I am concerned about my 19 month old daughter. She has hardly eaten in the last 10 days. She was sick with a cold for 8 days (running nose, clear mucus, a little rattle in chest) then went into a fever (about 100) for 2 mornings. And now she is all better. I understand that when she wasn't feeling well toddlers don't like to eat, but this is getting out of hand. Today, she had 3 cups of milk, (6 oz each.) a few graham cracker squares, 2 bites of chicken and 1/2 apple. She drinks no juice or eats junk food. Drinks plenty of water. She has been eating like this for almost 2 weeks. Is this normal? Or is this a symptom of something bigger? Her demeanor is great, happy, smiling. But today she seems upset and I could tell she was hungry, but refused to eat. I am at a loss? Any help would be appreciated.
PS: Before she has gotten sick she was starting to get a little picky with her food, her favorites were of no intrest to her anymore, and I was introducing new foods to her with no luck.
Thanks,
K.
Dear K.,
It is perfectly normal for children to go through stages of eating and not eating. She will not starve to death. As her taste buds develope she will have these changes for the next several years. Do not worry, and don't force her to eat. Continue to offer up heathly snaks, and juices. This will correct itself.
My son did the same thing... then the teeth came through! I know the kids don't eat very well when they are sick - but they also don't eat well when their teeth are cutting. If you are really concerned, you should go to the doctor. I think I would be concerned if there was weight loss. Good luck!
It's normal. but, seems weird. when given the opportunity, I eat everything i can get. But, kids don't. Both my sons ate well, but, my daughter sounds like yours.
It is perfectly normal for toddlers to go through phases where they barely eat anything, and then next thing you know they are eating like crazy because they are going through a growth spurt. This website talks about it a bit, check it out :) http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/Toddlers.htm
I would just make sure that what she DOES eat had as many nutrients in it as possible.
Could she have a lingering sore throat from her cold? That makes little ones not want to eat, and at her age she can't really articulate that her throat is hurting her.
its normal for her taste in foods to change. she also could be teething which could cause her to not eat much and only eat things that dont hurt her mouth. but if your worried schedual a visit with her dr to rule out anything. good luck!
Hey K.,
Your daughter is too young for graham crackers. They have honey in them and should not be given to any child under the age of two. I have seen stomach problems in children that consume them too young. That may be contributing to your child's slow recovery.
I would also have the doc check her throat to make sure it is not sore.
Jello, rice, eggs, bananas, and toast squares are good to start with. Also goat's milk, it doesn't cause flem or the problems that regular milk can.
Hope all is well soon,
V.
She might have a sore throat, I know I have lately. It's just part of this year's slew of viruses going around. Try giving her smoothies with lots of healthy stuff thrown in like frozen spinach, frozen blueberries, bananas, flax seed meal, nut butters, etc. My 21 month old gets most of her veggies that way!
I've read the responses you already received so I will just add a couple of things. The milk is adding to her congestion. Milk is not the best source of calcium. It has a lot, but our bodies don't absorb it well. Someone suggested goats milk and I would also encourage you to try it. Unless it is organic, cows milk is full of antibiotics and steroids. As far as the juice goes, yes it is a source of vitamin C, but it is mostly a source of sugar. Check the label. When you are fighting a cold or any kind of infection it is best to cut out sugar. Nothing drags your immune system down faster than sugar. Water is great. She will not starve herself. It is easier for the body to heal itself when it doesn't have to digest a lot of food. Don't worry.
I love your submission because my 19 month old daughter is going through the same phase. It's making me feel like I don't know what she wants, but she's pushing everything away.
My daughter (who just turned 20 mos) was also not eating much. This had been going on for a couple of months. She has now started eating a lot. She will graze through the day. I think it is just a phase they go through. I know it is frustrating when you know they should be eating more and don't. But she should grow out of it. As long as she is sleeping fine and is active during the day, and is still growing and gaining weight the way she should be then she is fine. Just try and be patient and her eating habits will turn around.
Dear K.,
I believe that your child may have food allergies. I have had food allergies since birth and I am 37 years old.
I recommend that you log onto site NAET.com. They are a group of allergists around the world who eliminate food allergies. If you log on and type in your zip code you will find allergists in your area. Also, you may want to log onto Amazon.com and pick up book- Say Goodbye to Illness by Dr. Devi Nabrudripad. She is the medical doctor who created the the Allergy Elimination.
I am currently in the process of eliminating my allergies with an NAET allergist. And it is working!
Should you have any questions, you may contact me at ____@____.com Well.
N.
don't push more food on her. as long as she is drinking and pooping and her urine does not smell funny.
Good Luck
V
K.,
You've gotten some great advice, and so to add to that...keep in mind, that it takes a good two weeks for cold/virus to completely leave the body. So, even if she seems like she's okay, it might still be lingering.
My son (2.5) always goes through about a month of strange eating when he's sick. I just make sure to keep soft foods on hand, like yogurt, rice, pasta and things like that. Don't worry she won't become malnourished, she is at least drinking the milk and taking in some protein. What I do is offer my son a few staples, like rice, chicken and a veggie and then try to introduce the new foods to him after he's been sick it takes longer for him to be okay with eating regular meals.
Also, this age is ideal for tastebud changes. Toddlers are picky by nature, since they are still learning what solids/table food really is and not sure about textures and colors. Keep meals simple, and if she doesn't like it now, keep in mind she might in a few weeks.
If you are truly worried about her diet and intake, call your Pediatrician and ask some questions...it doesn't sound like food allergies, I have food allergies and it just sounds like she's getting over a cold and being a toddler.
Good Luck!
Things taste different when you're sick and when you don't eat much, your stomach isn't as stretched out. It'll take a little time but she'll get back to her normal eating pattern. Toddlers are learning a lot so eating isn't a major thing for them. Lots of little snacks during the day help to see she's well fed (cheerios, graham crackers, etc.). Try offering different foods for a bit until she trusts that food is going to taste okay again.
Kids are so good at regulating their body. When they're sick, food is one of the first things to go. Yesterday I had a recipe on weelicious for ginger, lemon, honey tea. Our son lives for it. Make a bigger pitcher and keep serving it. Incredibly medicinal and yummy to boot. Chicken soup is of course, also a great choice.-www.weelicious.com
That may be her norm... Compared to my 2 year old, yours eats a lot. :-) I would say just like my pediatrician told me... As long as you're trying to feed her food she's fine. Let her eat what she'll eat. Her body will regulate how much is enough. I would still talk it over with her ped. but from the sounds of it she sounds normal. I was really worried too, but my daughter is the same and seems fine. Not malnutritioned or anything just a light eater. Wish I had the same "problem" :-)
My son and daughter are going through the same thing! My doctor said that at 18-20months that is pretty normal! She said as long as they are not losing weight and are continuing with their normal behavior than things are fine! As long as she is drinking then there is no dehydration which is what you really have to worry about! I think that is okay! 2 weeks isn't very long! My 4 year old has eaten like your daughter most of her life and she is a healthy active girl!
