I have a 2 1/2 year old that will not eat.

Lisa - posted on 08/08/2012

Jill, your son sounds exactly like mine -- crackers and fruit! My ped. recommended a multi vitamin, not sure if you are trying that. I got him Flinstones and he loves them! He has not been classified as "gifted" (who diagnoses giftedness?), but he is very bright for his age. I have read that picky eating is common for gifted toddlers. Our OT said that as long as he is not taking 2 naps a day, he is getting enough nutrients.

Shanna - posted on 08/07/2012

My son is very picky too and just last night i was cutting up a little meat for his plate(which Is the hardest thing to get him to eat) and I didn't really pay any attention to the fact that i was cutting them into shapes, which is something he is learning about and pretty familiar with. Well He yells out square....rectangle....and he's all excited, so I went right along with him and tried to encourage his interest. It worked like a charm...he ate all his meat and wanted more. Then when it came to the corn(which I usually dont have a problem getting him to eat; howver this time I had over cooked it and it was mushy!) I simply identified it a "Little yellow squares"...and gulp...down the hatch went the corn !!!!!!!!! Also I would suggest letters and numbers or using cookie cutters for shapes or u can just cut the food into smaller shapes yourself if u want. Around this age is when a lot of kids are learning letters of the alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes.....so try to make meals fun and interesting to them....whatever is most appealing to them. Good Luck....I really think I've hit the jackpot here this time.

Greer - posted on 06/21/2011

these are smart kids no matter what it is i put infront of her now i remind her that she has to eat or she will be hungry and have to wait for lunch/ dinner/ breakfast, same with drinking water, my husbands a bad influence when it comes to softdrinks and cordials. I may offer her a treat drink occassionally, but I will only allow her to ask for water or milk. simple cause and effect. I try not to hide anything unless it's to cook it quicker or it adds texture....oh and and some spices, and don't worry if they have a little bit of bite to them as long as it's not like a red curry they should love it.

DONA - posted on 06/19/2011

My 2 year old grandson is living on chicken nuggets, french fries, pancakes, bananas and mac n cheese. We have tried everything but he will not stay in his seat long enough to eat alot or try a change. All in time I guess, as long as he is thriving.

Jill - posted on 11/07/2008

My son only has maybe 2 glasses of milk a day. One at breakfast and one before bed. He loves wataerand drinks it throughout the day. He does prefer to go barefoot but he loves to be touched. He gives tons of hugs and kisses. When he wants a snack he will have either crackers or some fruit. He loves the crackers!!

Melinda - posted on 11/07/2008

How much milk is he drinking? If he is drinking alot then he wont be hungry. His tummy will be full so why eat? Limit the milk and have him drink water. If he is not used to this you may have a tough time at first. Also they are travelers so he will eat finger foods while mobile. Is he gettign taller as he is getting thinner? My son had/still has a preference to crunchy. Crackers, crackers and more crackers. He was very bright at 2 also. Does he prefer to go barefoot? Not liked to be touched?

Nicole - posted on 11/07/2008

yeah definitely invest in a blender...my son is the xact same way...if there are tiny veggies in his food, he picks em all out before he even starts eating - puree everything and mix it into the sauce! lol.

Jill - posted on 11/07/2008

I can't thank you all enough for your great tips and insights. I will be trying them all!!!!!! I ent to the doctor yesterday and he said if he eats twice a week then you are doing ok. The only thing he was concerned about was the lack of protein. He gave a few suggestions like pediasure mixed in with his milk, or even giving him nuts. Hopefully I can get him or even trick him to start eating a better variety.

If we make spaghetti (which he loves the noodles) and he takes a bite and gets a small pieve of hamburger that is in the sauce he will spit it out. You now how small the hamburger gets in sauce!!!! He is unbelievable.....

Nicole - posted on 11/06/2008

ooo i just remembered another little trick...my son doesnt eat veggies either - or at least thats what he thinks.....i put veggies that are the same color as the sauce for that meal in the blender and then mix em together (like blending some squash and then mixing it into his mac and cheese)...or if he like french fries....cut up some sweet potatoes and bake them with a teeny tiny bit of olive oil instead of deep frying - they're pretty good. Best part is...he never knows the difference and i feel good knowing he actually ate something good for him.

Sue - posted on 11/05/2008

And one more thing, don't give rewards or punish a child who doesn't eat or does eat when you want him too - he will associate food with negativity or rewards. That will either foster bitterness toward all eating in the future (yes, two year olds can understand that) or you or it could be hard to keep your end of the deal with the promises - once you break one, you now have another problem - broken trust. At his age, trust is a BIG factor in relationship development too. Verbal praise is good, especially the body language you emit and he can see when you are TRULY happy with him. Don't do empty threats either....

Sue - posted on 11/05/2008

Be thankful that he eats fruit, that is a good way to get vitamins without supplements. For the first two or three years of my son's life, he only ate fruits and vegetables. He now eats anything and everything. (He is six now) Keep offering him only what you serve and eventually he is going to try something. Do not make it like a restaurant where you cook something different for everyone...it's a form of manipulation. Use the foods you know he likes and add to it. When you go grocery shopping, have a game. When it comes to some foods, give him a choice - like do you want a or b? Peanut butter is okay not to have at his age - it is a highly allergic food and my son couldn't tolerate it until he was almost four. As far as losing weight, I don't believe those growth charts and weight charts at the Dr. anyway. My son is never on the chart and yet doesn't look like he is famished either. When your son is hungry, encourage him when he does eat, praise that and see if he would be willing to try something new, just a bite however. See if any of this helps.

