Toddler fussy eating phase - what to do?

wannabeasupersaver

I don't think you need to cut out snacks- little and often is a good way to eat. Just don't let her choose when things are on offer to her as she may choose her snack just before meal times- and I know you'll want her to have it because you're worried she's not eating and you want her to have something (been there done that! ) She needs to know that you're the one controlling when and what she eats, but she can control how much she eats. Never force her to finish her meal just take it away when she's done. We leave my sons food available to him until we are finished eating. If at this time he's choosen not to eat or only eaten a little bit then so be it. I wouldn't reward with food as that sets up all sorts of eating problems.

As for milk. My son used to have only one formula milk at day at night time until he reached two then it was cows milk only. Actually once they reach two they don't need full fat milk either if they can get their allowance through other means ie yoghurts cheese etc. Milk is very filling and my son would happily drink a cow a day if I let him which is why I have started monitoring his liquid intake now too.:rotfl:

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi, mine and 10 and 12 now and both went through a fussy eating stage. The most important thing is not to make a big deal of it. Toddlers are at an age where they are starting to want to have some control over things and be the centre of attention and refusing to eat ticks both of these boxes. Believe me she will not starve!

Give her set meals and snacks and nothing else. If she doesnt eat it tell her she wont get anything else then if she still refuses calmly take the food away. Dont discuss it in front of her and no matter how hard it is dont show you are concerned or react if she throws a wobbly. This really does work.

I also think it helps if the whole family eats together. My OH is not always home in time for the boys tea so I eat with them as I really do think this sets a good example.

I have never coaxed or persuaded my kids to eat but they know that if they dont eat what is put in front of them there is nothing else. They are both brilliant at eating a wide variety of things now and I do remember that the fussy eating stage was fairly short lived.

Good luck, toddlers are lovely but can be very challenging and sometimes you have to have nerves of steel!!!

Becles

She might eat more if you give her a choice. My daughter is three and I say things like "I'm making sandwiches, what would you like in yours?" She has a look in the fridge and I let her get out what she wants. She eats much more that way than if I just plonked a ham sandwich in front of her

alwaysonthego_2

I agree with the poster who said do not make a fuss of it and ignore it. My dd went through this stage when she was 2 and now at 5 she seems to have hollow legs.

If she eats her breakfast perhaps give her extra, but I would personally drop the formula milk and only give her cows milk.

Mrs_Arcanum

Some excellent suggestions re not allowing her to use food to get attention. All I would add is if you can, have one meal a day together as a family.

eliviajen

When our daughter went through fussy eating, our HV suggested TINY portion size such as a cocktail sausage, five baked beans, 2 chips, a grape. praise her for eating it all up and let her leave the table. This in turn stimulates the tummy to start to digest food, making her feel hungry and then asking more. She gets the sense of achievement for clearing her plate, its not as overwhelming for her to see herself eat a plate full, and at least she had something!

osian

Thank you all for your great suggestions.:beer: