Hello!

My 2 year old boy is in a really bad stage of not wanting to eat more then a couple of bites every so often. At times when he is really hungry he will eat. Otherwise he doesn’t want anything else except his bottle. Can anyone make further suggestions please.


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  • Does he show interest in any kind of solids at all? As maybe you can start slow with giving him what he wants to eat, if it’s chicken nuggets then it’s chicken nuggets and gradually add one extra thing at a time. Better to start small than to continue on with the bottle.


  • With my 2 year old daughter I try to get her involved with ‘helping’ make dinner by passing me things I need. Or if we have something like burgers or tacos I let her make her own. My eldest daughter also puts my youngest food on the plate in the shape of a smiley face. I’ve learnt the hard way not to fight them! Can I suggest though to limit his bottle to after dinner and if he’s thirsty during dinner offer water only. If he doesn’t have the bottle to fill his tummy he’ll opt for the food.


  • I agree about seeking medical advice…. but have you also thought of smoothies? you can make really healthy blended vegetables and fruits etc. where the nutrients can be even more readily absorbed by the body. While there is the possibility that more liquids will just reinforce drinking (rather than chewing) there is a case for smoothies as part of the adult diet, and might help with transitioning to new flavours as well as provide more readily the nourishment that is needed.


  • My toddler eats more when I’m spooning it but has also he sometimes doesn’t eat much and other times eats heaps. If he starts to loose weight go to the doctor. There might be midwives in your area you can book in for a 2 year old milestone checkup and ask them (it’s free in our area). Good luck!


  • Just let him be, do not make him eat…my paediatrician told me kids will not starve themselves. I know it is frustrating but just let him be for now.


  • I’d get rid of the bottle and would limit milk to just before bed if he wants it. At this age they are more interested in playing so if he’s eating bits and pieces of nutritious food throughout the day then its ok


  • He is seeing a pediatrician in march thank goodness too.


  • Yes he does have hypo-sensitivity which includes having trouble with touching stuff. He has an occupational therapist too who is helping but it still worries me that he isn’t eating enough.


  • I would be hiding his bottle, esoecially at meal times. If he’s getting his nutrition from his bottle, he won’t be interested in eating


  • My little brother was like this.. does your little one hesitate to touch food? Does he feel strange putting food in his mouth?
    My brother has a sensory disorder and hates touching food and certain textures so he puts off eating until he really has to.
    Either way, I’d recommend seeing a paediatrician. They can help with techniques to get him to eat :)


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