#asktheexpert My son is 2 years old he is not eating enough food, I can say he is eating nothing

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Accepted Answer

It's concerning when a two-year-old refuses to eat, as proper nutrition is crucial for their growth and development. Here are some tips to help encourage your son to eat and improve his food intake:

1. Keep Mealtimes Calm and Positive: Avoid pressure or force-feeding. This can make mealtimes stressful for both you and your child. Try to make mealtimes enjoyable by sitting together as a family, offering positive reinforcement, and keeping the atmosphere relaxed. 2. Offer a Variety of Foods: Offer different types of foods in small portions. Sometimes, kids at this age become picky and might refuse certain textures or flavors. Keep foods fun and interesting: cut fruits and vegetables into fun shapes, or try offering a mix of colors and textures to make the plate visually appealing. 3. Make Food Easy to Eat: At this age, kids like to feed themselves, so try offering finger foods like cut-up fruit, small pieces of cheese, crackers, and vegetables. You can also offer mashed or soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or yogurt. 4. Snack Options: If your child isn’t eating regular meals, try offering healthy snacks like cheese sticks, smoothies, fruit purees, or small sandwiches. Sometimes, smaller, more frequent meals work better. 5. Incorporate Their Favorite Foods: If they have a favorite food, try to incorporate it into meals. You can mix vegetables with mashed potatoes or hide them in sauces. Offer foods that you know your child has enjoyed in the past and see if you can introduce them in a different way. 6. Avoid Distractions: Avoid letting your child watch TV or play with mobile devices during mealtimes. Distractions can reduce their focus on eating. 7. Check for Medical Concerns: If your child continues to refuse food, there could be an underlying medical issue, like teething pain, reflux, or an issue with digestion. It's important to consult with your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s lack of appetite, especially if it affects their growth or development. 8. Encourage Drinking: Offer fluids like milk, water, or smoothies to ensure your child stays hydrated. Sometimes, dehydration can make children less interested in eating. 9. Maintain a Routine: Having regular mealtimes can help your child establish a sense of routine, which may encourage them to eat more consistently.

If this lack of eating continues for an extended period or if you notice other concerning symptoms, it’s important to reach out to your pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.