Results tagged “toddler” from Momtourage: Need Advice?

Parents often tell me that their toddler doesn't eat anything, yet most of those toddlers are growing and developing fine. First step is to check with your pediatrician and make sure that your daughter is truly gaining weight and growing appropriately. Here are a few reasons why she may not be eating what you think she should:

Unlike adults, children often don't tire of eating the same thing every day. As long as it is healthy and he eats it, I wouldn't worry too much about repetition. When he stops eating it, then it's time to get creative or try new items.

She CAN have almost everything you eat, as long as it's cut into small pieces. Infants actually learn to eat by mashing food with their gums, so even toddlers who don't get their first tooth until they're a year old do fine with soft pieces of grown-up food. I find that one-year-olds love eating small pieces of steamed veggies (such as carrots and sweet potato), whole grains (pasta, cereal and bread) and chicken. Take whatever you eat, cook it a bit more if needed or mash it slightly so it's soft, cut it into small pieces and serve it as finger food. Thick yogurt works well when it comes to learning to use a spoon, and most infants and toddlers love it.

Around this age, parents either tell me that their child won't eat anything, or that they eat all day long, so yes, it is very common. Your daughter may be going through a growth spurt and therefore is truly hungry.

Constipation is common in toddlers and can usually be corrected with some simple, healthy dietary changes. So before you take him off milk, take a look at everything your son eats and drinks.

From your description it sounds like you are alone with your son for a significant portion of the day -- which must be a very difficult mix for an active toddler and a bed-resting mom!

Your 20-month-old doesn't intend to hurt you. It's just his way of expressing himself, but that doesn't mean it's okay. You do need to teach him how to appropriately touch and that hitting is not acceptable. Model the words and behavior that you'd like him to copy. Say, "Gentle, make nice to Mommy," as you softly run his hand down your arm. When he does hit, say "No" firmly. Put him down and then redirect his attention.

Exposure, exposure, exposure. Kids are outstanding imitators. They imitate whatever they see, whether it's positive, negative or neutral.

Healthy children can catch around 10 infections a year--almost one a month! This is especially true when they are in daycare. During the summer months kids are mostly well, but during the winter, they may get sick every other week. Why? Because children constantly touch things and viruses can live on toys and surfaces for hours.