Toddler Barely Eating? Here’s Some Peace of Mind
Hello Loves!
It’s a new week and another exciting time to connect with you!
Connecting with all of you brings me such fulfillment and joy. I am always thankful for your interest!
Omari turns TWO in just a few weeks and it is so overwhelming. My little baby is getting older and I can’t stand to see it! He already acts like he is two, I swear!
The tantrums have really leveled up.
“No” remains his favorite word
And for a period of time now he has refused food ALOT! To the point where my husband and I were constantly stressing over his intake. Like, this kid has so much energy running and jumping all over the place! How is he not hungry?!
The first peace of mind is knowing that it is normal for toddlers to go through periods of not eating or barely eating.
Making a fuss over having to sit down and eat.
Or you might notice that one day you finally think that you find food that your toddler will actually eat and then the next day they are refusing that food too!
It is normal!
The funniest thing about this no eating strike my toddler decided to participate in does not pertain to any candy, cookies, or other unhealthy treats.
They think they are slick! Lol
There are many many reasons our toddlers are not eating.
They do not typically need a lot of food, they have small stomachs.
They get very interested in the world around them and do not care to stop and eat.
Their appetite can also vary with their amount of activity.
What we have learned is that he WILL eat when he is hungry and so will your toddler! They will not starve themselves! One day they may eat a lot and the next they will eat next to nothing and it is normal.
I do want to say that if you truly think your toddler is not eating because of an underlying problem just bring them to the doctors. You know your toddler better than anyone else mama.
What To Do
We continue to struggle with Omari and his lack of appetite but these are things that we do to give us some peace of mind and things that you can try too, mama. The goal is not to force feed them but to encourage them to eat nutritionally packed food and keep them hydrated. Pray that everyday our children get the nutrition that they need.
Always Have Water Or Watered Down Juice In Their Line Of Sight And Easy Reach
The most important thing for any human is to stay hydrated. Keeping a drink where they can see and easily grab gives them independence to drink when they need to. Along with leaving it, you can also continue to offer it.
2. For Snacks, Try Putting About 2-5 Different Healthy Options Out For Them To Grab When They Feel They Want To Eat.
This means put it where they can see it! Toddlers are all about showing their independence. For example, I like to put a couple different fruits, pretzels, and peanut butter crackers out for easing grabbing.
Meal Time
When It Is Meal Time, Offer A Smaller Serving Than Usual.
Sometimes seeing a plate with a lot of food can be overwhelming and deter them from actually eating. Plus, toddlers really only need small servings at meal time.
2. Let Them Help You Meal Prep Or Cook
This allows your toddler to feel like they are participating in an important activity in the house. Eating what they have made gives them a sense of pride and independence increasing the likelihood of them actually eating.
3. Give Them Two Options About Where They Can Eat
At meal time, we first tell Omari that he has to sit in his highchair so that he can eat his food. If he makes a fuss about the highchair. We usually offer him to stand in his Learning Tower to eat and more times than not he will at least attempt to eat. To be honest, he eats a lot more in his tower than anywhere else.
4. Be Encouraging!
It is amazing how well toddlers do when they are praised! When your toddler does not want to eat but at least tries, give them praise! Every time you see them eat, be encouraging. It works, I swear!
5. Supplement
If you do all of these things and your child’s lack of appetite still bothers you to the point where you are pulling your hair out. First, if you're willing, pray for you and your child’s needs because you need it lol. This is what I do.
But! Also, Omari still loves his milk and instead of giving him regular milk every time. We give him Orgain’s Kids Chocolate Protein Shakes which he absolutely loves and it's packed with calories and good nutrients. Also, I will say that his doctor is aware and is okay with it. So if you choose to do the same, please let your toddler’s doctor know.
That Is All Folks!
Honestly, these are the things that we do with Omari and some days things go very well and other days not so much, but it is okay! I pray that this helps you like it does for us!
Just try your best mama! You got this!
God bless you and your family!
So Much Love,
Ki’ari
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7