Everyone’s parents have been there: You’ve brought a pretty plate of food into the presence of your toddler, and they’ve pushed it away, turned on their head, or worse, thrown a fit.
And as hard as you are to hold it together, the anxiety gets to you. Your mind races—”Is this normal? Are they getting enough nutrients? What did I do wrong?” And if you are reading this, you aren’t alone. It’s pretty standard among many parents.
Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, and mealtimes can be an arms race. But don’t despair—there are ways to deal with your toddler refusing to eat without getting hotheaded or frustrated.
We’ll explore why toddlers refuse to eat, offer expert tips, and share some easy-to-follow tips to make mealtimes a little less hectic for both of you.
Toddlers Don’t Like to Eat?
Before we get to the tactics, let’s discuss why toddlers won’t eat in the first place. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), toys are the age at which toddlers are already beginning to take ownership of their world, even over meals. It’s part of their development. If they don’t eat, that’s not a sign of their hunger or food; they want to have some say.
Some common food refusal reasons:
Control Problems
Toddlers need to feel like they are in charge of the world. Denying food is a convenient means for them to claim some agency.
Drawing Out Periods
From 18 months to 3 years, toddlers are trying out new tastes. Perhaps a food they previously liked might suddenly come to dislike them. This is normal growth.
Alternatives or Overstimulus
If there is too much activity around your toddler at mealtime (TV, toys, other talkers), your toddler can’t focus on food.
Muscular pain
Toddlers sometimes won’t eat because they aren’t feeling well, teething, or having a sour stomach.
Scrunchy Servings
Toddlers like small meals and large servings feel too much.
Tiredness or Hunger Signals
They get rejected if they’re tired or don’t need anything.
How Much Should a Toddler Be Eating?
Before we proceed to the toddler refusing to eat issue, knowing how much food your toddler requires is a good idea. Toddlers require 1,000-1,400 calories daily depending on activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states.
That can be done with 3 meals and 1-2 snacks daily. And yes, not every meal will be perfect, and if your toddler has different appetites throughout the day, that’s okay.
And if you’re not sure if your toddler is eating enough, look for these clues:
– Progresses steadily in weight and height.
– Energy* level is stable all day long.
– Normal bowel movements
You must visit your pediatrician if your toddler isn’t making these signs.
But What Should You Do When Your Toddler Doesn’t Eat?
Now that we know the cause and how much they need to eat, let’s look at what you can do if your toddler refuses to eat.
- Keep Mealtime Low Pressure
Don’t pressure your toddler to eat if you’ve been hustling him. The more you pressure or coerce your toddler to eat, the more resistant he will be.
‘It’s very easy to push kids to eat, and it can get them to eat things they dislike or overeat,’ according to a paper in *Appetite* (2016). Instead, give the food, but not in a big way.
- Make Food Fun
Kids love adventure, novelty, and experience. Repurpose meals as fun by cutting shapes from fruit, veggies, or sandwiches with cookie cutters. You can also draw animals or faces on the food they have put on their plate. Make mealtime creative and something they enjoy.
- Offer a Variety of Choices
Kids eat more if they know they are in some control. Please do not give them one option. Please provide them with a couple. “Have apple slices or carrots?” For instance, “Have pasta with cheese or without?” So they can have the autonomy they want without the nutritional drop.
- Limit Distractions
If you want to watch their favorite movie to distract them during mealtime, TV or toys will not make your toddler sit still long enough to eat. So make your mealtime as peaceful as possible by sitting together at the table, making a little noise, and trying to distract yourself.
- Respect Their Hunger Cues
If your toddler is not hungry, don’t push him or her to eat. You might want to provide treats right before dinner to “make them eat,” but that makes them hungry. Avoid giving snacks in between meals, and do not offer them close to dinnertime. Moreover, look for a cue from hunger by making them fussy or rubbing their bottom to determine if they’re hungry.
- Introduce New Foods Slowly
New foods can scare toddlers. If you’re trying something new, put it on a plate next to something they already like. This makes it less of a challenge and more likely they’ll try it. It takes up to 8-15 times for a toddler to accept a new food, according to a study in the *Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics* (2012).
- Stick to a Routine
Children love routines, and the same goes for meals. Serve food in the same daily timeframe so your toddler’s body gets used to it. You know they’re going to eat when they’re going to eat.
- Be a Role Model
Children mimic their parents. They’ll do the same if they notice you eat many different foods and eat well. Take the time to sit down with your toddler and teach them healthy eating habits. Have dinner together, even if you are having something different.
- Don’t Make It Personal
You might be tempted to judge a toddler when they refuse to eat, but the lesson is this: It’s not you. Don’t be frantic, and don’t panic. The more twilight you are, the easier mealtime will be for your toddler.
- Offer Healthy Snacks Between Meals
If your toddler does not like to eat healthy snacks throughout the day. It will keep them whole, even if they do not eat much at lunch or dinner. Think fruits, veggies, yogurt, or tiny handfuls of nuts (if your toddler doesn’t choke).
How Do You Know If Your Toddler’s Food Refusal Is A Big Problem?
Food refusal in toddlers is often standard, but sometimes, food rejection can be a more serious symptom. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
– Rigid weight loss or retarded development.
– Deadly food rejection, up to weeks.
– Suppressed swallowing or symptoms of an eating dysfunction physical.
– Nondevelopmental impairment in speech, motor function, or behavior.
You should see your pediatrician or a nutritionist for all these red flags.
Should You Try Supplements?
Sometimes, if your toddler isn’t getting a healthy meal, you might want to look at supplements. But be sure to ask your pediatrician before giving your child any supplements or vitamins. They will determine if you need to supplement and recommend the appropriate products for your child’s age and dietary preferences.
Conclusion: Patience is Key!
It’s frustrating to have a toddler who won’t eat, but almost all parents go through this process. If you know why your toddler doesn’t want to eat, ensure you’re presenting them with healthy alternatives and making mealtimes enjoyable. You can be patient through this period. Don’t forget—they’ll get over it!
Whether it’s to make dinnertime more enjoyable, make the food more interesting, or simply be understanding when things aren’t going so well, you’re trying. Please keep the same, but don’t forget your toddler will change her food habits as she grows older.