Lindsay has a 20 month old toddler who has become picky about the food he eats. He also wants to eat all day long, not just at the usual mealtimes. She is concerned Adam is not getting the nutrition he needs and is looking for some advice in understanding the sudden change in her toddler’s eating habits.
“Adam, who is 20 months old, has always been a good eater. My problem began last week when he started refusing to eat anything new or different that I tried to feed him and now has become quite picky. It seems like this just happened overnight and I am becoming worried because now he wants the same four foods all the time. I am concerned that he isn’t getting all the nutrients he needs from just these four foods which now consist of any type of bread with peanut butter, cereal, macaroni & cheese, and bananas. I know it could be worse, but these foods just don’t seem to be enough for him to grow properly both physically and intellectually. In addition to Adam not wanting to try any other foods, he now wants to eat small amounts all day long so I’ve ended up giving him some snacks (biscuits, fruit etc) during the day. I really would like to know if other mums have experienced this sudden change in their toddler’s eating habits and what they did. Are there any foods out there toddler‘s absolutely love that I should try to give to my Adam? Should I be concerned that he wants to eat all day long? Is this just a normal phase he is going through? And should I be giving him vitamins to supplement his diet now that his eating habits have changed? As you can see, I could really use some advice and suggestions on what to do with my very picky eater!”
Do you have a picky toddler whose eating habits have changed? Please tell us about it so that we can share our advice and suggestions with Lindsay and other mums who are concerned with the sudden change in their toddler’s eating habits.
Our survey results are in and it would seem like Lindsay is not alone in having a picky eater for a son. 37% of you reported having toddlers that are selective about food the majority of the time with, unsurprisingly, leafy green vegetables being their least favourite culinary choice.
64% of our mums reported that their toddlers mostly ate regularly at mealtimes with a few snacks in between while 21% have a similar problem to Lindsay with toddlers who mostly snack rather than eating big main meals. In spite of the difference in toddler eating habits most mums took a laid back approach with 70% of you satisfied with your child’s nutrition levels, at least on most days.
For mums like Lindsay who might be looking for food ideas for their children, the most popular food items among the picky eaters were spaghetti and breadsticks. Other favourites included pepperami, curry and gherkins!
Our mums had some fantastic tips and techniques for Lindsay to help get Adam trying a wider range of food:
“Be patient and try one healthy new thing every meal time. Make it fun by cutting food in shapes or include a colourful mix of veg & fruit,” – Denise, Aberdeen
