My 28 month old toddler wont chew his food?

Question

My son was very ill about 9 month ago and would not eat or drink his formula so hes pediatrician suggested Pediasure. He liked it very much but from that day on refused solid foods. He has been on Pediasure ever since. In my eyes he seemed having more and more problems sleeping and dirting his diapers (constipation). His Ped suggested to put fiber in the bottle, did not help! We finally discovered a milk allergy and got rid of the Pediasure and replaced it with Soy (Vanilla flavored) milk. I was thrilled to see him happy and finally going in his diaper (3 times a day now!) But he still wont eat solid food. He licks all sort of food we offer he licks it and when he likes it he suck on it but never eats a bite. He had half a cup of vanilla pudding and maybe a half spoon of mashed potatoes and sauce. Ped seems fine with it but he is loosing weight and I am concerned. Any idea on how to get him to eat? Oh it as been 2 weeks now that he is on soy and he was eating before he got sick!

Answer 1

Seems to me like he is so accustomed to all this soft food (milk, pudding, mashed potatoes) that he is reluctant to try anything solid. If you give him something he likes he licks or sucks it so he needs to learn how to chew. You should probably feed him whilst you are eating and actually show him how you are chewing (play a game maybe). He definitely needs to eat solid food because he is past the age for just milk and even the pediasure, which consists of alot of the vitamins and minerals he needs is not sufficient. You can start him with the mashed potatoes because even though this is not really solid it is close enough to heavy foods and as he gets accustomed to this you can try rice dishes (not complicated, simple......like vegie rice with gravy). He needs to start eating foods which incorporate the six food groups because his body needs these things to grow well. Good luck!

Answer 2

Kids learn early on what they can get away with. With him being so sick and being given Pediasure, which is very sweet, he got use to the taste and mom worrying about him. When he was sick this is what needed to be done, but now he needs to re-learn to chew and eat solids. You will have some battles of wills, but you will need to stay strong and know that he will NOT starve.

Start with one meal for him to have solid food. I would suggest starting with breakfast since he will be hungrier. Get some toddler crackers (they are sweeter, but melt in the mouth and have more vitamins) or another transition food that dissolves in the mouth. Give water and a small amount of food, like a tablespoon. Once that is gone he can have his soy milk. Next day give him a bit more and keep doing this until he is eating a 'breakfast'. Hopefully at this point he would want foods, but if not do the same thing with the other two meals in the day.

I hate doing these types of things, but my feelings are not as important as getting my child back on the right track. I hope this goes quickly and easily for you and that he stays well. Take care.

Answer 3

I have went through a similar problem with my son now 3 year olds. He would not chew his food all the way until about 2 1/2 years old. It was hell indeed. He would eat and just straight swallow. Eating table food and not chewing, of course you end up with a gagging and choking child. However, what worked for me, when feeding my son, try cutting up the food a lot smaller to eliminate the instance of your child choking or gagging. Food can pass a little easier, if he/she is not chewing. Also, sitting down with the child when eating and having them watch the way that you are chewing. "Do what mommy do". Kids like to mimic others. :) Eventually over time, they will begin to chew. These are just suggestions, that worked out for me. Just try it.

Answer 4

puree food.