My 17 Month Old Won't Eat Much. Help!

From what I remember, 2 year olds get their nutrition over a whole week rather than each day. One day, they might eat meat, 2 days later meat is evil but they will eat veggies or fruit. Another day might just be breads and cereals. If you're worried, keep a log of what she eats for a couple of weeks. I suspect that over a week or 2 you will see she is getting a balanced diet.

The good news is....kids won't starve...even if they don't look like they eat very much. An average two year old only eats about 500 calories a day, somedays more and somedays less. Their stomach is only the size of their little fist, so keep that in mind.

Now it's hard to keep a well rounded amount of each food group in their hands and in their mouths...kids are picky. Just keep offering it, and maybe she'll want it some day. Until then, give a multi-vitamin to help in those areas. With most everything in a toddlers life, this too shall pass...and she'll be eating you out of house and home later on.

I have a friend with a 2 year old who doesn't eat much either. They offer him everything they eat too. At meals where they see him not eating much they give him one of those kid drinkable yougarts. My son is too young for them yet, so I don't have the brand, but I think they make them with extra vitamins & minerals. She also gives both her boys kid vitamins since neither have ever been big eaters. Hope this idea helps.

I just wanted to say that I think you are doing good trying to get her to eat healthy. So many parents cater to whatever the child wants and then wonder why they won't eat anything. Its so important to introduce ALL kinds of fruits and veggies to them. I think the meat she is eating is plenty and would not worry she is not getting red meat. Just keep trying and don't give up. And whatever you do, do not give in to her if its things she really shouldn't be eating. If she's hungry after dinner give her only healthy options. The morning star products are really good options. The thing to remember is children develope most of thier likes and dislikes before the age of 3. So even if she doesn't like certain things now, KEEP TRYING. And let her see that your still eating them. Eventually as she gets older her tastes will change, and veggies will not be a strange site to her. My sister in law would NEVER give either of her kids any fruit of veggies, and she complains that they won't touch them now. And now they'll grow up always thinking vegetables are yucky! Its a shame really. So just keep giving it to her, even if it ends up on the floor. If you don't give her snacks an hour later, which allows her to manipulate the situation, then she'll eventually start to eat. One other thing, my daughter as a baby would eat most things I gave her, but around 4 years old she started to not like cooked vegetables, so instead I keep hers raw. They aren't always going to like everthing, but at least you are trying to give them to her!
Oh I wanted to make one more comment about "tricking your kids into eating veggies" I think it is good to put veggies in breads and lasagne to make them healthier, but if you only do that and do not have them seeing the veggies, when they get older and mom isn't cooking for them, they will not know about veggies. Not if they were always hidden from them. So its VERY important to show them that as a family you eat fruits and veggies with every meal.

I am in the same boat as you are except mine won't even eat chicken or pork or seafood. The way I get protein into him is by adding No Sugar Added Instant Breakfast powder into his milk and giving him a yogurt smoothie once a day...I add to the smoothie a liquid that I got at Sam's called Fruits and Vegetables Super Mix. One serving is equal to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. It is made by a company called "Drinkables". I add 1/2 oz. (1/2 of a serving since he is not an adult) to his smoothie just to make sure he is getting enough vegetables each day. He will eat just about any fruit without problems. But I can't get him to eat any vegetables other than carrots. He won't eat any protein foods...no cheese, no peanut butter, no beans, no meat, not even tofu. I use to get so frustrated and worried but then just gave up the battle and make sure he eats SOMETHING. I offer him one new food a day (never eats it) but I offer it so at least it will look familiar to him after several times of offering it. It can be really frustrating if you let it get to you. Sometimes I have to remind myself that he is eating SOME foods and he is healthy and active. He poops and pees so it's all working properly. I know it is hard but try to remove your emotions from it so you don't get stressed and worried about it. I think your daughter is doing great! She eats a lot more things than I can get my son to eat! Hang in there.

Hopefully my experience will allay some of your fears - my five year old has never eaten meat - white or red or dark - of any kind and is in the 95% for height and 70% for growth. He has always topped out the charts - no meat necessary. I love meat, his dad loves meat - he just can't stand the consistency. He eats a lot of beans and rice, though - white, red, refried, take your pick.

95% of his veggies consist of broccoli or cucumbers - he's a fruit nut.

Just keep presenting very small portions of good food - imo, gerber entrees are just tv dinners for the toddler set, full of sodium and other preservatives. She'll get what she needs. They always do.

S.

I just took my daughter for her 18-month appointment yesterday and asked about whether or not to supplement with a vitamin or something. Our ped. said that the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend vitamins before 2 in general because most American kids aren't showing signs of deficiencies. All those fortified snack foods help a lot. I'd say a kid who'll eat white meat and seafood sounds like a good deal to me! Mine won't do meat that's not breaded, and lately doesn't really like cheese or yogurt. The only veggies she gets are sweet potato oven fries (but not on days when apparently sweet potatoes are evil!) and Earth's Best green beans and rice baby food, which she'll drink like a smoothie - thank goodness for that! I'm guessing a lot of other moms would agree, but I feel like feeding has been the most stressful part of parenting. I keep fantasizing that she could just drink formula until she's about 5, then magically eat everything, and with a fork and spoon and no spills!!

