My almost 12 month old daughter stopped eating!?

Question

Hi, my almost 12 month old daughter is not eating as much as she used to. She used to love fruit: bananas, kiwies, strawberries, etc., but now she won´t eat any of these. For breakfast she only has about 5 cheerios and nothing else. She just keeps her mouth closed after these 5 cheerios. She won´t take anything from the spoon either...She is still drinking 24 oz. of formula each day and that is not a problem. She looks healthy and has a lot of energy otherwise. Did you have similar experiences? Is this just a phase? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

If this continues to happen and you are concerned, ask your pediatrician. I know that your child's doctor can do some blood tests to be sure your daughter is getting the nutrients she needs.

Otherwise, I would offer her food and if she doesn't take it then try to ignore the issue. I wouldn't allow her to snack or over drink her formula either. When she gets hungry (assuming nothing is wrong with her and you've checked with your pediatrician) then she will eat soon enough. Offer her the healthy fruits and vegies you are trying to and don't give in to unhealthy treats.

I have 3 older children and remember times like these. If you can stick to it (feeding her at meal times or appropriate snack times and being strict on the fact that she eats what you offer when you offer it) then she will begin eating and she will also learn not to be such a picky eater. Foods right now are still very new to your daughter. Introduce new foods slowly. Let's say your trying to introduce broccoli. The first time she sees it she will probably not be excited about it because it is odd and different, so only give her a small amount and don't expect it to be eaten. Say a week or so later give it to her again. (Always be positive about the food even if you don't like it as a parent, let your daughter decide if she likes it on her own!) The second time she sees it she still may not want it Continue putting it on her plate for several different meals and one day you may see that she actually picks it up and tastes it. Soon she will be eating it and might love it! If in fact you go through these steps positively for maybe 6 months (several meals) and she doesn't take a liking to it then she probably really doesn't like it.

I do have three children, one 6 one 11 and one who is 13. They are all healthy eaters and eat so many different types of food (even sushi!). Give your children opportunities to decide on their own but always be positive about food and don't worry so much! Hope this helps, sorry so long.

Answer 2

Trust your instincts. If she is drinking fluids and formula, looks healthy and has lots of energy then don't worry, you are doing the right thing. Keep offering food but don't comment on it if she doesn't want it. Just take it away calmly.

Mine both went through this stage and neither starved themselves. Both had phases of really wanting one food for a few days then a different one. If you are at all worried secretly keep a food diary. Most kids tend to even out their food groups (carbohydrate, protein, dairy etc) over a period of a couple of weeks.

Best advice I was ever given was don't make food a battle because the child will always win. Worked for me, I have strong healthy teenagers that will eat just about anything.

Answer 3

It's just a phase. My son is doing the same thing to me. He stopped eating everything but bread and wouldn't even eat that for a while.
I had my son off of formula at about 10 months. He was eating real food and didn't want a bottle anymore. That one was easy to wine him from. My suggesstion is to take her off of formula. Or at least cut her back some. I realize that doctors say this and that about raising your kids, but I have learned that Mother Know's Best. If you think it would help her to cut back on formula then do it. It WILL NOT HURT HER.
Otherwise it is just a phase and it will not last.

I hope this helped.....

Robin

Answer 4

It's very normal for the little ones to become picky at this age. My son is 3 now and goes through phases where he is absolutely ravenous or will not eat at all. One suggestion- it's about time to switch her over to real milk. Possibly the formula is too filling and she doesn't have much of an appetite. All you can do is make every bite she eats count. Make sure to give her plenty of options. Their tummies are so tiny, I guarantee she is getting full.

Answer 5

My soon to be 2 yr old does this every few months. As a matter of fact, she didn't want to eat anything about two weeks ago, she was drinking milk, juice and water and normal in every other way. I do give her Pedia-Sure if it goes on for more than one day, it's like a meal replacement. But she's fine, its a phase they all go through, but contact your doctor if you are still concerned.

Answer 6

I have a 4 year old and an 18 month old, and they do that from time to time. Somtimes, I'm sure that my baby is eating more than the 4 yr old. If it goes on for a long time and she's losing weight or looking unhealthy, worry, but otherwise, it's probably normal.

Answer 7

Yes, it sounds like she is going through a growth spurt. My daughter goes through phases where it feels like all she does eat 1 meal a day and drink LOTS of milk. The first time it happened I took her to the doctor because it worried me to death. If she starts losing weight or stops drinking fluids I would take her to the hospital.

Answer 8

Just a phase! I lessened my sons formula a bit to see if that would help... but not really. He just drank water instead (that lasted about a day) Then I just figured he would grow out of it. He was fine after a few weeks, although instead of fruit which was his favorite, he wants meat all the time.

Answer 9

My little man done exactly the same, and I was very worried, especially because he is of a smaller size (but healthy!). It seemed to happen when he was teething, and he just wanted to chew on hard or chewy things, food or not, in particular the flexible ice cube trays from Ikea *giggle*

I wouldn't worry, but keep notes on how long it's going for, because especially when you're tired or particularly worried about something, it seems worse than it is, and I'm queen of worrying - so it helps me put things into perspective. If you're worried though, just got the doctor, or see your child health nurse, but I'm sure she's fine! xx

Answer 10

yes,my daughter who will be turning 2 in july went through that phase where she wasnt eating at all, but loved having her milk, that lasted 2-3 months, now she is eating everything in sight. i would not worry if i was you, she will eat if shes hungry, just dont force her, you need to be patient. im sure that there are many others out there who are in the same boat.