My One Year Old Is a Picky Eater- PLEASE HELP!

What I have learned from raising five children is that the more you make a big deal over food, it becomes a power struggle. It's better to just present the food in a matter of fact way and if they don't eat it, oh well. They will eat when they are hungry.
If that is all that is available, they will eventually eat it. As parents we tend to give in, I know I did. But the message is: This is what we are eating...If they don't eat it, then they will eat when they are hungry.

Hi.. My picky eater is 3. I have consulted doctors and specialist and no one seems to think it is as big of a deal I do! They all tell me that I need to keep exposing him to new foods over and over... LOL I'm still waiting for that to work..in the meantime I give my son pediasure. At least I know he is getting the vitamins and minerals he needs as well as the calories.
J.

My son is now 15 & is the king of peanut butter sandwiches. He does drink milk, but no yogurt or cheese. But at 13 when he went to camp he decided to try hamburgers & pizza before he went because he didn't want to be embarrassed. His doctor says he is the perfect height and weight so it isn't un- healthy, & at 2yrs old she stressed eating peas & carrots & he still dislikes them but eats them every day. I have snuck spinach in his brownies & carrot juice in jello & I suppose you could put cooked milk in jello too. Good luck & accept it might be a life long thing to be picky. TJ

I was a picky eater when I was a kid. My mom set out what we were going to eat for our meals and if we didnt eat we would have to go hungry because she wasnt going to be a short order cook. I eventually got over it because I was hungry and wanted to eat.

My two year old daughter is a picky eater and I enforce the same rules but there are some days where she doesnt eat much. She tells me Im not hungry so I give her pediasure or high protein ensure so I know she is getting her vitamins on days she isnt eating a whole lot.

She is eating better and better every day because I stick to a routine and establish only specific times for food and make her understand she cant snack all day and needs to eat the meals I put in front of her because there wont be anything else until the next meal.

I hoped that helped

I don't know about all the picky eating. However, I have a 24 month old daughter who also dislikes the pasta category of food. In fact, my 4 year old is just now getting to a stage where he will eat it. I think it's just pasta, the texture and feeling of eating it that litle kids don't like. Not much science to this response, just my opinion.

Most pasta has egg in the flour mixture. He doesn't need pasta for protein if he is getting enough from other sources.

My 6 year old son is a picky eater. He had some other health problems that lead to that (he is now and has been fine since he was 2), but he Dietician from Children's kind of giggled at my list of foods he would eat and told me "well, what we have NOW is picky eaters syndrome". That was when he was 2-3 years old, and I have just accepted it. I take him to the grocery store with me (morning time was best he wasn't as cranky). I ask him if he would would eat this - or that. If he grabbed for something, I would buy it in hopes that he would eat it, and most of the time he would, and then lose interest. My son's Dietician/Nutritionist suggested a book called "How To Get Your Kid to Eat...But Not Too Much" by Ellyn Satter. She is a Dietician and this book addresses picky eaters and kids who eat too much.
Actually, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches is one if the best things for him, the Peanut Butter has protien. My pediatrician told me he had (the patient is now in college) who growing up, would only eat Corn Flakes, morning, noon, and night. He ate them with Milk, but his mom kept bringing him into the pediatricians office and wanted him evaluated at Children's Hospital (which he was and they told her nothing was wrong with him, etc. just let him eat Corn Flakes). The family all got really sick from a flu virus, and the only kid that didn't get sick from the family was the one who ate Corn Flakes. True Story.
Foods that have worked for us: Stoneyfield Farms Yogurts in a tube (they are like Go-Gurts only they are organic and better for your little one, my son used to eat these 3-4 times a day)
Grapes, Macaroni and Cheese (Swanson frozen individual ones that are a perfect serving, and none goes to waste, and, it tastes better than the instant, boxed stuff). Honey Nut Cheerios (plain is too plain)
My son is now 6, and since he was 4 we have tried to reason with him in making him try something new, we told him that every night. He is given what we are eating, and then I'll make him Mac & Cheese if he refuses or gags on what we are eating. He now love Chicken Drum Sticks and Broccoli -cooked with cheese on it (he loves broccoli who knew) He is the only child in the produce section who begs for broccoli, I get it for him of course. He also likes pizza, fries and chicken nuggets. When he was 2-3 he would beg for fries from McDonalds-if he was having a "non-eating" day where he litteraly wasn't eating much, I would cave and get him fries from McDonalds, but that was only once a week, maybe once every 2 weeks, it wasn't a daily thing.

Good Luck-hang in there! It will get better-I promise. It's mostly trial and error with picky eaters.

37 year old SAHM of 2 boys ages 12 & 6. Have been married for 17 years.