My daughter never cared for red meat or pork, and at 15 decided to become a vegetarian. Meat isn't necessary for a healthy diet. Just be sure to give her beans (you can puree or mash them), and nut butters (no sugar added, though). There are a couple of cookbooks out right now that tell how to hide veggies in foods kids will eat - I've done this too and they rarely catch on unless they see you do it. My doc always told me just keep offering lots of different things and they'll always get the nutrition they need.

Hey S.
My daughter did the same thing to me. When I would talk to her home daycare they would say she ate everything...so I figured out what she loves (like mac and cheese, hamburger helper, rice) things like that and I would mix the meat and veggies into it. I would grind them up in a food processor and she would never know. She really ate foods with sauces and that is a great way to mix in meat and veggies...I think it has something to do with texture, don't worry she will grow out of it.

Our daughter loves the Morning Star (frozen food section near either organic or veges) brand non-meat products - fake Chicken nuggets, sausages, corn dogs. She does not eat any real meats. She also takes Shaklee powder vitamin in her morning sippy. She also does not like milk, but she will eat yogurt and cheese and of course fruits and frozen lima beans. She is very happy and healthy. Good luck!

Actually, white meat is better for her. But, she also does need red meat from time to time. I had a grandchild who only wanted these, and I found that when I mixed them, this child ate it up and never knew the difference. Still only wants white meats but sometimes you just have to cover the flavor up. There is a difference in the tastes and they can tell it. So, when you make pork chops or use pork, kind of mix hamburger in with it. this will give the child red meat as well. After a while of mixing the meats my grandchild will eat red meats now. Took about a year or so of doing this, but it worked for us. Also, there is an ice cream that has fruit n it, or yogurt, there's those kids yogurts and maybe she will eat those. There is those Mexican Ice Creams and they have a great deal of fruit chunks in them.. They are good and then the kids love them.
Nana of Texas

Try milkshakes! You can slip in a lot of nutrients (like peanut or almond butter) once you find a milkshake combo she likes. Its normal for children to have a limited number of foods they will eat at this age. Be sure you always serve a couple of things you know whe she likes along with things she isnt sure about. I have had great results adding a little honey to some avacado chunks or slipping pureed veggies into applesauce. Kids at this age love to dip things too so try offering some dips.

Is she still nursing? If so, she is still getting great nutrition through breastmilk.

This is normal. Feed her what she will eat. If she's not getting veggies, but she'll eat things with sauces (particularly tomato based), use your blender and she'll never be the wiser. Give her her flintstones and be glad she'll eat somewhat healthy - it could be worse - mine went through a nothing but bread phase!

My daughter would not eat certain foods but made up for it by eating other "good" foods. Maybe you could try disguising foods. I did and sometimes it worked... and others well...

any kind of beans or peanut butter are good sources of protein as well...also try substituting the veggies at meals with fruit ...at least it is healthy.

Hi, S.. Neither of my girls eat red meat or vegetables. They do eat a lot of fruit, though. You are lucky that she actually eats chicken, pork, and seafood... lots of kids are way pickier than yours! :) We did see a nutritionist about this, and she said it was fine. Most kids do get the nutrition they need. For example, my oldest eats PBJ everyday, and that is how she gets the bulk of her protein, which is important for growth. They also eat cereal everyday, and cereals are now fortified with vitamins and minerals. Mine also take a multi-vitamin each day. Most people have certain types of foods that they don't like, so i've never agreed with people who say "force your kids to eat"... you wouldn't want to be force fed. Kids will eat when they are hungry, and they won't like everything... after all, they are people. Don't worry so much-- I bet she is a growing happy girl.

Believe me when I say it is okay as long as she eats and drinks something. Give her what she eats. Kids will never starve themselves. Stop fighting this battles.

A.

My ds has days where he doesn't want to eat anything but I can usually get him to drink Pediasure. You can try the vitamin/protein drinks to make up for not eating. The other moms are right though, we just have to re-introduce the food items in small amounts. It could take up to 10 times before they'll try it. Or if they see us eating it they may want to try it just because it is coming from our plate.

Hi - I make breads have veggies in them (BUT DON"T TELL THE KIDS or the hubby)

I make up creative names like OOKIE's Bread which is a sweet potato bread loaf that uses applesauce instead of oil. It does have surgar so it is sweet and my little ones can eat a whole loaf.

I also make pineapple-zuccini bread that is a favorite.

I make pumpkin bread during the holidays.
this gets the veggies in so I don't have to worry and they are all really easy to make.

I also bought a kid cook book with pictures and let the kids decide what we will make for lunch on the weekends from it. this made it fun and they just like the pics so they really didn't care what went in it.

Good Luck.

