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My 22 month old baby has no interest in eating. He won't eat anything at all. Please help. He weighs 12kgs.

Question

#asktheexpert

My 22 month old baby has no interest in eating. He won't eat anything at all. Please help. He weighs 12kgs.

Accepted Answer

It's common for toddlers to go through phases of picky eating or a temporary loss of interest in food, but it can be concerning if your 22-month-old’s weight is low and they are not eating much. Here are some strategies to encourage eating and ensure they are getting proper nutrition:

1. Offer Small, Frequent Meals: At this age, toddlers might have smaller appetites, so offering 4-6 small meals or snacks throughout the day rather than three large meals might be helpful. Include nutritious snacks like fruits, yogurt, cheese, or crackers. 2. Make Food Fun and Appealing: Play with presentation: Make the food visually appealing by cutting it into fun shapes or arranging it into a colorful plate. Offer finger foods: Toddlers love to feed themselves. Offer small, easy-to-eat foods like pieces of fruit, cheese cubes, crackers, and soft vegetables like steamed carrots or cucumber. 3. Introduce New Foods Gradually: If he refuses certain foods, don’t pressure him. Keep offering them in a relaxed way, perhaps in different textures or combinations. Pair familiar foods with new ones: If your toddler loves one food, try to add a small amount of a new food next to it so he gets used to it. 4. Encourage Healthy Fats: Healthy fats can be high in calories and important for your child's growth. You can try incorporating avocados, peanut butter, or cheese into meals, either as snacks or toppings on other foods. 5. Keep Mealtimes Stress-Free: If mealtimes become stressful, your child may associate eating with negativity. Keep the atmosphere relaxed, avoid pressuring him to eat, and try not to make mealtimes a battleground. 6. Limit Liquids: Sometimes toddlers fill up on liquids like juice or milk, which can reduce their appetite for solids. Try limiting liquids like juice and milk between meals to ensure they're hungry at mealtimes. 7. Offer Nutrient-Rich Foods: When he does eat, focus on nutrient-dense foods. Examples include: Smoothies made with fruit, yogurt, and even hidden vegetables. Oatmeal or porridge made with milk or yogurt and sweetened with fruit. Scrambled eggs or omelets with finely chopped vegetables or cheese. 8. Be Patient and Consistent: Toddlers can be fickle eaters, and their appetite can fluctuate. Continue offering a variety of foods, and don’t get discouraged by one or two days of refusal. 9. Check for Underlying Issues: If your baby’s lack of interest in eating persists and weight gain is a concern, it might be helpful to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues, such as food sensitivities, digestive issues, or other medical conditions.

By making meals enjoyable, offering nutritious options, and maintaining a positive attitude, you'll help foster good eating habits. If you’re worried about weight or growth, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician for a tailored plan.