Constantly Hungry 17 Month Old

I agree that kids move in and out of "eating spurts"...yes they're usually connected to growth spurts ;) but sometimes my kids eat a ton all of a sudden! At 17 months, toddlers don't understand eating the way we do as adults...they only want to eat if they're hungry. They won't eat just b/c you put food in front of them. If they eat, it's because they're hungry...if the don't eat, it's usually b/c they're not hungry. I'd just roll with it and keep offering healthy things and she'll be fine!

At this age she is about to have a large growth spurt. As she gets closer to 2 you should see a decline. If you thinks it a real issue and abnormal though you might want to seek the advice of a doc. Keep a list/graph of what she is eating and he can see if it's too many calories or the amounts so large that it might be that eating illness.

Speak to your pediatrician at her 18 month well baby visit. If this is something to worry about, they will be able to tell you. Otherwise, if she is not having a weight issue, and she is eating healthy foods, do not stress too much until then. There is a very rare gentic developmental issue that causes insatialble hunger, but this is a very extreem presentation and there are other developmental concerns that you would probably have noticed by now. She may just be going through a growth spurt, but do discuss with your doctor.

M.

My son's eating habits change with his growth cycles. When he's amping up for a big growth spurt he eats what my HUSBAND eats or MORE (since he was a toddler). No lie... he could pack away a 16oz steak over the course of an hour, and be eating again an hour later. Then, while he's IN the growth spurt, he'll drink milk all day (as usual) but only eat a small package of crackers, or 3 grapes, or something ridiculous like that. Most of the time he eats about 1/2 of what I eat, which is 1/2 of what my husband eats.

My son's a normal kid, however... no eating problems. Since yours does have eating problems (?... too much? too little? reflux? allergies? swallow reflex?)... I'd hook up with a children's nutritionist who is conversant or specializes in your toddler's specific problem. You can get a referral through your ped.

My grandson was and still is like that. Keep in mind that she is growing and may be in a growth spurt. She needs food for her body and her brain.

My grandson is a grazer. He eats often during the day. He's thin for his age in spite of eating often. His pediatrician said he's healthy.

I suggest that you have her pediatrician check her out and ask for his opinion.

At this age, she is going through a growth spurt and her brain is giving her body signals that she needs more food. After a few months, she will grow out of it. Just feed her if she is hungry, and don't force it when she's not.

You didn't mention if there was a weight problem, but my 7 y/o girl can out eat my husband when she is going into a growth spurt. She is rail thin, muscular and active and is a mighty eater. She has always been this way, at a year old she could pack away a full size chicken breast along with sides and then be ready to snack within an hour. We always offered fruit for snack and still allow her to graze healthy options. I always figured if she is eating healthy and not over weight, to allow her to eat. Good luck!

give her more protien. sounds like a growthspurt. but more protien should slow her down it worked on my step kids and my 2 yr old

It would only be a concern if she's gaining too little/too much weight. My 18 month old son is the same way (always has been hoovering up food since birth) and I would always bring it up at his well-baby visits b/c I was told to feed him if he's hungry as long as it's healthy food but he just kept eating and eating! His weight and height are perfectly proportional though so my doctor said not to worry and just make sure he eats healthy meals and snacks.

Hi, I just wanted to let you know what we went through with our only child. She was a little chunky baby. Not fat. Just short and very thick! I was worried about her because no body really desires to have an overweight kid! She ate like a horse. I was so shocked about how hungry she was all the time. I always always fed her healthy well rounded meals. I gave her extra protein and good fats hoping to keep her more satisfied longer. I almost wanted to restrict her from eating so much but decided not to. I am so so glad I didn't! She ended up growing tall so quick that obviously her own body knew what she needed and I was thankful I didn't interfere with her food intake. She is tall for her age (she is 5 yrs old now) and she still eats a lot. She is also slender and healthy. So my suggestion is that unless your daughter is really overweight, I'd keep providing her with healthy food options and let her eat!