What to feed my extremly picky eater?

Erika - posted on 11/16/2010

wow, thats too bad he wont eat anything. i find my daughter goes through phases as what she wants to eat. but she isnt picky, she just gets sick of the same foods all the time. just like we would i guess. she loves fruit and vegetables. as well as lunch meat, and different crackers. as long as they eat something, is what matters. just try and introduce different things all the time and im sure he will eat something. pasta is a big hit with my daughter too, and dipping things in ketchup. good luck!!

Sonja - posted on 11/08/2010

I tend to just set something in front of my daughter to eat, and if she's hungry she'll give in and eat it. Sometimes she throws a fit and refuses to eat, and it's times like that that I really get desperate trying to find something she'll munch on. I keep trying things like PB&J, spaghetti-o's, chicken pieces, spaghetti, cereal, or other simple things, because if it looks slightly complex she refuses to eat it A lot of the time if she doesn't seem like she'll eat, I'll just sit her in her chair and put out something for her to eat, or I'll let her continue running around (if she throws a fit) and leave her food on a small table so she can get to it if she wants it. It may not form wonderful habits, but at least it keeps me thinking that "hey, at least my baby isn't starving herself." I've also found that healthy snacks during the day are great; banana chips, vegi chips, chereos, yogurt, granola bars, and even gummies with vitamins as a "treat". Even popcorn becomes an acceptable snack after a period of time. I try to not make her a separate dinner, because she'll keep thinking that "if I don't eat THIS then mommy will get me something else..." SO usually, setting the plate in front of her and handing her a fork will get the point across, especially if I don't give into her whining, or if I don't make it look like I really want to leave the table.

Laualee - posted on 11/04/2010

have you even try to puree some think up for him or does he like anythink chop like fruit or vegetable stick
could be a suggest or puree somethink and mix it in with somethink aye

Vanessa - posted on 10/23/2010

My 22 month old was doing this for a long time and was getting desperate too. Discovered she loved stickers and she got one everytime she had a bite of food (food she wouldn't eat before!) Gave her lots of praise when she tried it as well. She doesn't eat fruit much except for bananas but am trying to desensitise by just putting the fruit on the plate in the hope soon she will try. We have been doing this for about 2 weeks and have noticed a big difference! Good luck!

Heather - posted on 10/21/2010

I have been having the same problem with my boy twin too! Please let me know what you hear!

Gabriela - posted on 10/20/2010

Don't give up!...if he doesn't like milk try yogurt all different kinds if you need to. My daughter likes Danonino any flavor...they are good! most kids like that. Try different fruits until you find one he'll like and if he doesn't like meat my doctor advised me do not worry just to give her beans or lentils with rice...also you can try to make lentil soup. Keep feeding him baby cereal if he likes that, it is good for him until he turns 2. Don't worry he'll be ok just be patient...Good Luck!

Jenny - posted on 10/19/2010

My middle child was ( and still is a little) a very picky eater!! I would definitely not force anything, and merely try every healthy thing out there that he may find yummy. I snuck in pureed veggies into his meals all the time and he never noticed. If anything, it added a sweeter taste. For example, sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes or sweet corn. There are SO many types of bread. If he prefers sweet or salty, there is possibly something out there. Potato bread? I made smoothies all the time and if he likes fruit, then you can add the protein into the smoothie if he's not eating eggs or cheese. Just some suggestions,

Jenny

Avi - posted on 10/19/2010

This is an extremely common problem. I have started a post on this subject as my son has been picky for a few months now. I have also noticed there is a post on this that pops up all the time.

My son doesn't eat meat and many other things. He doesn't trying anything new. I now offer his usual food. I usually make one of the following - macaroni and cheese, omlette with vegies inside, rice with corn sauce, cheese sandwich. If he eats it, then its fine. If he doesn't eat it, I don't stress. I offer yoghurt as well and followed by fruits. Sometimes all he has in a meal is some fruits. Everythign else goes into the bin. (what a waste!!) I have stopped stressing out now.

