Keep trying different foods and don't freak over his ethiopian-stage. It sounds like he is healthy and at two they are beginning to regulate their own diet... he'll eat don't worry. hes not starving... just try not to force or threaten, that would make it worse. GOOD LUCK HON!

Answer 9

A doctor told my mum that no child on the planet will deliberately starve itself to death. Just make sure he only has a chance to eat at mealtimes - no snacks in between.

Of course, he may be going down with something.

Answer 10

Yes my son and now my grandson is going thru this stage. It will pass, like you said as long as his diapers are wet and hes pooping, he should be fine. Hope this helped.