I NEED HELP WITH MY SEVERELY FUSSY EATING TODDLER!!!

Kari - posted on 08/29/2011

I'm wondering what ever came of your sons picky eating? My son is two and does exactly what you are talking about. He gags and throws up all the time when I set food infront of him that he doesn't want. He doesn't even like to touch foods with certain textures. (cold hot wet..pretty much everything) When he was 1 he ate everything and slowly it has become worse and worse until several months ago he stopped eating all together. All he will eat are plain crackers and sometimes half a yogurt but he will go days without touching anything but his milk or water sippy. A few weeks ago he had to have two blood transfusions because his iron levels were at a 2 from not eating. They are at a 6 now which is still very anemic but I'm worried he will end up back in the hospital if I can't get him to start eating. I need help!

Yvette - posted on 06/13/2011

I'm hoping this doesnt worry you but assures you everything will be okay. My son is 6 and still hardly eats, and still will only eat about 5 different foods. He would prefer to starve than eat. He is underweight and very thin, yet, full of energy and not behind in his development. The Dr and Child Health Nurse have both assured us all along that he won't starve as his body will make him eat if he starts to lead towards malnourishment. Its apparently just us adults who have this big idea about what kids should eat and how much. So, although we still try to make him eat what we eat, we usually lose, and have had to learn to not make a big deal about meal times. The other trick as a toddler was to cut up fruit, sandwiches etc and put a few bowls around my sons play area, or even sit down with a bowl myself and he would pick at them. I was assured he would get enough calories. I know its hard when you want to teach them to eat, eat at set times, eat certain foods (what everyone else is eating), but I guess you need to decide which battles you wish to fight and stick with those. As long as your child is energetic etc then stick with what will eat, and every now and then try something different, don't make a fuss, but just put it on his plate/high chair and leave it. You could do this every day for a week. According to the health professionals, its about not pushing and adult eating agenda on our children, but letting them do what their body tells them to, as children listen to their bodies, adults try to disobey their bodies lol.

Krissy - posted on 02/11/2011

super nanny did a show on a boy that was severely anemic because he wouldn't eat. I missed most of it, but part of the parents problem was they'd try to get him to eat and let it be a big please, eat this, please, you need to eat, etc... and finally the kid would get down (not having eaten anything) and they'd let him go to the snack cupboard because they were terrified to NOT let him eat...

My assumption would be that supernanny would have FIRST gotten rid of the snacking completely, and gotten rid of the battle. Just put it on his plate, sit down and eat at the same time (so they see you eating it)

Melody Van - posted on 01/25/2011

My son used to eat everything but after turning two it has dwindled to oatmeal for breakfast and PBJ at lunch and dinner. He is healthy, active and normal weight. The pediatrician says don't worry about it, toddlers are all about phases. He'll let you know when he's ready to try something new. After talking with several family members I have discovered many of them were picky eaters as children. One aunt only ate green beans and mashed potatos when she was two. My mother was another PBJ fan. Bright side: I'm not much of a cook anyway! ...and the last two days he is asking for snails for dinner...

Theresa - posted on 12/20/2010

hi there i was just wondering what have you tried since this post and has it worked my son is 2yrs and 8mths and he eats during the day fruit and all that but when it comes to tea time he just wants to play unless its noodles, spagetti and bikkies etc.

Sara - posted on 12/17/2010

Sounds like I have the same pediatrician as Julie :) We used the same philosophies with our two. My son is a twig seemingly existing on nothing but still has tons of energy. I try to provide healthy food (yogurt, cheese, fruit) but don't push him to eat everything or clean his plate. Definitely don't want to make it a power struggle. If they're really hungry then they'll eat whatever you serve.

Hayley - posted on 12/08/2010

It's probably just a phase. My daughter does that sometimes.... I would suggest making sure that he is getting a viatamin everyday to supplement what he might be missing and talk to your doctor but I wouldn't be too worried. As long as he's eating.. that's the most important thing. I would encourage you to continue to offer him the other foods. A trick I did when my daughter got fussy was making myself a plate of something but giving myself a little extra. Then when I sat down to eat it, my daughter would want to share - thus eating what she turned down earlier. It worked for salads, meats, everything. Might be worth a try if you have one of those kids that always wants what you have.

Julie - posted on 11/30/2010

The following was given to me by the feeding clinic where I took my son. They said a lot of "feeding problems" are actually behavioral. Additionally, the nutritionist said it is important to NOT worry about what they eat in 1 day that counts, more to average over the week (you can keep a journal to help keep track). My son used to have major gagging issues that were worked out with the help of an occupational therapist. I follow these pretty closely and have been pleased (for the most part) with how well he eats.

I hope they help.

Here:

THE FOOD RULES
(to promote a pleasant, healthy mealtime environment)
1) Meals will be at regularly scheduled times; only planned snacks should be given.

2) Nothing between meals will be offered, including bottles, milk, or juices. The child may drink water if thirsty.

3) Solids will be offered first fluids last.

4) Meals will last no longer than 30 minutes.

5) Child will be encouraged to self-feed as much as possible (i.e., finger feed, hold spoon, etc).

6) A sheet under the high chair will “catch the mess”. Wipe the child’s mouth and clean up only after the meal is over.

7) The child should learn to eat without approval or disapproval. Do not force food or comment on the child’s intake. Mealtime should be in a neutral atmosphere.

8) Food should not be given as a present or reward.

9) No game playing at mealtime. Do not use games to feed the child.

10) Food should be moved after 10-15 minutes if the child seems to play with the food without eating.

11) Meal should be terminated if the child throws food in anger.

Becci - posted on 10/26/2010

My little boy is exactly the same, he never eats when he is ith me but if he goes out for the day with somebody else they tell me he eats loads and doesnt stop. I dont understand it :) but i am going to try your tip and see if this works

Katy - posted on 10/23/2010

i know the feeling,i had nearly the same problem with my wee fella..but have started sorting it out slowly,he now goes in his high chair when any meal is being seved,he stis at the table with me(never anywhere else) and if he doesnt eat it in the half hour then he goes hungry until the next meal..sounds cruel but its working.if he doesnt eat whats infront of him he doesnt get any snacks or treats,nothing sweet,nothing,only a drink of water..it took two weeks for him to get the idea but it worked..it showed him that i wont back down,now he eats mainly everything i do..dont give in..it can be done..