Picky Eater - Brick,NJ

Updated on February 06, 2010
E.M. asks from Brick, NJ
4 answers

My 18-month-old son will eat almost nothing. He prefers processed foods like crackers to any real food, even the old standbys like cheese. He is on the smaller side for his age (25th percentile) and is still nursing (working on weaning), so I worry about him getting enough calories. This often translates into me giving him less healthy foods like crackers when he refuses to eat anything else. Should I stand firm and offer him only a variety of healthy items, whether he eats nothing or not? Or should I offer the healthy foods alongside something I know he will eat so he can get some calories? I am getting so tired of preparing nutritious meals that go completely untouched. He won't even try most things - mac and chesse, pb and j, grilled cheese. I mean we're not talking anything exotic here! HELP!

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T.C.

answers from Austin on

There is a similar question I saw a while ago, http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/18397867668471809
My son has always been a very picky eater, especially with mushy or sticky textures of food. I always tell him if he doesn't like something now, he might like it some day so he still needs to try a small bite to find out if he likes it yet. He's 8 now, and we are excited because he finally likes hamburgers(but still not the bun).

Have you tried other kinds of crunchy food like pretzels, pita chips, or vegetable chips? What about plain noodles without the sauce or french fries?

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G.C.

answers from New York on

I totally understand, this age is so tough in terms of feeding. They say the only things kids can control are what they take in (food) and what they put out in their diaper. So don't let it be a power struggle. Some people have success by not offering their kids anything, and only serving them when they ask. Try it out. When mealtime comes, serve everyone but your son, then eat your meal. If he asks, then you give him some of what you are eating. Good luck!

Gloria
http://centraljersey.citymommy.com

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

My eldest (almost 3) is the same way. Pretty much the only thing she will eat is fruit (all kinds!) or junk stuff like you mention. I just continue to offer her healthy foods. I have had to stop having "bad" food around the house and make sure that I'm okay with where she is getting her calories. Kids that eat a lot of good foods can eat crackers as there only snack, but if she isn't going to eat lunch or dinner, I feel guilty with a cracker being her only food of the day. Good luck. I know that it is beyond frustrating! Particularly when they won't eat basic "toddler" foods like mac and cheese!

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J.K.

answers from Cleveland on

I know what you mean! My 20 month old used to like a variety of foods, but now he is pretty particular with what he eats. Don't you just love when you prepare a wonderful meal and they don't even touch it? Soooo frustrating. It is amazing that kids can survive on the little that they eat......Just wanted to let you know you're not alone!

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