Toddler refusing to eat?

Question

My 20 month old daughter over the past couple of days or so has been not wanting to eat her meals, when I put her at the table to eat she only ate a tiny bit and wanted to get down. She never used to do this, I used to have to tear her away from the table because she wouldnt stop eating!
She is eating snacks like fruit and yoghurts, but doesnt seem to be interested in eating her breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I have not been allowing her to get down then immediately offering her snacks, she has snacks at regular intervals 3 times a day. Also I have not been making a big deal, when she wants to get down I just let her as I figure there is no point whatsoever in trying to force her to eat.
What would you do in this situation? What has changed? Any ideas?

She does not drink milk at all.
She has snacks 3 times a day, not just sweet things, she also like cheese, sandwiches and things like that.
Also she is underweight for her age, on the 9th centile.

Answer 1

It's just a stage
Encourage her by eating with her and sitting next to her
Don't force her and don't make an issue out of it
Say ok that's fine, if she's hungry then she will eat

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Sounds familiar! My son is allergic (not intolerant) to egg, soya and dairy, the allergist explained that some allergies create a reaction in the mouth so he feels a prickling sensation when he eats these things. Hence he thinks he's probably reacting to the tomato too. Some children simply don't like things 'mixed together' so she will eat the chocolate separately, this again can be an association, they had something mixed that contained something they reacted too, but don't know what it was, so won't trust anything mixed. I'm not saying your little girl is the same, but may be worth thinking about. Maybe a texture thing - round here there is a 'feeding team' who can really help if this becomes a real problem, you can ask the doctor if she has a really restricted diet. It can be any sticky texture and some children wont tolerate sand under their feet etc.

Answer 4

Kids go through stages of eating a lot, then barely eating at all. Its normal, and they usually tend to eat more around growth spurts.

I think you are handling it really well. She will eat when she is hungry enough. The only thing I would maybe change is not give her as many snacks - my kids at most will have snacks maybe twice a day - mid morning and mid afternoon. And continue to stick to snacks like fruits and yogurt - stay away from carbs (like crackers, etc.) as they will fill her up more.

Anyways, other than that, just keep doing what you're doing, and she will go back to her eating habits. Its also possible where its only been a few days, she's not feeling 100% or something. Good luck!!

Answer 5

A child will only eat when they are hungry. Try giving her meals at the times you usually do and no snacks. If she asks for a snack give her the meal she is closest to in the day. Make sure she gets enough waterand if things continue visit your doctor. I was told a few months back the toddlers don't know how to over eat as they only eat because they need to and dont yet see the enjoyment adults see in food until they are about 7.

Answer 6

Well, I imagine you've already ascertained she's not ill....
Fruits and yoghurts, like sweets, are sugar based and taste sweet.
You could try to re-educate her palate by providing a variety of savoury tastes, and cut out all the yoghurts. Give her fruit, but not too much - it should not replace her main meals. Also, make sure she's not filling up on milk or juice between meals.
To help stimulate her appetite, take her out for a while before lunch and dinner, so that she gets some air and works up an appetite, then have her meal ready quickly.
Good luck!

Answer 7

I think its just a phase.I agree with you not forcing her. I am surprised she doesn't drink any milk. I would make up for that in the cheese, yogurt etc.. that you said she is eating. what does she drink? I would try to keep offering the milk. she may need some pediasure.
I would maybe cut the snacks down to 2 per day instead of 3. maybe she will be a little hungrier for her meals

Answer 8

You sound as if you are doing the right thing. Does your baby drink a lot of milk? That could be filling her up. I suggest doing like you are doing, do not punish her by making her sit at the table until she eats. You know what things she likes to eat, so try to serve her those types of things through the day. And remember too, toddlers don't eat as much as a lot of parents believe. Lunch would consist of 3 carrot coins, 5 green beans, a very small piece of meat or whatever. Their little portions are not like what most parents would think. Their portions are very small. But ask her, what do you think is yummy that you would like to eat? And go from there. Take her to the pediatrician to make sure there isn't something else wrong and go from there. Good luckl

Answer 9

I have one like that. We have stopped now eating in the highchair and she has a tray on the sofa with finger foods that aren't messy (no sauces etc) and she picks at what she wants to eat and when. She will get the nutrients she needs and if you are worried she isn't then put some haliborange multivit in a cup of orange juice and she wont even know she's taken it.
She wont starve and if she's otherwise healthy then I wouldn't worry about it. Children survive against huge famines in 3rd world countries and still live into adulthood. Don't worry. I'm sure she'll be fine.
HTH if only for reassurance that you're not alone.
D73

Answer 10

if she is under weight then you should maybe speak to your helath visitor, GP or nurse and they may be able to offer advice, producst you cna mix into drink to help her gain weight.

But the main question is: Is she healthy? Does she have energy to race around, is she happy, chatty etc. Maybe the world has become so interesting that she is desperate to explore not sit down and eat anymore!

Shes eating at times so atleast shes getting some vitamins and nutrients. Maybe have bowl of raisons, wotsits etc at her level so she can pick sometimes when shes ready.

Else you can play games with food...do some potato printing, jelly games...make her see the fun in food again. She can always eat the jelly as shes playing (and you can add orange slices etc into it for fruit intake).
And good call on not making a fuss-atleast it doesnt create negative issues of eating for her!

Answer 11

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