need advice from moms...toddler content not to eat

[mymax]

Hi everyone. I have a beaurtiful, happy, active and smart 21 month old girl. Her name is Grace and she amazes me. She was born weighting 7lbs 10oz. And from day one, she never ate much...she likes to snack and graze. Well today I went to the doctors for her 21 month check up and she hasn't gained any weight from 18 months. She is still only 20lbs...she does continue to get taller (she 32 inches)but she is only in the 5th percentile for weight and the doctor is very concerned. Gracie loves her veggies, pasta and fruit. Not a big fan of protein but she just doesn't eat much. I still have her on her night time bottle just to get extra calories into her. Her cousin is six months younger then her and weights 25lbs. Any advice on how I can fatten up this kid? I just don't understand, her daddy and I love to eat...and then some!! Thanks! Denise

 

[Sabrina]

Maybe she's allergic to something you're feeding her or something is upsetting her tummy and so she doesn't want to eat. My younger brother was allergic to dairy as a baby, but it took us a while to figure that out and in the meantime he often didn't want to eat b/c he got a tummy ache when he ate. Other than that I would think her pediatrician should be able to recommend some sort of high calorie diet for her. Maybe they make something like ensure for babies?

 

[tasillo]

mom of 3

I have 3 kids...all who are so very different.
My oldest was so tiny and threw up evertyhing she did not like....but now 8 years later you would never quess it...she loves everything
My son loves meat and hates pasta.
Now my youngest who is three and ahalf still wears 24 month clothing...she is tiny ...and looks like she is 2
She hates meat too...even if i put a tiny bit with her pasta...she will say GROSSS and throw it up.
What i have learned ...after 3 kids...is never force...offer...say just try one bite...thats it...and one day they will have 2 bites
The worse thing you can do is make food an issue
Mia is still in 5% of the weight....you are not alone

 

[Austin's Mom]

Can you try giving her PediaSure? That's supposed to give them the nutrients and calories that they would normally get from their food. Or put some rice cereal in her nightime bottle.

 

[punkin]

First, I would consult a pediatrician. Both my kids went through the same thing. They were in the 95th percentile as babies, and in the 5th percentile as toddlers. We did some blood tests to check for thyroid malfunction and diabetes which came back negative. Our pediatrician told me to look at what they eat over the period of a week. When I started to look at long term eating habits, I found they were both like snakes, binging one day, and not eating for 4 or 5 days. Once I quit fussing, their eating habits improved. You also need to consider what build Grace is likely to be genetically. If you or your DH are petite, she may be petite also. I am petite and so are my kids. My 9 y.o. daughter is only 55 lb, while her cousin the same age weighs over 125 lbs.
Here are some ideas for higher calorie foods: You can use homo milk, peanut butter (if allergies aren't an issue) and butter more often. If Grace doesn't drink milk, try chocolate milk. If you mix it yourself and clean her teeth regularly, it doesn't really matter that it is chocolate. Adding a little extra butter or margerine (in moderation) to her toast and other foods may make them tastier for her, and add some extra calories. Toddlers also love dips for their snacks. You can use yogurt and cream cheese type dips, or salad dressings. My son (4) loves to dip anything in Ranch Dressing. Just be careful to watch for excessive salt and excessive additives. You may want to make your own. I also found that when my kids helped to prepare food, they were more likely to eat it, so I got in the habit of giving them some snacks they could assemble themselves. Good luck and be patient. Talk to your doctor as well. He/She may have some good ideas.

 

[mymax]

Thanks so much for your ideas. I wasn't too worried until I went to the doctors, she looks very healthy to me (nice round belly and chubby cheeks) I'm going to keep track of her food intake and try not to make too much of an issue, which is hard being a first time mom. Thanks again for all your support! Denise

 

[bunkermom]

I feel your concern! My 6 year old son suddenly stopped eating at about 2 years old. He continued to grow but not put on weight and I called the Dr. about every two weeks. Gage (my son) has just now finally outgrown some of his eating habits and is beginning to try new things. He is still so thin...you can see all his little ribs and his spine but he is doing well according to his pediatrician. If you think she really needs extra calories, try Pediasure. Gage loved it but it is a hard habit to break...eventually she wont need it anymore and its kind of like giving a child a milkshake every day for a year and then all of the sudden, no more milkshakes!

You said she loves fruit, veggies and pasta...that is fabulous! You have obviously started great eating habits for your child and that is so important for her future. Protein wise, what about eggs, cheese or other sources besides just meat? If she will eat some meat, chicken for example, try making it a million different ways...and have her help! My 3 yr old son LOVES brocolli now only because I let him help me make it!

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Autumn

 

[TracyandSam]

I had the same problem with my now 8 year old girl. Still do actually. She is just not a big eater. She will graze all day on fruit and crackers, but when it comes time for dinner she doesn't hardly eat anything. Now my son is the complete opposite! He loves his meat and potatoes. My daughter has grown taller, but the same pants from 2 years ago still fit around her waist (although they are way too short) I made up a chart that whenever she tries a bite of a new food she gets a star for that day. I don't force her to eat all of it, but just to try a bite. And surprise! Sometimes she does like what I have her try. After she gets so many stars she gets to go to the store and pick out something within a reasonable price range. I guess what I'm really doing is bribing her to eat, but it does seem to help.

 

[Full House]

My kids all went through stages where they did not eat much, but then one day they just started eating again. Now I can't keep the teenager out of the fridge. My third one doesn't eat much meat mostly fruits and veggies. Will she eat peanut butter? That will get some protein in her and maybe help her gain a little weight. My aunt had the same problem with my cousin when he was little and would try to force him to eat. My grandmother always told her don't force him he will eat when he is hungry. Sure enough he did. Now he is 6ft 6in and does not quite look like the bean pole he used to be. It will all work out.