How do you get picky toddlers to eat better?

Donna - posted on 05/26/2011

I am still trying to work that one out myself but to help i recently bout a book called FEEDING FUSSING KIDS, it is quite good as it gives alot of ideas of how to conceal your veges and it also has a recipe for what they call MEMOC seeds. This is great as you can mix it in with whatever they do eat, it is almost unrecognisable and it gives your child the nutrients they need even if they may not be eating enough or the right foods. It is proving a good stress reliever for me as it is one less thing for me to worry about.

Yoli - posted on 05/13/2011

Natalie - My daughter is somewhat the same way. She'll take food as she is on the go but hates to sit down and eat. Some days she is great and other days she turns her nose up at mac n cheese, grilled cheese, pb&j, etc. I don't want to be one of those moms that makes several different things to get her to eat but I have! I even started doing pediasure (at the insistence of hubby & mil) but have almost stopped. I don't want her to get used to the sweet milky drinks. The Toddler 411 book says to take them out of the highchair when they are done. Also, my daughter LOVES to throw her plate, cup, utensils when she is done!! drives me crazy!

Natalie - posted on 04/28/2011

I've got the same problem EXCEPT that my daughter will eat anything with anyone else but when she's home she doesn't want to eat but if she does, all she wants are pancakes, cookies (and we rarely have cookies in the house) and KD and maybe some fruit. I can't even get her to eat meat like chicken, fish and beef and again she'll eat that at anyone elses house. Sometimes she won't even eat and even though she won't starve for one night, it still worries me. I will even cook her exactly what anyone else would make and she will turn her nose to it. We don't starve her. We offer her healthy foods like vegetables and fruits. She has had a hard time gaining weight and has just hit 22lbs and she's almost 2yr old. I've tried telling her that eating this or that will make you toot (hoping that this will help) or if you eat this you'll have big muscles like daddy. Nope nothing works. I know that this is normal but really, she needs to eat her dinner and her lunch and she needs to eat what we put in front of her. UGH...it's frustrating. I don't think they mentioned this in the "how to be a parent guide". Any suggestions?

Armida - posted on 04/24/2011

Oh before were so happy and never had a Problem feeding him as he eat anything on the table or whatever we offered him but since April after my mother-in-law left for her 8months vacation he started become picky, sometimes he doesn't eat but seeing Amy's msg I will try it starting tomorrow. Thanks for the ideas.

Nix - posted on 04/23/2011

Hi. Im in the same boat sadly it can be quite frustrating. My almost 2yr old is soooo picky, she only likes the baby food in the bottles, iv tried fish fingers, meatballs, chick nuggets all of which ud think kids enjoy but nope she turns her nose up, so needing help myself here but goodluck:-)

Jessica - posted on 04/23/2011

Oh, I read Amy's reply after I posted. That offering healthy choices really does help. Like offer two healthy choices (do you want an apple or an orange, carrots or peas?) and they get such a sense of pride that they got to choose. Both my 6 year old and 22 month old like that, because as Amy said, they think they win.

Jessica - posted on 04/23/2011

The thing that helped me the most to get through this with my older child (she was my picky eater, my 09 kid will eat anything) was an article that I read that said that if you offer your kid plenty of healthy choices that over time they will pick foods that average out to a balanced diet. That helped me a lot with my worries, because like your child, my oldest would have days she would pick at her food. But I started to keep track of what she ate, and she tended to choose more fruits and veggies when I allowed her choices. I hope that helps you worry a little less.

Cathy - posted on 04/19/2011

One thing my doctor always told me what that your child will never go hungry. They will in some way let you know they are hungry. Trust me... I have two very picky girls and have learnt a lot from this advice. I hope this helps.

Rebecca - posted on 04/17/2011

don't worry, look at her weekly diet not her daily one. Always offer healthy stuff and steer clear of snack food.

Amy - posted on 04/12/2011

I've been asking my little girl to choose what fruit/veg she would like out of a selection of 2/3 varieties. It seems to work as she's convinced that she's getting her own way.

Good luck! :)