Why Won’t My Toddler Eat?

Nowadays, mealtime is the only time of the day when families get a chance to sit and talk to each other. But your toddler can convert this peaceful hour to a hectic period by creating a fuss at the table. At the age of 1-4 years, it is normal for toddlers to throw tantrums at the dinner table and to refuse meals that may seem yummy to you, but for them it is not good enough.
Most parents get worried about the health of toddlers when they limit their diet. Well, in most cases, the parents are just over conscious as it is common for a toddler to restrict their food intake.

If your toddler is not eating well and you are worried about his health, then there is no need to worry because you have landed at the right place. If you want to solve the diet problem of your toddler, then you have to look into the depth of the question – Why won’t my toddler eat?

Once you have the answer to this question, then it will be easier for you to solve this problem.

Why is my toddler refusing food?

Well, there is no single answer to this question because it depends upon the toddler that why is he acting fussy. The reason toddlers eat less varies in different cases. Since we have done a lot of research on this topic, so a comprehensive answer to the above question is given below.

The toddler is not hungry

Sometimes parents overfill the plates of toddlers and later assume that their kid hasn’t eaten anything. Actually, the diet of toddlers varies every day. On some days, they can finish their entire bowl while sometimes only two bites are enough to fulfill their tummies. If you are facing the same problem with your kid, then there is no need to worry at all. Because the appetite of toddlers varies, and it depends upon its growth and activity. So you need not force meals on them if your child isn’t hungry.

Moreover, toddlers mostly do not know how to convey that they are full. So, they start playing with food or creating a mess instead of eating it when they are full. Throwing food or creating a mess with food is their way to covey that they are not hungry.

Toddlers need less food

Babies and newborns need to feed every 2-3 hours as they are growing rapidly. But the opposite is the case with toddlers as they do not need as much food as babies. Most parents get worried because they assume that their toddler needs more food than babies and newborns. Moreover, toddlers have small stomachs, and their growth is also less in comparison to babies, so you need not force meals when they do not want to eat. They refuse to eat extra food. If your toddler is healthy and developing at a normal pace, then you need not worry about feeding them.

They want variety

Toddlers are new in this world, so they want to experience different flavors of food. Sometimes they want you to keep introducing different flavors and different foods. Most toddlers have a stubborn nature, so they will refuse to eat anything that they do not want.

Moreover, it is expected that they may like some food one day and the next day they will not eat it no matter what. Therefore, one reason for the limited eating of toddlers is that they want you to introduce something new and different to the dinner table.

Variety is the spice of life, and it is possible that your baby likes experimentation and tasting different foods.

Refusing a variety of food and demanding different flavors is common when it comes to toddlers. Most toddlers are going through the phase where they reject the usual food items that you provide to them.

Stubborn Nature

Toddlers like pushing their boundaries to show their independence. In the first few years, kids try to test their power and the reaction of others on their actions. So, it is normal for them to test what they can do or what they can’t.

Moreover, when parents get worried about the eating habits of their toddlers, then toddlers respond by limiting the intake of food.

Feeling anxious or sad

Some babies are more stubborn than others. Whenever you shout at them or scold them, they limit their food intake. Moreover, babies also lose their appetite when they are sad or feeling low.

Disrupted routine

Try to feed your toddler in his mealtime instead of rushing at mealtimes. Moreover, if you continue offering food to your toddlers all day, then they will lose their appetite.

Persistent faddy eating

Faddy eating does not last long in healthy toddlers. But, if your toddler keeps rejecting the food, then you will have to see your pediatrician. In some cases, limited eating is linked to medical problems. Your pediatrician can assess this easily and will give your necessary guidelines about your baby.

Some toddlers have no medical problem, but they do not eat well. These kids become more sensitive to dirt, sound, smell, and touch. Mostly, these children become normal after the age of 5 years. But pediatricians suggest parents offer only those foods for such kids that they like. Forcing such kids to eat those things that they do not like can retard their growth.

Sick baby

When babies are sick, they start reducing their food intake. So, if the reduced consumption of food comes with deteriorating health and other symptoms of cold or illness, then consult his doctor. Anemic and constipated babies also lose their appetite.

Takeaway Advice

There is no problem with being overprotective about your kid. Because babies and toddlers need your extra concern and care. When it comes to the intake of food by toddlers, then most of them are faddy eaters.

Faddy eaters are basically fussy and show tantrums while eating. This is common with most of the kids. There is no need to worry unless your toddlers keep rejecting everything that you offer.
Moreover, if you notice any signs of illness or deteriorating health, then pay a visit to a pediatrician to make sure that your baby is fine. It is possible that the faddy eating is being caused by an illness.