Jennifer - posted on 10/19/2010

I found my son doing that exact thing the other week and his problem was that he wanted to be in a chair at the table like every one else. He decided he was done with his high chair.

Shanna - posted on 10/19/2010

i think you should treat him after he eats. you say if you eat this you get that.
i don't have that problem my son eats everything, all day long. he likes everything exept for mushrooms.
so the only thing i can advice you is to give him treats and so he will learn that he does like it and he will eat after a while without you needing to treat him.
best regards Shanna

Heather - posted on 10/18/2010

My kids are vegetarian and not have much dairy either ... they are healthy, energetic and very rarely get sick... so don't stress about the meat and cheese too much. Keep on offering veges, fruit, breads and pastas, but don't allow the option of snacks or top ups if some portion of the 'real' food is not eaten. As a nurse once said to me, after I consulted her about this problem with my son, 'Don't worry, they'll eat if and when they are hungry.' If you are brave and strong and happy and calm, they'll only stay picky if it is an option that you allow. You'll do great I'm sure.

Claire - posted on 10/18/2010

I was told that toddlers can go for 3 days without eating and they won't starve, this after I was pulling my hair out over my 21 month old not having her tea - she would eat breakfast and lunch fine but nothing much in the evening. She was having about 500mls of milk a day and since then she has dropped all her milk. I was really worried at first but she eats tonnes now during the day and her appetite is generally much better and she's trying more things. One way to get him to eat maybe to have a plate in front of you with some things on that aren't on his plate. I got my daughter to try brocolli this way - she just wants to eat what we have. She also now eats breakfast with an adult spoon and bowl - maybe she just wants to be more independant?

Mabel - posted on 10/18/2010

O k I am here to tell you that my son did this too and he stopped eating for 4 months ! I asked the doctor and he said don't worry.well when it came to my son having diarrhea and diaper burns so bad they bled ,then I had a problem.I put him on Pediasure for his vitamins and back on infant formula to make sure he was getting something in his system.I don't care to say that on this the Dr. was WRONG .I will wait him out only so long on him eating but please don't go longer than you think is good for him.I had to make a choice and listen to my gut rather then to his Dr.Try the things i have told you about and hopefully you will see a difference in his eating in a month.Good Luck.

Megan - posted on 10/18/2010

my 22 month old son is not picky at all. he eats anything i put in front of him, even blue cheese... when my elder one got to the picky stage i gave him viennas and yogurt. also soup with bread in it (like a mushy pulp) works wonders. thats the only thing i get down their throats when they are sick.
good luck...
x

Fiona - posted on 10/17/2010

i no how you feel our daughter is 21.5 months old and is excatly the same ,when i put anying down to her she looks it, i try and feed her and when i do, she turns her head up and away,it is like im trying to poison her, ive been to doctors aswell, they are usless, been to health visitor aswell, not very helpful either arggghhh, if you come up with anything pls let me no and il do the same

Shelly - posted on 10/16/2010

my first daughter was the same way and my doctor told me as long as you can get a peanut butter sandwich or a banana into your a child daily don't worry about it, they will come around and eat better. The sandwich and banana have all the nutrients that they need for a day. She's now 8 and doing just fine, eating me out of house and home.

Jo - posted on 10/16/2010

DS [22 months] went through many picky phases after months of great eating. months when he would only eat soft food that he didn't have to chew - lots of scrambed eggs! the dip phase - we would eat almost anything as long as it was dipped up on bread - even the pureed baby food that he would reject straight out! a couple of us are having success with meals as long as DS helps make it!!! then its miraculous!! Also if you can stretch to it, DS likes cream cheese and smoked salmon on toast... and in australia we have a brand of pre-made baby food called 'raffertys' which is in a squeeze pack - DS will eat them cos he likes the packaging so in the car or an emergency that's a fruit&vegie serve with no angst! Good luck..