Sadie - posted on 11/05/2008

I don't know if he refuses to eat things because he's tried it and doesn't like it or he doesn't want to try new foods, or he doesn't like the way it looks, but here's a technique I have found to be successful with picky eaters. I know this is gonna sound a bit crazy but...First make something he likes, you know he'll eat, then have some of the veg.,meat, or whatever you want him to try. Put both things in front of him. Before he eats his fave food, he has to play with the new food ( touch it, squish it, shape it, cut it, rip it...etc.) Help engage play, and play with food yourself, (" let's play" or " this looks like..." or "what can you make with this..." ), then reward with the fave food.

Do that a couple times. Then, change the stakes... now he must pick it up,touch it to his mouth, then put it down.( show him how, Say "Do this...") Reward fave food! do that couple times. Next time it's to the tongue, put down. hopefully you work to a bite. if he doesn't like it then okay, may have to accept that for now. Some kids don't develop a taste for certain things until later. Make sure you only introduce one food at a time until he has at least put it to his tongue. You may be stuck on one step for a while but he should at least get it to his tongue. Also he may resist you at first but be patient and stick to your guns!! Think baby steps!! If you try it let me know if it worked or helped at all. Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 11/04/2008

I agree with some other posters. Don't worry over the weight loss too much. Children do go through stages, especially during the toddler stage. Your toddler's decrease in appetite is 100% normal due to a decrease in calorie need. Infants (up to 24 mos.) usually need about 120 calories. This decreases to about 100 in the toddler age group. Your protein should be supplemented with the milk (like your doing) but limit that to about 24oz. daily.The big issue is maintaining a diet full of solid foods. Solid foods contain much of our daily intake of iron, without this, anemia could potantially be a problem.The guideline is 1 tbsp of solid food per year. Toddlers also eat "what they want". This being said, allow cereal for dinner or soup for breakfast!



Another suggestion would be to help the child "wind down" before dinner. Children will surprise you. The more you force them, they sense the frustration and will use that tension as an excuse to gain "negative attention" from mom during mealtime.



Use the same bowl, same fork, same spoon, same bib, same chair and same cup during meals. The toddler loves consistency! Don't forget, they are learning about security during this time and simple suggestions such as these, offer great security for the 2-year-old!



Concerning the food...make sure it's all bite-size! They love the classic "finger food". Toddlers also love texture and color. If you spice things up and get seriously creative, you should see a change in a matter of weeks! Make mealtime fun, but consistent and organized! Use cookie cutters, slicers, juicers, molds, etc. Whatever it takes to keep them interested in what they are eating. At the same time, offer insight on which foods are good for them, and which ones should be eaten in moderation. This insight will pay off in the long run!



Hope this helped!

Jill - posted on 11/04/2008

He doesn't have any reflux issues now. He did as a baby. When he goes through a groeth spurt is usually the only time he eats. He refuses to try new things. He will not eat meat. He does not like peanut butter. Getting protein in him is difficult. He will not eat vegetables. He will eat fruit! At least when he is not on a hunger stike. He likes oatmeal and a few cereals. He will eat macaroni and cheese and pasta roni noodle side dish of what he calls "his yellow noodles" That is the extent of his diet. We have tried rewards, we have tried removal of toys/books. The only thing that is remotely working these days is the promise of allowing him to wear his Halloween costume if he eats 3 meals. They are very small meals, but at least it is something!!! Thanks for all your input...keep it coming please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melinda - posted on 11/04/2008

Does your little guy have any reflux issues?

Katrina - posted on 11/04/2008

If he is losing weight, I would consult with your doctor again. It could also be a growth spurt. My kids always lost weight when they were about to get a little taller. Hang in there:)

Nicole - posted on 11/03/2008

my 2 1/2 year old does the same thing. I can always tell when he's going to go through a growth spurt cuz he eats like crazy, but normally he doesnt eat much...his doctor said thats normal.

Jill - posted on 11/03/2008

Thanks, very helpful. I understand he will eat when he needs to. It is making me worry since he has started to lose weight. I will talk to me pediatrician again....:o)

Katrina - posted on 11/03/2008

My pediatrician told me not to worry about my toddler not eating. I had a toddler that survived on a diet of gold fish only for two years. She is now almost 7 and completely healthy. I think as adults we forget that children eat for survival, and will only eat what they need. As adults we eat for enjoyment. The doctor told I only had to worry if my daughter wasn't pooping. (sorry for the graphic).

Don't worry, I believe that children eat when they absolutely have to.....and even then, they prefer to play.

Allison - posted on 11/03/2008

My super-smartie 2 year old is an extremely picky eater - though she's never had a hunger strike. Have you spoken with your pediatrician or nurse practitioner? I've gained some ground when I try to accept the situation as it is, then tell my daughter what I see and hear (I see your face looks like this -- then imitate her face -- I hear that you keep saying no like this - imitate voice/language, intonation). It sort of turns the table and may even get him to say how he feels or to agree with you or laugh, or even eat. Part of that philosophy is from a book we're reading "Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline". Good luck and take care.