Can anybody help to get my toddler to eat?

Question

My Toddler is 22 months old and has never really eaten a meal at a set time.She either isn't hungry or isn't bothered.I try to make sure she has had a balanced nutritional intake during the day e.g.(Milk,cereal,vegetables,fruit,carbs.)etc.but most days she ends up eating very little of anything.

Answer 1

Sounds like you've got a problem you need to SOLVE
S = State what the problem is clearly and concisely
O = Observe (and record) what is actually happening
L = Learn what is appropriate behaviour for that age
V = Verify what course of action you will take
E = Evaulate the outcomes

Is your concern that your toddler doesn't eat at certain times, or that she doesn't eat a set amount at meal times, or that she doesn't eat the right foods? State your concern clearly and concisely eg My toddler does not eat when it is meal time for the rest of the family (ie 7am 12pm 6pm).

Watch when your toddler actually does eat and record when and what she eats. Observe and record her actual behaviour eg 6am apple 8:30am bowl of cereal and cup of milk 9:45am biscuits and cheese and cup of juice 11:30pm half a sandwich and cup of milk 1:45pm half a sandwich and a cup of water 3:30pm dried fruit and an orange 5:30pm crackers and dip 6:00pm half a tomato and a handful of chips. Do this for at least 3 days to see if there is a pattern.

Pull out all your baby books and check what they say about healthy eating habits of 22month olds. http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/girl-1-3 Try not to be too concerned and remember that paediatricians looks at food intake over a whole week not just in one day. Learn what is appropriate eating for her age/size/physical activity/environment.

Now you will have a clearer picture of what the actual issue is and possibly have some ideas of how to rectify it. If not, you are armed with the right information to approach the Child Health Nurse or paediatrician if you decide to take your concerns to a medical professional. Verify what course of action you will take based on your observations and discovery.

When you have implemented a 'plan', wait at least 3 days (or even 7 would be better) before recording your observations again. See where things have improved or not and evaluate your plan.

Lastly, the signs of a healthy child are:
clear bright eyes
shiny hair (when it's washed and brushed!)
good skin colour and tone
content (generally)
some weight gain (check month to month not weekly)
clear or pale urine (often)
soft formed stools (not too dark or light)

Sounds like you're doing the right thing by offering a balanced nutritional intake. Relax and enjoy your toddler.

Answer 2

My toddler is the same way, she use to be a big eater when she was 1-2 years old then all of a sudden just started grazing and only eating here and there, I went to the doctor and asked her if there was something wrong and she weighed her and checked her over and said as she is developing normally and is healthy and said not to worry and not to force her to eat if she doesn't want to, as long as she is having snacks and eating something during the day she is fine, when she is hungry she will eat. I then stopped worrying, some days she will sit and eat her whole meal and some days she will just have a couple of bites all depending on her activity during the day. She is just a grazer eat here and there and is really active.

Answer 3

As long as you are offering her healthy foods throughout the say, she'll eat what she needs. Set meals times usually don't work for toddlers. You are doing the right thing by making mini meals during the day. This is a better way for all of us to eat anyway. Make her foods look appealing, like making flower shaped sandwiches. This might entice her. There are a lot of websites with fun ways to make snacks.

Answer 4

When you make a fuss about her not eating, she uses that as a way to gain your attention. That is, she realizes that if she doesn't eat, mommy will give her a lot of attention.

If you truly want to remedy the situation, give her the meal and then ignore her intake. When the meal is over, remove the food and then don't give her any snacks in between meals.

That may be hard at first as she probably has you trained to give her exactly what she wants, but if you remain firm, eventually she will get the message that meal times are to eat and not to use as an emotional tool for attention.

Answer 5

It sounds like you are doing the right thing trying to get the best stuff in when she eats. If you want to get her into a routine (like eating w/ the rest of the family) then keep pushing her "snacks" back little by little until mealtimes. Also, if she just wants to eat her snack foods for dinner, I wouldn't worry about it too much. In a few months, she might want to try what everyone else is eating at the table. In any case, when she eats at the table w/ everyone else, give her some snack foods and a little of what everyone else is eating. It will take time, but she will get used to it.

Answer 6

My doctor says your child won't let themselves starve. Since she isn't eating real meals, only offer her healthy snacks, and nutritious food. Don't allow her to have sweets and junk. If she wants a treat, reward her AFTER she eats a real meal, and drinks her milk. She will grow out of this stage, and it is frustrating, but always carry snacks that she likes that are good for her, like carrot sticks in your purse when you go out for a little bit.

Answer 7

Maybe try having her sit in her high chair a few times a day (maybe 4 or 5 times) and place a plate of food in front of her that has a little of a bunch of different things on it. If at all possible make the food colorful and cut in small cubes and let her feed herself.

Answer 8

As long as she is growing normally and seems active and alert, let her follow her own rhythms. I believe that kids are better at listening to their bodies...they eat when they are hungry...we stupid adults eat because it is time to eat. Make a record of everything she eats...every little morsel...and you might be surprised at how much she really is eating. Try sitting her in her highchair during YOUR meals just for practice...sooner or later she will sit down at a table to eat...it might be at her wedding...but some day!

Answer 9

Sounds like she's getting too many snacks between meals. Kids that age don't need a lot of snacks. They generally don't eat a lot to begin with.

Answer 10

Don't feel bad!

Humans aren't programmed to eat 3 square meals a day. As long as she snack HEALTHY (Fruits, raw nuts if she's not allergic, veggies, whole grains) throughout the day, your fine.