So, you have done everything possible.
Your little is still not happy with the food you are offering and wouldn’t eat.
No, you are not alone.
Toddlers, in the present times are notorious for wanting just snacks and not eating their regular food.
But moms can let it be so.
Of course, picky eating is a problem and sometimes moms rush to the doctor. If anything can be done.
Is this normal?
Well, to a certain extent it ‘might’ be normal. There are a few situations or rather reasons why your 2 year old might not be wanting to eat.
It’s the taste of snacks – once tasted, who forgets?
Sometimes, toddlers like snacks more because they taste sweeter or saltier than regular meals. They are smart enough to demand snacks because they know that a little amount of crying or hunger strike might help them get their favourite snack.
Is your toddler trying to eat by himself?
Toddlers want to do things by themselves. They might not want to eat what you give them because they want to make their own choices. Try to make your toddler comfortable and let him eat by himself.
Check if it has anything to do with teething discomfort?
Is your baby finding it difficult to eat due to teeth?
You can seek help.
When toddlers are teething, their gums might hurt, making them not want to eat solid foods.
Might be that your toddler needs attention and there are some distractions:
Toddlers get easily distracted. They might prefer playing instead of sitting down for a meal.
Growth and Appetite Fluctuations:
Sometimes, toddlers eat a lot because they’re growing, and other times, they eat less. It’s normal. Just watch for sometime and if you still feel the need, you can get in touch with your Doctor.
Food Texture Preferences:
Toddlers might like foods with certain textures. If a meal doesn’t feel right in their mouth, they may not want to eat it.
Is it Mood and Emotions:
If toddlers are tired or upset, they might not feel like eating. Try and change the feeding time. If your toddler is not happy to eat at a certain time, don’t offer food at that time.
New Foods or Changes in Routine:
Toddlers might not like trying new foods. Changes in routine can also make them refuse to eat.
Sensory Sensitivities:
Some toddlers are extra sensitive to how food feels, smells, or looks. This can affect what they eat.
Is there some Illness or Discomfort:
If toddlers are sick or uncomfortable, they might not have an appetite.
Dont- forget your baby has a small stomach.
Toddlers have small stomachs. They might prefer eating small amounts more often instead of big meals.
Be patient, offer different healthy foods, and make mealtimes positive. If you’re worried, talk to your child’s doctor.
Is it normal for a 2-year-old to not want to eat?
No, it is not normal, but it’s not always something to worry about as well.
Encouraging a toddler to eat can sometimes be a challenging task. But as a mother, you have to try hard.
Try these 10 ‘strategies’ to make mealtimes more enjoyable and encourage healthy eating habits:
Create a Positive Environment:
Make mealtimes pleasant by setting a positive atmosphere. Use cheerful and colorful plates, and create a comfortable seating arrangement.
So, how can you create a positive environment. Try anything you want. Use colorful, character-themed plates or utensils that your toddler likes. Say positive things about the food, like “Look at these yummy green peas!”
Establish a Routine:
Stick to a consistent mealtime routine. Toddlers thrive on predictability, so having regular meal and snack times can make them more willing to eat.
Have set meal and snack times, such as breakfast at 8 am, lunch at 12 pm, and snacks at 3 pm. Toddlers feel more secure when they know what to expect.
Offer a Variety of Foods:
Introduce a diverse range of foods to expose your toddler to different tastes and textures. Include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains in their diet.
Include a mix of foods like sliced fruits (apples, bananas), colorful vegetables (carrots, bell peppers), lean proteins (chicken, cheese), and whole grains (whole wheat bread, brown rice).
Be a Role Model:
Children often mimic the behaviour of adults. Eat meals together as a family, and demonstrate healthy eating habits. If they see you enjoying a variety of foods, they may be more inclined to try them too.
Let your toddler see you enjoying a variety of foods. Say things like “Mmm, these veggies are so tasty!” to encourage their curiosity.
Make Meals Fun:
Create a playful atmosphere by using creative presentations, arranging food in interesting shapes, or using colorful, child-friendly utensils and plates. Make the experience enjoyable.
Let your toddler stir pancake batter, sprinkle cheese on a pizza, or arrange toppings on a taco. This hands-on experience can increase their interest in the meal.
Involve Them in Meal Preparation:
Allow your toddler to participate in simple meal preparations, like stirring, pouring, or placing ingredients. This involvement can make them more interested in trying the finished dish.
Offer Small Portions:
Present small, manageable portions to avoid overwhelming your toddler. You can always offer more if they show interest in having seconds.
Serve a small portion of each item on their plate, such as a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, a couple of broccoli florets, and a small piece of grilled chicken.
Limit Distractions:
Minimize distractions during mealtime, such as turning off the TV or electronic devices. Create a calm environment that allows your toddler to focus on eating.
Turn off the TV during meals and put away electronic devices. Create a calm atmosphere, allowing your toddler to focus on the colors, textures, and tastes of the food.
Praise and Positive Reinforcement:
Offer praise when your toddler tries new foods or eats well. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue making healthy choices.
Say things like “Great job trying the carrots!” or “You finished your peas; that’s awesome!” Positive comments can boost their confidence in trying new foods.
Be Patient:
Toddlers can be picky eaters, and it may take time for them to develop preferences. Be patient and avoid pressuring them to eat. Offer a variety of options, and let them explore at their own pace.
If your toddler refuses a particular food, don’t force it. Instead, reintroduce it later in a different way or alongside something they enjoy. Patience is key to developing healthy eating habits.
Remember that each child is unique, so it may require some experimentation to find what works best for your toddler. Consistency and patience are key when encouraging healthy eating habits.
