How To Deal With A Fussy Eater Toddler
First things first, please don’t worry! When your toddler appears to be surviving on just air, it’s natural to be concerned and feel frustrated.
You’re worrying that they’re not eating enough to grow and stay healthy.
You start to dread meal times as they tend to turn into battles.
You’re struggling to keep parental control as your toddler is demanding more freedom over their food choices.
But food refusal is common behaviour among many toddlers. Research has shown that around one third of two year olds could be labelled as fussy eaters.
Why is my toddler not eating as well?
There are a number of reasons why your toddler may not be so interested in eating.
🥗 Slow down in growth
The growth of your toddler slows down after the first year so their appetite may well be smaller. It’s quite normal if the amount your toddler eats varies from meal to meal, or day to day.
🥗 Displaying their independence!
You’re most probably experiencing some push back in other areas, like getting dressed or putting toys away when asked. Meal times are just another aspect of their life they are asserting themselves.
🥗 Just too busy!
This was one of my children. She was very curious by nature and far more interested in exploring her environment and playing rather than sitting down for a meal!
🥗 Teething and illness.
Toddlers often experience discomfort and pain while teething, which can lead to an unwillingness to eat. If your toddler is unwell or has recently recovered from an illness, just like us, they won’t feel much like eating.
How do I manage a fussy eater?
🥗 Consistency is key!
Decide on an action plan, ensure all the adults involved in your child’s life are on board and stick to it!
🥗 Regular meals
Give your toddler three main meals a daybreakfast, lunch, evening meal with a healthy morning and afternoon snack. If possible, stick to the same times every day and the same place so they feel safe and secure.
🥗 Little helper
Involve your toddler in the preparation. Simple tasks like washing the vegetables, laying the table.
🥗 Portion size
Keep portions small, tiny in fact! Just a few mouthfuls is good to start with, you can always offer more. This reduces the sense of overwhelm and allows them to explore new foods at their own pace.
🥗 New foods
When introducing new food or food they’ve rejected before just put a small amount on their plate alongside food you know they like. Be patient and persistent: studies show that you might have to try ten or more times for your toddler to get used to a new flavour or texture.
🥗 Be a good role model
Eat as a family as often as you can. Family meals are the perfect way for your toddler to develop the love of not just eating food but sharing food too. Let them see others enjoying their food and eating up all their veggies! Toddlers will quite often eat more if other children around them are enjoying their meal, especially older children they look up to, so invite some mates over!
🥗 Toddler power
Give your toddler some control. At snack time give them two choices to pick from.
🥗 How you react
Praise the good, ignore the rest! Comment positively if your toddler is sitting nicely at the table.
🥗 Stay cool, calm and collected!
I know this is easier said than done, but if you show you’re frustrated and anxious then your toddler will pick up on this, and it could make matters worse.
🥗 Time limit
Set a limit of 20 minutes. Take the plate away and don’t comment!
🥗 Milk
Don’t give your toddler too much milk. Current guidelines state that the maximum amount of milk a toddler should be drinking daily is 1 pint (500ml). When a toddler drinks excessive amounts of fluid, it can fill up their stomach and decrease their appetite
🥗 Golden rule
Never negotiate with a toddler!
Stick to the meal you have given, don’t offer alternatives. Don’t dangle a pudding as a reward for eating up all their meal. Your child will see the first course as being so bad that they need a reward after finishing it! And don’t give them treat food in an attempt to calm them if they become upset.
Of course there will be foods that your toddler refuses, time and time again. As you see a pattern emerging to foods that are genuinely disliked that don’t insist they eat them. We all have our likes and dislikes, and toddlers are no different.
Your toddler is bound to test your resolve but keep on trying! As we all know, toddlers are indecisive and seem to love changing their minds. One day they hate cheese, the next day it’s all they will eat!
Cause for concern
If your toddler is losing weight, becoming lethargic or picking up illnesses after illness, then please consult your GP to rule out any underlying health issues, like anaemia.
Finally, hang on to this nugget - research shows that toddlers generally eat enough food to get the right amount of nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.
