hi,

i simpathise fully, both my kids went through a stage of fussy eating. i think every child is different, but i just kept giving them good healthy food, what ever you do don't give them junk otherwise they will just eat that. my ped said at that age they are not having as big growth spurts anymore so they don't need as much. don't make it into a power struggle they do it to keep your attention. and finally a weird thing that worked for my boys was fish oil, believe it or not, i called it special sauce and it comes in little capsules especially made for little ones, but it has a sweet flavour to it but is really good for them, my ped said to try giving it to my older son because we don't each much fish for the omega 3's in it, anyway both of my kids aged 3 and 1 1/2 both eat there veges now even without the fish oil, they just got use to eating. i think the key for my kids also was if i acted like i wasn't concerned about it and took away the dinner they were refusing it took there power away. healthy children won't starve themselves, if your child starts losing weight and not thriving keep going back to the dr to try and see if there is another problem. Your doing a good job, mothering is hard, they never tell you that when the sleepless nights are over you face all these different things, but it gets better. :)

from lynniew

Thanks u all for answering. I know there is nothing to worry about eating as long as he seems happy/not ill/and active, but you know we mother do it all the time. I will try to change his night time routine but it is not possible to offer him a bottle in sleep as he does not drink from bottle(actually he never did), but still i'll try to give it to him early so that he can retire early.

Thanks again!!!

Warm regards.

I have two tht love eating and always finish their meals but the other two are jut grazers and dont like the big meal but rather just pick through the day. My kids hve always had variety though like for breakfat sometimes tast, sometimes different cereal. I have also found that the kids usually like to try what they see their parents eating.

My youngest did the same thing for a while, you just need to remember that they won't starve themselves and will eat when hungry, just make sure you keep offering but don't make meals an issue you will loss and everyone stresses for nothing. Also offer different things maybe at different times.  Just remember he will eat when he is hungry so try to relax or he will pick up on your stress. good luck

First of all is your bubs teething?, my son would always have very little to eat when teething.   Also the best advice that I have been given is that kids will not starve themselves.  He may have also gone through a growth spurt, so try not to worry.   

Try and vary his diet and not give him the same thing all the time.  My son used to have yoghurt everyday but now he is refusing it and will only have a little every other day.  Try giving him some red meat.  What about pasta or mince.  Try finger foods.

I also agree with the comment below about changing routine, you need time to yourself in the evening...   At 12mths my son was still having 2 naps during the day from 10am till about 11.30 and then again from about 2.30 till 4pm   then was always in bed by 7.30pm,  after bath and bottle.      If  you feel that your son needs a late bottle then you can always do a dream feed by gently getting him out of his cot (without waking) at 11pm and then give him his bottle. 

You have to do what works for you, but I wouldn't stress about him not eating much.

Hi, First of all have you checked his temperture, bowels, rashes etc.?

When does your son wake up?   If it is 10 a.m., I would suggest that you get him up at 7.30 -8 a.m., change his nappy, give him a milky drink, let him wander around/play with toys  for approx 10 minutes,  then I would give him breakfast i.e Weetbix (you can cut up & put fresh fruit on it.

Morning tea - either fruit juice or water & a piece of fruit.

Lunch:- I would suggest when serving your son's lunch, put meat/fish, vegies, potatoes/pasta/rice, all separately on his plate - giving only small portions & then give him his pudding & if he needs it, milk or fruit juice/water.  Let him have a sleep 2 hours aprox, then get him up, change his nappy, water/fruit juice, take him out to play -park/shops/walking etc. Let him use up lots of energy.

5 - 5.30 p.m. dinner. It is far more benefical to have your son's main meal at lunchtime rather than later.  Remember the later you eat, keeps you awake at night.  

6 - 6.30 p.m. - Shower/bath & milk drink - bed 7 - 7.30 p.m.

Please remember that if you increase your son's breaky, he will be more likely to to go to bed early at night.

If your son wakes up during the night, give him a hug/change nappy/small sip of water & probably will go through the night.  It may not happen the first night but please persist as usually it will take a few days to settle down after his change in diet  mealtimes.

I wouldnt worrie about it too much!  he might have been going threw a growth spurt adn needing to eat more than normal... and now he is catching up and doesnt have to eat as much... He wont let himself starve!! as long as you have food to offer him it will be alright!