Toddler Eating Problems – Coping with fussy eaters!

Toddler Eating Problems

When you are feeling at the end of your tether with a fussy eater, take a deep breath, relax and remember this is a normal phase in your toddler’s development which will resolve with time.

By being anxious you can often make the problem worse, particularly if you are expecting your toddler to eat more than they need. If allowed to do so, toddlers will eat just enough calories for their own requirements, so you should always respect your toddler’s decision that she has had enough to eat. You need to resist trying to persuade your toddler to eat more. All this is of course, easier said than done. Remember that it is your responsibility to offer your toddler nutritious food but always allow them to choose how much they will eat.

How to know when your toddler is full

It may seem obvious but your toddler is telling you that they have had enough to eat of a particular food, course or meal, if your toddler is:

• keeping their mouth shut when offered food

• saying no

• turning their head away from the food being offered

• pushing away a spoon, bowl or plate containing food

• holding food in their mouth and refusing to swallow it

• spitting food out repeatedly

• leaning out of their highchair or trying to climb out

• crying, shouting or screaming

• gagging or retching

Tips to tackle your toddler eating problems

Try to organize yourself so that you can take just five minutes alone with your toddler in a quiet place, so you can sit and cuddle and just unwind a little. (Does it matter if dinner is just a little late?) Try to involve our toddler in the jobs you have to do in the kitchen so that you can continue to chat or just be there, so they dont feel pushed out. Praise them directly, and to the rest of the family for being helpful.

This may seem like something and nothing to you, but it will ease your toddler back into the family routine, make them feel important and give them the attention he craves in a positive way. Result = a happier child = less risk of tantrums = dinner eaten by all in peace. (Hopefully!)

Keep it healthy

Now I know this isn’t easy but try not to keep junk food and too many sweets at home. Aim to keep good, healthy food and snacks in your cupboards and refrigerator. This way, when your toddler gets hungry, they will have to eat what’s around. Besides if your toddler has been eating your stock of healthy food from the very beginning because there is nothing else to eat, they may be used to it already.

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