Hi,

My daughter has food allergies and seems to be a picky eater as well. I was so concerned that with so there being so many foods that she cannot eat, how can she then choose to not eat foods that do not contain allergens? When I talked to her allergist, he told me that many children with food allergies are fussy eaters. They may have sensitivities that we don't know about and don't want to eat the food because it makes them uncomfortable or sick, but since they are so young, they can't tell us why. Also, sometimes a texture may remind them of a food that makes them uncomfortable.
Our daughter is 16 months and does have a very limited diet, but we make sure that it is healthy. Every couple of weeks we try to introduce, or reintroduce, a food into her diet. She used to hate pasta, but last week she finally started eating some. Since she has wheat and egg allergies, we have to buy the expensive stuff ( Mrs. Leeper's) so I only cook up about 10-15 pieces at a time so that there isn't so much waste. But now she loves it and is eating her little servings for lunch or dinner. Food allergy kids can be a challenge, but just
remember that this is really hard for them, and for us. Check with your allergist for resources and dietary help. I have a wonderful pediatrician, but the allergist is my greatest help with our daughter's needs. Be patient and try to make eating a stress-free time. I hope that this helps you somehow.

I have to agree with what someone else said. If he's at a healthy weight, then I wouldn't worry about it. One way I get my boys to have healthier stuff and they never know it is to make them fruit smoothies. You said your son likes fruit, so maybe he'd like a "slushie" as we call them. I always try to add in like a small carrot or two in with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. You can also get protein stuff (check with your doc on that one) for him as well. There is a pasta that looks like rice (it's early right now and I can't think of it)Orzo maybe? Anyway you can cook that for him and if he will eat rice he'd probably eat that. He eats fruits so thats great. Peanut butter sandwiches aren't so bad either. It actually has alot of stuff that kids need in it as well. It is said that a kid has to see something atleast 7 times before they will even try it. He will eventually out grow it.
W.

Hi,
Both of my Children are picky eaters but at dinner I give them what everyone eles is having and make sure they try a bit of each. I give them what ever they want at breakfest and lunch but dinner they have to eat what everyone eles is having. I understand that allergys can make it almost imposible but I would just not give him those things and Remember even though he won't eat everything he will eat what there is if he hungary if there is nothing eles. And both of mine have changed what they like and do not like over the years. Oh and one last thing my first born cant eat Most pastas they make her throw-up so I make more kinds of food and less of each kind so that everyone will have something they can or will eat and I won't have to many left overs after.
You are in my prayers and good luck
D.

When my was daughter was 2, she ate nothing but PB&J for a every meal for a year. The doctor said it was okay. She is now 8 and will try lots of different foods, may not always like them, but at least tries them.

I heard that your tastes buds change every 7 years. Something like that.

Let me tell a little about my situation so you can identify. I have a 2 1/2 year old that has been this way since 14-16 months old. He is EXTREME! His diet literally consists of oatmeal, cereal, toast with peanut butter, crackers, yogurt raisins & smoothies. I have tried everything! I mean everything! I finally gave up and I just let him eat whatever he will. I hide cooked yams & carrots into smoothies with yogurt, fruit & ice in order to get him to eat his fruits & veggies. He drinks powdered protein shakes that I make with ice in the blender like a smoothie to get his protein and he takes a daily multivitamin. I understand your pain. But if your child is anything like mine, the typical "he won't starve himself" or "he'll eat when he's hungry" will NOT work. You can try them, but if they don't, don't feel bad. There are others out there. We are actually going to see a pediatric psychologist on the 7th to see if it's something psychological. Otherwise, we're just going to have to wait it out. Other than the food thing, he is a healthy, happy super smart, talkative little boy. So don't fret. There are ways around it.

Hi L., I would suggest that you not give him pasta if he doesn't like it, this works 9 times out of 10! It seems much more enticing on your plate!!!! Do not worry that he is starving, he won't let that happen, survival kicks in! I went through more food fights with my girls and I learned that the less attention you pay to it, the less fun it is, he will get hungry, and he will eat! Some foods are real spicy to young eaters, and tomato based food might cause heartburn. Taking allergies into account, I would stick with more bland foods, and introduce people food a little later. My daughter had a milk allergy, and at 2 it just went away, so give it some time. They aren't all the same, you had to have at least one that was picky!!LOL Good Luck, R.

Hi, I have went through this same thing with all my children. "This to shall pass." I am now a grandmother at 44 and as long as they are growing rest assured he will be fine. Many things to remember is that it may just be the "texture" and not the taste. Their likes and dislikes will constantly change and/or they will get stuck on one kind of food and won't eat anything else. Don't worry, it sound like he iseating foods that are very good for him. I have a 3 year old that only has 2-3 foods he likes,other then snacks. I am not worried, he is growing and very active. I hope this helps and brings you some peace. S.

Hi L., and congrats on your marriage, baby, and new job status. :o)

What does your doctor say about your son's development? Is he on track with growth and weight? If so, I'd say to just let him eat what he can.

