I have been at my wit's end
By joanagirl
@joanagirl (44)
Philippines
May 31, 2011 11:30pm CST
This started middle of last week, my 18 month old son is starting to become a picky eater. We tried giving him variety of foods, drinks, whatsoever edible stuff we could find, but to no avail. He would just stick out his tongue and drop the food morsels we just gave him. His milk intake however did not change, but I am very worried that he is not going to get the required nutrients for his growing body. I am so paranoid on what to do.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
1 Jun 11
hello, joana. 
it is such a challenge, isn't it? it can sometimes be frustrating.
perhaps the baby needs vitamins to increase the appetite. was food with salt and sugar introduced first to the baby? if you did, then the child tends to be picky. we can add salt and sugar but with a very, very small amount. also, you have to choose the food that you introduce. junk foods are a big no no because it will totally ruin the whole thing. the other food will taste bland when junk foods are introduced.
i would also suggest to feed him with soup or rice with soup, with veggies in it. mashed potato is always good for the child.
it is such a challenge, isn't it? it can sometimes be frustrating.
perhaps the baby needs vitamins to increase the appetite. was food with salt and sugar introduced first to the baby? if you did, then the child tends to be picky. we can add salt and sugar but with a very, very small amount. also, you have to choose the food that you introduce. junk foods are a big no no because it will totally ruin the whole thing. the other food will taste bland when junk foods are introduced.
i would also suggest to feed him with soup or rice with soup, with veggies in it. mashed potato is always good for the child.@joanagirl (44)
• Philippines
1 Jun 11
You bet I feel frustrated at times. Yes we just got him into food supplements to increase appetite,and we have yet to see the effect. My husband and I are very conscious on our kid's foods, and junk foods are a big no in our list. Soup and carbohydrates loading are part of his everyday menu. He was such a good eater previously, but I think he got fed up of eating those stuff that's maybe one reason he's not eating them anymore. What can I do, but just keep on trying until he gives in...
Thanks for the suggestion!
@Jessi_T (379)
• United States
1 Jun 11
If he was eating well before and suddenly stopped you should consult his pediatrician, they will know what is best for your son and be able to rule out any medical condition and the best route you should take to be sure he is getting the nutrients he needs.
All kids go through a stage of picky eating. My next to youngest is 17 months old and he is a big eater, it's my four year old who has suddenly turned into Miss finicky. She's on a Ravioli diet so it seems. It is probably just as simple as finding the food he likes. Good luck. =)
@joanagirl (44)
• Philippines
1 Jun 11
His pediatrician told us to explore more on variety of foods, all kids go through that stage at some point. Sometimes, he finishes his meal but with constant prodding, and a lot of tricks so we can get the spoon on his mouth.
Thank you for sharing, It somehow helps knowing I'm not alone with this dilemma.
@mansha (6298)
• India
1 Jun 11
Get him check out for worms in stomach so many times children stop eating due to worms in stomach it happened with my 4 year old and yes kids do become choosy but its too soon for that, do check out what he likes and mix small morsels of healthy food in that. at times a stern no is needed when child is repeatedly doing something inappropriate like throwing out the food may be its time you need to be a little assertive and not give in and make him understand that this behavior is wrong , or you can distract him with stories and all while feeding him , i did both things with my kids and after initial few days they adjusted and fuirst try distraction with face making and claps and stories and poems then the reprimand use them wisely and in moderation...
@Momma_Robinson (10)
• United States
2 Jun 11
If everything else seems to be normal for him, no signs of being sick...then he is just going through a stage determining what his likes and dislikes are. Most kids go through these stages. Don't worry, he will eat something when he gets pretty hungry. My daughter sometimes will go a few days with only eating very little. I would continue to offer foods, and orange juice, and fruits and veggies. Just be patient.
