20 Mo Old Wanting to Snack All the Time

I would definitely switch her to whole grains (whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, etc) instead of white flour. Sweet potatoes are better than white potatoes - or at least mix them half and half, either mashed or oven-fried in a healthy oil - and be sure they are really sweet potatoes and not yams, which have a much different glycemic index. Try some more protein too - cheese, yogurt, peanut butter - these are all things that will keep her satisfied longer and prevent the spikes in blood sugar that trigger the hunger feeling. Fruit is good but it's also high in sugar. How about avocados? They are high in healthy fats. Fat, protein and complex carbs take longer to digest so you feel more full longer. I agree also that hydration is really important - hunger can also be a mistaken sign for thirst, as another post says.

That said, it's also very reasonable for a young child to eat more than 3 meals a day. It's supposed to be better for adults too! I think it takes about 20 minutes in adults for the "full" feeling to hit - so the fact that she is asking to eat right after a meal is worth looking at. Give her plenty to drink so she's full, and make sure she waits 20-30 minutes. She may forget after that.

I think it's good that she eats slowly and that you are brushing her teeth, although "looking healthy" may not be enough. It may be early to take her to a dentist. Be sure she has water after her snacks/meals to wash away the sugars that will stick to her teeth.

Finally, I would keep a log of what she eats and when - the item, the approximate quantity, and the time frame. Do this for a week or so. Then you will have data for your pediatrician. You should have a pedi you feel comfortable talking to - most have hours when they call people back to discuss things that aren't an emergency or which don't warrant an appointment. You could even send a copy of your food log with a cover letter stating your questions and concerns, and ask that the doctor call you back when he has a good 10 minutes to talk. Ask the office staff when those times are and, if necessary, request one that meshes with your work schedule. If you do something in the next few weeks, you'll have some feedback from your doctor, and some guidelines/goals for the next few months before your appointment, at which time he can evaluate your daughter.

Good luck!

If you dont want to give her so much snacks, then dont give them to her. If she asks, explain to her that its not time for a snack right after a meal. Yes, its difficult to explain things to a 20 month old, but you also dont want to end up in a situation where she is getting everything she asks for and becomes spoiled regarding food, and eventually becomes unhealthily overweight. Because you have been indulging her, she is expecting it. You should establish better routines regarding snacktime and mealtime. At 20 months, 3 big meals an 2-3 snacks are good, in between mealtimes, and it sounds like what you are giving for snacks (fruit, crackers) is good. Maybe try yogurt as well, and if you are concerned about the sugar content of fruit, do more veggies instead.

I always hear that it is better to east 5-6 small meals per day than to eat 3 large meals...mabe this would be OK for a toddler also (?) Mabe that way she gets to sort of "snack" all day but you will knoiw that she is getting everything that she really needs without the concen of extra calories. As an adult I kind of like snacking alot too :)..I do try to keep it healthy though..not chips and such..but more salads, fruit and nuts

At that age she is growing a ton. Sure if we were eating snacks constantly that would be a problem, but she may need the energy. My DD is 26 mos and she goes through phases where I wonder where the heck she is putting it all, and then I wonder how she is subsisting on the tiny amounts she is eating. I think small children can be much better at self regulation than adults are. Do make sure she only has healthy food options tho.

I agree with offering the fat or protein snacks and I would definitely make sure the carb snacks she is eating are as healthy as possible. Whole wheat bread and crackers are much better and more filling than white flour products. Crackers and fishies are special treats here. Definitely if you offer something like crackers pair it with a nut or sun butter or cheese so it is satisfying.

The other thing to consider is if she is getting enough to drink. I know as adults we can think we are hungry but actually be thirsty, so maybe make sure you are offering water a lot too.

I don't think she is going to become addicted to food bc she is snacking a lot as a 20 mo old. Just make sure she is snacking because she is hungry, rather than just as something to do out of boredom and that is is not eating in front of the tv or whatever and that the snacks she is offered are healthy foods.

My advice is to relax. It's sounds like you have a normal, healthy toddler. If she were snacking on cookies and candy and didn't eat healthy meals, then I'd worry. I have 4 healthy kids ages 1 to 10 who eat almost as well as your daughter. Our pediatrician has nothing but good things to say about them. Sounds like you're doing great.

I was listening to Dr. Oz one day, when he indicated eating a handful of almonds before a meal helps to make you feel full. I would try that and google 'fruits low in sugar' and give her those fruits between meals. Also check with your doctor to see if their is a probably with her metabolism this early in her life.

Some dentists will begin seeing children as soon as teeth have broken through. Check it out. Also fruit can lead t tooth decay as well. There could be worse things she could be choosing. My daughter now seven, use to be the same way. She chooses healthier options. She is in the normal range for her height and weight, take in to consideration your husband and your height and weight, she may have the same build as one of you. When offering her a snack try to wait it out and give her at sertain times, usually an 1 1/2 hours after/before eating a meal, and give her fixed portions. This way she can begin learning to control her eating.

She may be hungry because you are giving her lots and lots of carbs. She is likely to burn through these quickly and then need more food. You may want to try to always give carbs with some kind of protein or fat. This is how I have always fed my 3 year old. So I give him cheese and crackers or carrots, fruit and yoghurt or nuts. Or even avocado or olives.

These foods take longer to burn and so the feeling of satiety last longer.

good luck. . .

The charts they use at dr. offices aren't used to judge overweight or not they are used to make sure that your child is growing at a steady rate if your daughter is in the 75% height and her next appt was only in hte 25% they would start looking to see if there is a health problem. If she has always been in that percentage for height and weight I wouldn't worry she would look sickly if she were that tall and only in the 15% for weight. She is perfectly proportioned. Try not to offer her so many carbs offer her more protien. If she eats peanut butter offer her a peanutbutter sandwich for a snack it will last her longer than crackers. If you still have a concern discuss it with yor ped over the phone.

Just a sugestion, you can check to see if she is Hypoglycemic. Basically its the same as checking for Diabetis but its, (longer.?) You have to take this sugar/glucose drink and get blood drawn.
I'm Hypoglycemic and can eat alot, ie... high metabolism.
Godd indication might be if you notice that she get pale skinned or fussy fro no reason it may seem, headaches...?

I think some kids are just like this - they see food and they want to eat it. It is healthy for kids this age to have snacks between meals, and if she's 75th percentile for weight and height she's just bigger than average all around, not overweight. Substituting veggies for crackers and fruit for some snacks would be good - cucumbers and tomatoes (a veggie from a nutritional point of view) are very healthy and easy for young children to eat.

You could always call the doctor's office and just ask about it over the phone rather than bringing your daughter all the way in if you are still concerned.

All good suggestions.......pushing more protein, would be a great start to satisfy the hunger pangs! Yogurt is one of our favortites. I would steer clear of any nuts at this point (choking hazard!!)

J.,

It is sibling rivalry.....before your daughter was born, your niece was the only little girl getting all the attention. Try setting up one on one time with your niece when you at your brothers....go out for an ice cream, do some girl time with her. Once she realizes that you still love her lots and lots, she might be less combative with your daughter. Its hard to go from being number one to sharing the spotlight with another.

I am assuming that their is no sibling rivalry between you and your brother....that would also be a factor.

Hope this helps,
L.