You could introduce other foods slowly, one at a time, and journal them, so if he has a reaction, you know what caused it, but if he's getting on fine with what he's eating, I'd say maybe he's not so picky, it's just his system regulating what he can eat?

My son had a lactose intolerance, plus food allegy to apples and rice when he was a baby until after he was a year old. Rice and apples seemed to be in ALL baby food at the time, so I just didn't give him any, and all he drank was soy formula--a very expensive undertaking at the time whe we weren't on WIC(no doc would diagnose him despite projectile vomitting and diarrhea), and he managed to stay a fat, healthy baby all through his infanthood and into toddlerhood, on that and "regular" food. I just made his with no salt and as little other "junk" as possible. Now, he eats almost EVERYTHING(growing teenage boy!).

Good luck, and hopefully you'll find more that the little guy can enjoy. :o)

K. W

have you talked to your pediatritian about the food "allergies"? eggs are not dairy. perhaps something else is going on. my 15 month old is very picky also.. you just have to go with the flow! good luck.

not exactally sure how to help, i can ask my sister what she does becasue her son who is three now has alot the the sma eissues as far as cheeses and milks. I know that he loves a big salad though, (the oonly kid i know who likes it) and you said rice have you tried to make some stir fry and slip a few piece fo the veggies or chicken (if you make it with meat) to him? I know they are pretty smart about it and it might not work. My son right now has been sick and not eatting anything usually he is a good eatterbut i have been giving him that stuff called PediaSure he love the chocolate and the banana i figure those have the nutrition he needs and i use that a a way to keep him helthy until he starts eatting again. Now i know that is not the same thing but i might help to try for a few days and then see if you can intruduce foods again???? I hope this helps some if not the advise just knowing my sis has some of the same issues. I will ask her what she did and try and get back to you quickly. I know it is hard to handle just hang in there.

Fortunately my son is not a picky eater - but for Christmas I was given this book written by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry Seingeld's wife) It's called : Deceptively Delicious. It gives you recipes that have pureeing different foods to hide into different meals. I hope that this helps. Good luck.

if there is a licensed naturapathic doctor (N.D.) in your area, check it out. they are a great resource re: food allergies, causes, and replacements for dietary needs for your little guy!! there are also some wonderful allergy free cookbooks out there that can help with snack ideas and food substitutions

Dairy allergies are not strange at all. If after five kids you don't know this, you are VERY lucky!!

I had to stop drinking milk while breastfeeding enough lactose got through to cause projectile vomiting! Allergies to eggs are also common (and you should discuss this with your ped 'cuz some vaccines are cultured in eggs).

At that age, research shows that by providing a child a healthy selection they will, over the course of two-three days, eat from every food group (though don't include stuff that will make him sick). A serving of a food equals about a Tablespoon per year. Since the overall number from each food group for a toddler is counted over 2-3 days, I bet he's fine. Even if he's thin.

Kids don't need fat from animals - though they definately need fat for brain development. Try other nut butters, or I bet you could pass some flax oil off in cereal or fruit.

Keep in mind there are entire cultures where they don't do meat, so that's not an issue either. Try legumes and tofu (not raw) for protien.

At 15 months he should be eating table food with the family! Baby food is a concoction of marketers and we're one of the few countries that even use it. Neither of my kids would eat any mushy food at all - preferring food with texture. Tater tots, hash browns, oven fries (home made with olive oil) were okay. Mashed, no way!

When our kids were going through a picky phase later on, all we gave them if they didn't want the family meal was peanut butter and bread. No jam. That was starch, fat, protien. That was also what our pediatrician recommended. At 8&11 that's what they're allowed to this day on nights when they don't like the dinner we've prepared.

Here is my experience: of the foods he is willing to eat and is not allergic to, choose the ones that are acceptable to you (meaning healthy... many picky kids will eat hot dogs and twinkies, but those are likely NOT acceptable to you). Once you have decided which foods are both acceptable to you and to him, just stick to those. His tastes will eventually change, and he will not starve or be deficient... he won't let himself be if you only give him healthy foods. Also, in my experience, avoiding all foods that a child is allergic to will help the child to outgrow the allergy. Give it a try, and don't guilt yourself if your kiddo doesn't eat according to the food pyramid...this too shall pass.

Lactaid milk can help if it is gas and tummy pain for the milk allergy. The stuff tastes good as well so the little ones really eat it up. I would say let the little guy eat as much cheese as he likes balanced with some good fruits. My daughter hates pasta too(as do I). We do lots of recipes with rice. My daughter hated potatoes until age 5 then all of a sudden baked potates became her "adult" food to order at restaurants. So things change. Just leave the choices out there and sooner or later he will start trying them. Meanwhile its fine if he just likes certain foods. I used to sneak vegetables into fried rice. Now Aspen eats broccoli and carrots.

Good Luck,
E.