How do you get a picky toddler to eat?

My son is 20 months old and a little small for his age at 25 pounds. The child will hardly eat anything. When he's really hungry, he will only eat grilled cheese, fries, chicken nuggets, crackers, Cheerios and string cheese. That's it. He will not even try any other foods. Just recently, I've been able to get him to drink V8 juice; so, at least he's getting some veggies.

Answers:
Is he developing normally for his age? Is he healthy? If so, then don't worry too much about it. You don't have to make fried foods like french fries readily available to him, they should only be an occasional food. I cut apples into sticks, about the size of fries and my son started to eat apples.
How on earth did you get him to drink V8, that's an accomplishment! Remember toddlers like really bland foods and they like things that are familiar. My three year old lives for PB&J and yogurt. I keep putting other foods in front of him and I try not to make a big deal out of it, if he tries it or not. I don't think forcing a toddler to eat will help anything. I wouldn't eat certain things until I was a teenager or even in my 20's. Bon Appetite!

Other Answers:
tell the child to eat wat's on his plate, or he will not leave the table

My daughter is 24 months and behaves the same as your son. Atleast your son is eating more varieties. Trying out different foods with each meal and having patience is the key. Maybe the texture of the food, salt, warmth, color and level of hunger all play some role. If your son sees another child eating then he would try to eat that too.

I too have a very picky child and it can be frustrating I know . I thought that he would grow out of it ,but he is still picky at 7 yrs old . I put the veggies on his plate to encourage him , but basically I will fix him the things that he likes . I would much prefer for him to eat a lot of what he likes than nothing at all . If he wants the chicken strips and macaroni , then fix him that , but be sure to put the vegetables on the plate even if you know he will not touch them .

Sounds like he's got a pretty good list for a toddler. Mine will only eat dirt, rocks, etc ... :)My doctor said as long as they were healthy ... not dehydrated or losing weight, that it's perfectly normal. They'll grow out of it. Pushing things on them will only make them want it that much less. That's a toddler for you! A little reverse psychology maybe? Good luck!

My 17 month old is the same. He has never been a big eater. All he'll eat is bananas and some of the things you mentioned. I never thought to try V8 juice, I will give that a try.
My sons doctor says that as long as he is active then he is getting enough and not to worry about him not eating but I know that is much easier said than done!

More Questions & Answers...

The information provided by website users, we do not guarantee its completeness and accuracy, so it can not be applied in during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

How do you get a picky toddler to eat?

Pregnancy & Parenting