Kristin - posted on 10/16/2010

There seems to be a lot of good advice in here. My 22mth old is also very fussy at times, and only wants to eat cookies and raisins! But she did go through a phase of only eating real food if it had sweet chili sauce on it! I was a bit worried, because they say that when they're little they don't need as much flavour! But my daughter loves spicy food, she'll eat things way hotter than I will! And this started before she was 1. So maybe don't be scared to try some things that seem absurd!

Lee - posted on 10/15/2010

my extremely fussy 5 year old likes health smoothies. Take a selection of leafy greens and blend them with a selction of fruits. you can use berries, mango, pineapple, banana. Blend those with a little water for consistency. The fruit covers the taste of the vegies, she is getting lots of vitamins. Good luck

Autum - posted on 10/14/2010

I have a 22 months old son he is very picky on his food. right now i live with my in laws with my husband and son. Well it doesn't help that we live with family his great great grandma they put food out for him and everything else and he just wont eat. so they give him instant breaskfast every morining thinking thats was he needs. He is now 30lbs hes a healthy boy he has lots lots lots of energy. i tell them that its normal but they still try to get him to eat and i try to tell them to let him be he will it when his ready.

Robin - posted on 10/14/2010

Well, my doctor said not to worry about it with mine because he is still drinking 24-32 oz of milk per day. So, maybe try adding a little choclate syrup to some Vitamin D milk to see if you can get him to drink that much per day. I personally think they are too young to do the "eat this or wait until the next meal/snack"...I just can't do it with my son, it feels cruel since making sure our kids are never hungry is one of our number one goals as as mothers. So, if he won't drink the choclate milk, maybe you should go back to formula...they make one for older kids...or try the Pediasure if it's cheaper. Also, they make an infant vitamin you could slip in his drink (it comes in drops) so he can get all his vitamins. My pediatrician told me not to worry unless he isn't peeing/pooping and/or if you can pinch his skin and it doesn't pop right back in place...that means he is dehydrated and you should get him to the ER so they can feed him through an IV.

Kim - posted on 10/14/2010

My son is terrible at eating too. He only likes to eat things that are frozen, like frozen peas corn and french fries. I guess you could always try that route. Also... my son won't eat rice anymore either, unless I put a little bit of sauce in it, he loves a dab of Chinese marinade in there. Mix it up, give some new options. And never underestimate the power of "dipping." If my son can dip it, he will at least try it. We even dip turkey sandwiches in a little bit of honey, or ranch just so he will eat.

Maureen - posted on 10/13/2010

One of my 22 mo old twins went through a very picky stage. She has always been small so the DR recommended we give her pediasure- she liked it and drank one a day, but ate very little. When we stopped giving it to her, she ate better. Could your little one be cutting a molar? I usually try to have things she likes - cheese, sweet potato fries, potatoes, mac n cheese, pb & j, grilled cheese, pasta. They say when they are hungry they will eat... also, dont look at each meal separately- take what they eat for the week to evaluate. All the things I read said this is a common faze that will go away.

Leane - posted on 10/12/2010

My 21 month daughter has become a very picky eater too. She always ate great until now. She eats fruit and cheese and occasionally pasta. She never liked meats. Still loves her milk but I'm told its the age and it will pass. Try giving him the pedisure favored milk that has all the nutrients they need when they aren't eaten well.

Vicki - posted on 10/12/2010

A book I have found with some useful information and also great recipes is "Whining & Dining."

Basically your role is to provide healthy meals and snacks. Your son decides what to eat (or not). He won't starve himself, though he may be cranky. Demonstrate by eating the same meal yourself- don't get suckered into creating a completely different plate for a "picky" eater, and don't give into snacking later (I am guilty of this, though...). If the kid knows there is something more preferable to come if he refuses anything else, then he will continue to do this. If there is one meal to eat without alternatives until the next snack or mealtime, then he might not eat... yet. But keep serving it up. Make it available. Eventually, he might try a bite. Then he might find he likes it. Don't bribe or coerce or force eating. Just allow it to happen.