Toddlers Won't Eat: Is it Normal?

Answering “no” to everything you say is a normal behavior for toddlers. This the stage in a child's life when she wants to test your limits as a parents and she wants to assert her own will. She may refuse to take a bath, have diaper changed or eat whatever is offered to her. Parents are often frustrated by this behavior, but experts advise not to take these personally because this is just a passing stage.

Parents, however, may be worried about their child's nutrition when they become fussy at this age. Again, experts reassure us that with proper guidance, this will not have a long-lasting effect on their health, but will soon be able to get back on a balanced diet.

Toddlers Won’t Eat—Is It Normal?

Mealtimes can become chaotic in a family where parents arre dealing with a toddler who screams and throws tantrums at the table. This is not unusual because being fussy eaters is part of a child's normal stage of development, which is expected to improve with time.

Experts explain that if parents allow their toddler to take just as much as he wants to eat, they will have just enough calories they need. It may sound easier than it seems because toddlers may refuse whatever food you prepare. But being a toddler is a stage when they become picky eaters.

Babies usually triple their birth weight in the first year of life. However, when they reach the toddler stage between one to three years old, they become more active and eat less. They gain weight slower than before and therefore need to eat less. They are usually busy playing and cannot sit still to eat a meal, but would rather take snacks to suit their new lifestyle.

How Can I Get My Toddler to Eat?

1. Do’s

Try to eat as a family. Encouraging your child to sit with you and your...

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...b out

cries, shouts or screams

gags or retches

What If I am Still Concerned?

To help you track your toddler's eating habits, list down all the foods and drinks she has taken within the week. Check if she has taken foods under the main food groups, which consist of protein, dairy, starchy foods and fruits and vegetables. As long as she has eaten these foods, ther is no need to worry.

However, if you are still concerned about how much your child eats,consult your doctor who will check on her height, weight and growth progress.

Summary

Many parents are worried about the eating habits and nutrition of their toddlers, who are usually picky eaters. Experts say, however, that with a few simple steps, parents can encourage them to take just what their body needs.

Works Cited

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1008600/how-to-cope-with-feeding-a-fussy-toddler