MY CHILD IS NOT EATING WELL, HELP!

Why your toddler/child is not eating well and what to do.

There could be several reasons why your toddler may not be eating:

1. Developmental Stage: Toddlers are known for their erratic eating habits, which can be influenced by growth spurts, teething, or simply being more interested in exploring than eating.
2. Independence: Toddlers often want to assert their independence, which can manifest as refusing certain foods or meals.
3. Taste Preferences: Like adults, toddlers have their own taste preferences. They may refuse foods they don’t like the taste or texture of.
4. Illness or Teething: If your toddler is feeling unwell or teething, they may not have the appetite they normally do.
5. Overwhelmed or Distracted: Toddlers can easily get distracted during meals, especially in stimulating environments.
6. Emotional Factors: Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, or changes in routine can affect a toddler’s appetite.
7. Portion Sizes: Offering too large or too small portions can affect how much a toddler eats.
8. Pressure to Eat: Pressure from parents to eat or finish their food can lead to resistance from toddlers.
9. Food Preferences: Toddlers may prefer snacks over meals or have specific food preferences that change over time.
10. Environmental Factors: Mealtime environment, such as noise or disruptions, can impact a toddler’s willingness to eat. If your toddler’s lack of eating persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues and get tailored advice.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN TRY IF YOUR CHILD/TODDLER IS NOT EATING WELL

• Space meals and snacks approximately 2-3 hours apart.
• Offer water between meals instead of milk or juice.
• Turn snacks into mini meals with similar foods as lunch and dinner.
• Start with small portions and offer seconds based on your child’s hunger cues.
• Include 1-2 foods on the table that your child typically enjoys.Let your child choose what and how much to eat from the options provided, without insisting on “just one bite”.
• Avoid preparing different food if your child refuses what’s served for dinner.
• Respect your child’s hunger cues; if they don’t eat, assume they’re not hungry and avoid forcing food.
• Understand that children are often tired at dinner and may eat less.
• Provide a bedtime snack if there’s a 60-90 minute gap between dinner and bedtime.

For a delightful array of nutritious and kid-friendly recipes, consider downloading “The Little Big Bite Cookbook.” It offers a variety of creative dishes that will tantalize young taste buds while ensuring they receive essential nutrients. Available HERE