Picky Son at 18 Months

This may not be right for you but, this is how our picky 3 year old who is very picky, but tall and slim and healthy is coped with
He is in a family of good eaters.
He just gets a little meal with the family of what he likes: pizza, goldfish,
a few fresh things like apples. Some meat often not touched etc. Remember the family are rabbits.(from day one
we all like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers. all sorts of veggies.etc. etc_)
At bed time he still get his toddler formula that smells like an old
fashioned ice cream store. This keeps him very healthy.

He is improving and he is healthy. Just last week we had a big family
dinner out. His grandma offered to share a cheese pizza with him. He
told the waitress this and everyone had a great meal. The rest of the
table had much more that cheese pizza and all were happy.

NORMAL!!! Don't worry. I also have an 18 month old, 22 pounds, picky eater and the doc says he's fine too. Just keep offering healthy choices and definitely offer them first (when he's hungriest). Throwing at this age is completely normal and expected too. He's probably not throwing the food b/c he doesn't like it--he's throwing to test cause and effect, to see your response, and because it's fun. In fact one of the questions my doc asks at the 18 mth check up is "is he throwing things?" Of course, throwing food is not allowed just b/c it's normal, but it's also refreshing to know that it's just---normal! One thing we do when he throws food, is declare to him that he's done eating (food is removed and I make him sit in his high chair until I'm ready for him to come out). I save the food so next time he's hungry that's what he gets. Also, snacking is what they do at this age. They'd rather graze than have meals. If it fits with your family lifestyle, let him have a place where he can snack. We put his high chair tray with food on it in the kitchen where he can reach and he is able to "snack" off it for a specified amount of time. Sometimes, we get him out of his high chair when he starts throwing, but then he goes straight to his tray with the SAME food on it and just grazes as he plays---again, that has to fit with your lifestyle in order to allow that. But those little guys have a short attention span! When he's a teenager eating everything in your kitchen, you'll just laugh at this time where you had to struggle to make him eat!! Enjoy this time with your little guy and don't worry about him being picky. You will both survive...and thrive!

18 months can be a tough age b/c babies are just starting to assert their independence and food is one place they can do it. Even at such a young age, you can try letting him cook with you. Stirring the eggs for an omelet, putting a banana in a blender and turning it on for a smoothie, etc.. the more you involve kids in the process, the more empowered they will feel. This is a recipe that my kids always love at that age! http://weelicious.com/2010/04/06/banana-bites/

Hey Mama,

While he is of the age to be able to eat real food, he may not be able to eat real food.

-Ask youself, how many teeth does he have?
-Are the foods you're feeding him easily chewable with his teeth?
-Is he in a growth lull, kids eat a lot during growth spurts then pick between them.
-Is he mature enough for the food you're serving? Some dishes are just too old for little guys. Too many flavors at once can overwhelm the newly developing taste buds.
-Are you allowing filler foods before or during dinner? We all love frys, but for kids who are not eating much, foods should be given in the order of importance, and alone. First the veggies, then the protein then the starch. This way you'll know he's getting the good foods first.

Over the next few days, try soft foods, single flavor foods and foods that are very easy to chew. Think chunky baby food.

Good Luck

R. Magby

I have one picky eater and I can understand what you're going through. What has worked for me is offering at meal time one item that I know she likes and then other items that are good for her. To get the item she really likes, she has to eat the others first. I don't even let her have her pick until the others are eaten.

Your little one my resist and may even refuse to eat at first. Don't give in!! He is testing his limits at 18 months and will try to take control. If you stand firm consistently, he will soon learn that Mommy is in charge. I've found that they will get hungry enough soon and will eat whatever is placed in front of them if they know they won't get their own way.

R.