My son is 2 and a half and is such a picky eater. His main food of choice is a yogurt drink. He would only have that if I let him. He also will eat chicken nugests and fries. I literally have to force feed him apple sauce. He used to love that now he avoids it. he used to like grilled cheese and won't eat that now. He won't eat pasta or pizza which is a shame since my husband and I love both----we et it anyway. Any advice on how to get my son to eat? His pediatrician says not to worry and it is a phase but being a mom, how can I not worry?
Hi I., The Doc is right, it is a stage. Keep offering the healthy choices. He wil not starve. I have found that childen will eat when there are other kids around. He is also doing the Independant thing that 2 year olds do. He is exercising "control" Gramdma Mary
Hi I.,
I don't know if this will help you, but I know exactly how you feel because my son would only eat grilled cheese for a while, and I remember it seemed like it lasted forever (6-12 months)! I, too, was worried, but he eventually outgrew it, and the strange thing is that he hates cheese now (he's 10 now).
It may only be a phase, but be aware that picky eating is also a red flag for food sensitivities. Check out "Is this your child" by Doris Rapp for more information, but in short picky eating can be either "self-limiting" to avoid eating food that bothers a person or "addictive" eating foods that create an addictive response in a person (dairy, gluten and chocolate are most associated for this reaction).
If you want to talk about this more, feel free to PM me.
I think that everyone has had great advice so far. I was thinking that maybe to sneak some more fruits into him about making your own yogurt drinks, this way instead of just the flavoring he will be actually getting some of the nutrients from the fruit. Will he eat sweet potato fries? Just trying to think of ways to get him to build on what he will already eat.
The advice about nibble foods being left out (cut up veges, fruits and other things) is a great idea. I know my 2 yr old doesn't want to stop playing to eat, but if they are out she will eat t hem.
Finger Foods. Steam vegetables and then serve, cut up string beans, carrots ( I used to call them carrot cookies) and brocolli (brocolli trees). Since he loves trains...Get him a train plate...I'm sure you could find one. Cut up watermelon, apples, small ritz and peanut butter crackers, small cubes of cheese, some cheerios...There are so many finger foods that he will love. Just don't overwhelm him with the amount. A couple of tablespoons of food is fine. If he wants more give it to him. And by all means don't make a fuss about the food. If he is hungry he will eat...just don't always give in to yogurt drinks and don't force feed him. Now that the weather is nicer take him outside and run around and play and then bring him in...he'll be hungry! Good Luck...enjoy the moments. K.
Hi I.,
I"m so sorry this is so stressful. And I understand. How could it not be?! I have to say, though, having done some research on picky eating, I believe your pediatrician is correct. Here's a link to a blog post I wrote on picky eating that explains some of the research and why I support your ped's sentiment:
http://www.chowmama.com/2009/04/15/veggies-to-hide-or-not...
there's more on my blog--but i don't want to overwhelm you. not trying to promote, but just to say that i've done quite a bit of thinking about this! (not to mention i've gone through it!)
think about what you're most worried about--is that your son isn't getting enough food? enough nutrients/veggies? that he's hungry? this might help you focus your efforts and filter the advice that will come in (b/c everyone-- like me! :-) -- has something to say, but that doesn't mean it's all right for you!).
if it's veggies and nutrients your worried about, you can try looking into the hiding veggies approach. my post makes very clear that i'm not a proponent, but it's an option a lot of parents choose and feel good about.
it does sound like there aren't even that many things your son will eat that could even serve as a vehicle for hiding veggies, though, so maybe it's a more general concern that he's not getting enough. rest assured: you will NOT starve your son!! PROMISE! keep serving a variety of things--trust that he'll eat what he needs (and he needs less than you think).
the bottom line is that if mealtime becomes so stressful for you, it will also become stressful for your son. that'll just work against the development of his healthy eating habits and your sanity! so, though you think it's not possible, find a way to give yourself a break knowing that you're open to trying things out. if they don't work, they don't work. keeping mealtime as stress-free as possible is the best thing you can do during what is surely a phase.
hope this is helpful and that you all enjoy dinner tonight--however it looks, whatever it is!
Sometimes my son & daughter will try something if I give it a cute name. Baby pizza, baby tomatoes, pancakes shaped like baseball bats. It doesn't work all the time but I keep trying. Best of luck.
