Toddler Wont Eat - Morris,IL

Don't worry too much about it. It's REALLY common, especially around that age, for their appetites to dwindle a bit. In the first 18 months, they are developing so quickly they can have crazy appetites, so when they suddenly drop, it can be a shock. This has happened with all 3 of mine. My twins are now 22 months and their appetites died suddenly around 17-18 months. They are just now gaining momentum again, it seems, as they once again become more active - running, jumping, getting outside to play more. Also, after 18 months, they should NOT be consuming more than 4 oz of 100% fruit juice or 16 oz of milk in a 24 hour period. Be sure that your daughter isn't feeling full from too many liquid calories. This was a problem with my twins...they are big milk drinkers. They were drinking 3-4 cups of milk per day, so no wonder they were so full! Our pediatrician also told us to look at their nutrition over the course of 1-2 week increments as opposed to daily (like we would for ourselves) as far as consumption of fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains goes. When I step back and look from that perspective, I can relax a bit and know that my kids are healthy and eating well. Just keep offering a variety of foods to your daughter. She'll eat when her activity level requires it. Sort of like us - if we're at a desk all day or in the car all day or something, we're not usually feeling as hungry as if we're constantly running around, working out, or on our feet! Our appetites all vary, but it's hard to know why when our little ones suddenly seem to go on food strikes! If you think anything could be wrong with her, or if her digestion or energy level or sleep patterns seem poor at the same time, I would say a trip to the doc never hurts. Or even just call. Most times, I've been able to get my own pediatrican to call me back on those pretty basic questions - and just his verbal response is the reassurance I need to know that I'm doing the right thing by being concerned and asking. Otherwise, do the activity test - take her out, run her around for a good hour, make her do a lot of walking, and see if she eats more later! All 3 of my kids act like they're starving after a good play! Good luck, and try not to worry too much!

Hi A.,

I have had the same problem with my 23 month old for at least 6 months. She will go through phases when she eats great for a couple of days and then practically nothing for a while.I have heard that her growth spurt could have stalled temporarily and also that her gums might hurt because of teething. Either way my daughter is perfectly healthy, has gained the right amount of weight and the ped is not too worried about it. I try to make certain that she drinks at least three glasses of milk a day, and we try to get her to eat cheese and peanut butter (not at the same time of course) if she won't eat her meals. At least then she will get some more dairy and protein. Hope this helps!!

My 2 year old has done this on and off for as long as I can remember. We just say he's on strike. Sometimes he is teething, sometimes he is sick/has a sore throat, and sometimes he just decides he doesn't want to eat anything. At 18 months, I wouldn't be too surprised if her first molars may be causing her some trouble--see if her gums are swollen. Basically try not to worry too much, she'll eat when she needs to.

If your daughter is otherwise healthy, no temp, no diarrhea,sleeping well, normal energy/play level and she does consume food when she wants it....do not worry. Humans do not eat the same every day. She maybe heading into a growth spurt soon whereas she will become ravenous.
Again if she is not showing symptoms of illness,do not worry,she will pick up her eating again or become so picky she will onlly eat 2 foods..LOL. Good luck.

Im actually going to keep tabs on your post because my 18month old is having the same problem. It's been about two weeks, and he won't really eat a real meal anymore. He used to have a huge appetite, and ate all kinds of foods, and all of a sudden doesn't seem to eat as much or as well.

It's a phase, and it's common. Reassure yourself by picking up a copy of "Touchpoints" by T Barry Brazelton (he's an MD who writes about child development). He has a "Toddler minimal diet" outlined in his book and it's really almost NO food at all. Ahh.. here it is:
Dr. Brazelton advises that this “baseline/minimum” program will cover basic nutritional needs during a toddler’s negative period:
* 1 pint (16 ounces) of milk (or equivalent in dairy products; cheese, yogurt, etc.)
* 2 ounces of iron-containing protein (meat or egg) or cereals fortified with iron
* 1 ounce of orange juice or fresh fruit
* 1 multivitamin (to cover for uneaten vegetables)

As long as your girl is eating that much, you're in good shape. Don't force it, let her pick what she wants, offer her healthy foods and snacks several times a day, and don't sweat it. It's not worth the fight. Last night my son (21 months) had about 5 (small) bowls of frosted mini wheats for dinner. He doesn't do it every night - sometimes it's all applesauce, or all mac and cheese, or all peas. It evens out in the end :)