MY CHILD IS NOT EATING WELL, HELP!

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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.
BABY PUREES AND FIRST MEALS
TANI’S TABLE – BABY’S FIRST MEALS

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

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