More food issues with 18mo - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

WhiskersOnKittens · 11-28-2008, 10:10 PM

Hi ladies,

I'd like other's opinions on this one...

My 18mo ds has recently become an extremely picky eater. I have the belief that kids will eat if they're hungry, so I don't like to force him to eat things he doesn't want, but sometimes I KNOW he's still hungry (because he wants more noodles, for example, even though he's got chicken on his plate that he's barely touched--like tonight), and he won't eat what I offer him. Now, I'm concerned that if I refuse to give him more of what he wants, and have the attitude that if he won't eat what's offered to him, then he doesn't eat, that he'll do just that--and not eat. I don't want him to go hungry, and I worry that he won't tell me when he's hungry (since he's still pretty young).

Another example is, the other night we were having chicken fajita's, which he used to love, and he just refused to eat, but I knew he was hungry because he wanted this, that and the other thing (snacky stuff), just before dinner time. I refused to give him anything else he wanted, and he didn't actually injest one bite of his dinner (he took a couple bites, chewed, and put it back on his high chair tray). So a couple hours went by, and it was almost time for bed, so I gave him some apple to eat, so he wouldn't be hungry all night.

What do you ladies thinK? Is he too young to start with the "if you don't eat what you're offered, you don't eat" (which is how I will be treating him when he's older)? I'm worried especially with cold and flu season here, that he'll end up getting sick if he's not getting enough nutrients (from either not eating, or not eating balanced meals that I give him)...

Whiskers

LauraLu · 11-29-2008, 09:18 AM

I think that kid's taste buds are continually changing. So if your son used to really like something, then it wouldn't be totally unusual to suddenly not like something now. I never bought into the whole idea of making a child eat only what's offered. I personally think it's kind of mean to force food because when you think about it, they are still SO young and still exploring taste and new textures. My dad did it to me and I still resent it. Imagine how an 18 month old would feel. (It sounds like you don't like that idea either).
So....even if he used to love something, I think it's not out of the question for him to suddenly not like it anymore. His body is still developing.
If I were you, I would offer foods he likes...even if it's just snacks here and there. It may seem like he's picking like a bird but all those little picks really do add up to some major calories for a little person. Just make sure the snacks you offer are nutrious, like gold fish, cheese, yogurt, fruit, etc.
Some others would call this spoiling, but I call it making your child happy. Your son will know that you're going to look out for his needs at that time.

megss · 11-29-2008, 10:42 AM

I agree with Laura. I think he is too young. He is still a baby, and learning about tastes and textures just like Laura said. He wouldn't understand the concept of "if you don't eat this then you won't eat at all". If he doesn't want to eat something, then since you obviously can't force feed him, just make sure he is getting calories and nutrients from something he does like.
Good luck! Grace is becoming increasingly picky as well!

WhiskersOnKittens · 11-29-2008, 01:01 PM

Thanks for the replies!

That's what I thought--he's still so young, I don't want to make him dread meal time, or anything. I will just continue to do what I was doing before, . I guess the only fear I had was that I will be one of those mom's who makes like, 3 different items for one dinner, according to each child's taste, and I don't want that!

Whiskers