My son is 21 months old and he don't eat much.He has had trouble with servere accid reflux and he has had a g tube put in for feedings at 4 months and now as he gets older he still don't eat much and he has very poor weight gain. Do anyone have any suggestion of what to try. I'm doing every thing the nutritionist tell me too but he turns every thing down after a taste.
Perhaps he senses your concern about eating. This will cause him to be anxious. I suggest you just continue to offer him choices and eventually he'll learn to eat. Stick with 2-3 choices until he gets used to them.
Have you tried putting food in front of him and then not pay attention to him? Go on with your own meal, or do something else.
When did he have the g tube removed? If it's been recently he's still learning how to eat.
Frugalfun4boys.com The mom of this blog also had the same problem with one of her sons. I think he was two years old still eating baby food because it was the only thing he would eat.
Marda had great suggestions....my only other thought would be: how much is he drinking & does he drink right before (or during) mealtime?
This would negate his hunger....
Ooooops, one more idea: since he's 21months, allow him to pick btwn 2 choices for mealtime. By allowing him the autonomy of choice, he may eat better! He's also old enough to help with the shopping, putting away, food prep, & serving.....Kids do better when they're allowed to help!
Honestly, he's even old enough to match a coupon to an item on the shelf. That's how I got my sons to stay sitting in the cart....I bribed them with the coupons! :)
A Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist, either of whom specialize in an Eating Therapy Program such as SOS may be very useful for your son. Having so many serious issues, including a G tube when so young would influence how he has learned to eat, chew, swallow, etc and how he preceives food. Either of these type of therapists would be knowledgable about his challenges and could help. Especially since he is not gaining weight well, eating therapy is something to look into. But I also agree to TRY not to let him see your concern and anxiety over him not eating because he surely has a lot of anxiety about food already due to physical reasons. Does the nutritionist recommend a supplemental nutrition drink? Good Luck and I know how worrisome it can be when they will not eat.
Also, I see it as a great sign that he is still willing to taste and try things. My sons anxiety is so high about food he has a hard time just tolerating the food on his plate, much less tasting it. Don't give him a reaction when he does reject something and keep offering it.
