Toddler Eating Concerns

Well, hmmm, the thing is most toddlers don't have the same issues with food as adults so they will usually cut themselves off when they are full. They do generally eat quite a few times a day and they usually only ask for food if they are really hungry. Now, I will say that even my 2 year old will say he's "hungry" if he spots some cookies or other sweets that he'd like, but I've learned to read those cues pretty fast! ;)

What is she eating that she wants more of? If it's healthy food like proteins, veggies, fruits, etc. I'd honestly just let her have it. Maybe she really is hungry. I honestly believe that at 21 months, she is not trying to manipulate the situation or over eat. I would give her more food as long as it's "good" food and I bet she'll stop when she's full.

Also, does she drink a lot of milk? If not, then maybe she needs to get full off of other foods. At that age my kids were still drinking whole milk so that curbed their appetite a bit, but once that stopped they ate more foods. So if she isn't drinking a lot of milk, or drinking a lower percent, then again, probably hungry.

My daughter is exactly the same age and weighs 27 pounds, and her dr says her wt is fine, so I would say at 23 pounds your daughter is definitely fine. I don't think it's a good idea to be restrictive about food, especially at this age. If she says she is hungry, feed her, just make sure it's mostly healthy. I think as adults we can create food issues with our kids by encouraging them not to follow their body's cues. Good luck!

My second son, now 2.5, is a big eater and always has been. He eats quickly and almost always clears his plate. There are some days where I feel like all I do is feed him. He recently shot up in height and has lost all his baby chub, he's going to be a big boy. He's quite lean now. As long as the food you are giving her is healthy, I honestly wouldn't worry about it and just feed her.

I would say let her decide how much to eat, as long as she is eating reasonably healthy food She could be having a growth spurt. Usually if I am feeding the kids something like pizza, with raw veggies as a side, they will finish and ask for more. I will usually offer more of the veggies first, and then more pizza if they are actually still hungry after they have had more veggies.

My friend's daughter was this way, and at 2yo was 40lbs and 40". She was a big girl then, and the peed cut out the whole milk, but told them to watch her. She would eat her food, ask others for theirs, and eat again minutes later. She's now 4yo and in perfect health, is now much slimmer and taller - she still eats a lot compared to my son, but nowhere near what she used to eat. She also has a great relationship with food - she'll try anything once, she loves vegetables and grilled fish, she doesn't get upset when there's no treats/desserts. If the peed is not concerned, I would go with it and use this as opportunities to teach manners (or whatever it is that you see need improving). Good luck!

I would feed her. My son is 28 pds and almost three (I think he was around your daughter's weight at 21mnths) and he eats constantly. But the food he asks for (Beans, rice, lots of fruits and veggies, whole grain cereals, yogurt, etc.) are all healthy so I feed him whenever he is hungry (unless its like 30 minutes till dinner)