At 17 months I wouldn't worry too much. Her tastes will change. I would definitely keep offering her the red meats and veggies, but if she doesn't eat them now, it doesn't mean she won't later. My daughter (now 6) didn't eat much meat when she was younger either. She gravitated to white meats as well. But she eventually grew out of it. Their tastes constantly evolve. She now eats things she didn't when she was younger and doesn't eat things she loved when she was younger. Does your daughter take a vitamin? As long as she's taking a vitamin, and is getting protein from a good source like milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese or white meat and you're offering her veggies, she'll be okay. Make sure you offer enough fruits too to make up for the veggies she doesn't eat. There are also great cookbooks out there that show you how to "trick" your kids into eating their veggies. One that works well for us is lasagna that's packed with spinach - you could also hide some ground beef in there. I hope this helps. Good luck!

My now 4 year old son has been picky ever since he went off baby food. I had the choice to either make meal time a struggle or a pleasent experience. I chose the latter. I offer him a healthy meal with at least one thing I know he likes and let him choose what to eat. He refuses all veggies and almost all meat and fruits, but eats whole wheat bread and crackers, peanut butter, cheese, Oj and milk. He has always had healthy checkups and the doctor says not to worry, so I don't. You're not alone!!

Dear S.,
Our little daughter would not eat much at all. I told her if she would eat 2 bites of everything on her plate, that would be ok. she would do this and today she is a grown healthy beautiful woman.
Good luck.
Mk

My little guy just turned 4 years old and he is still in that stage. My pediatrician said not to worry..give a multi vitamin and they will eat when they are hungry. Try not to worry too much at least she does eat the chicken, pork and seafood....consider yourself lucky!

Unless your pediatrician has told you she is unhealthy I would give her what she wants within reason. Red meat is not all that great for us anyway. Supplement with vitimins and minerals. Chicken, Fish etc... are good for her. Try minching the veggies very small, try letting her dip them in Ranch dressing etc... if she will eat that. I know some Moms discourage this but it can be a gateway to eating veggies and trying different things, just don't give her a large amount of the dressing or dipping sauce so that she is getting more sauce than veggie :) I have come to realize that children's bodies crave and they will consume what they want, and there is not a lot you can do about it. As long as it's not sugar laden or fat laden and you can get her to take vitimins, I would say ride this out. Her taste will change as she gets older. It's mostly just fustraing for us as parents and grandparents. Talk to your pediatrician and see if he/she doesn't tell you the same thing.
Good luck :)

My son is 18 months old and he does the same thing. He'll eat a lot of something he likes and then won't each much the rest of the day of anything else. His doctor said not to worry about it as long as he's steadily gaining weight. Let her eat whatever she will eat and if you're worried about nutrition, add some Poly-Vi-Sol to her milk. Part of this stage is that they start showing their independence by not eating certain foods or making messes. If she starts to throw food or drop it, take the food away. Later when she's hungry, reintroduce the food or give her something you know she'll accept. My son just went to his 18mo appointment, and he's gained weight at a good rate. If anything, call your doctor and share your concerns but they may tell you the same thing. :)

I really wouldn't worry too much. At that age, my daughter would eat nothing but eggs and green beans. Didn't matter what else was fixed. I called the pediatrician and he told me as long as she was eating something, that she would be ok. Make sure she gets vitamins - we used the Flinstones. She is actually starting to assert her independence (sux that it starts that young, I know), but it is actually not a bad thing. Continue to offer her what you fix for the 'normal' meal, but include what she likes and she will (eventually - it really won't take that long) incorporate other things into her diet. (This is what the doctor told us 25 years ago - my daughter is healthy and has a well rounded diet.)

My 13 month old daughter won't eat meat much, but she loves beans and hot dogs. She'll eat ground turket too, if it's in something like enchiladas or a casserole.

For veggies, you could try to call it something different. My kids love eating trees and flowers (broccoli and cauliflower) and I know other kids who wouldn't touch the stuff, but once they heard it called trees, they scarfed it like candy. My son loved green beans when he was a baby, but when he turned 2 quit eating them. I had to start calling them greeny beanies and it worked for some strange reason.

My mom would also hide veggies in our food sometimes. I remember helping her make stuff with veggies in it and never realizing those foods had had those veggies in it all along. Her favorite thing was to add grated/shredded carrot (finely grated) to foods. She'd put it in tuna salad sandwich, spaghetti, sloppy joe, almost anything it seemed like.

If chicken fish and pork is what the child will eat, try making a stew from the chicken and pork, adding veggies like tomatoes and peas and potatoes.

Sometimes a veggi can be disguised as something else. For instance, I had a foster brother that was five who wouldn't eat squash opr potatoes, but he loved fiosh.

Mum would fry it up in olive oil, covered as if it were fish, then tell him it was fish and he would eat it up, never questioning why it tasted different. If mom said it was fish, it was fish.

The same for stews or soups. If it was beef stew, she told him it was chicken, etc.

Also, if the child is old enough, get some children's vitamins for her, this will help cover any deficiency in the current diet.

Their tastes will change over time, so don't get frustrated.

GL!