Seeking Some Advice About My 15 Month Old Son's Eating Habits

These is a normal stange. I know both of kids have gone through it then the next thing you know they are eatting me out of house and home.

I have a 3 year old and getting him to eat isnt something I mastered yet... I just make him come to the table at dinner and I put his food there and if he doesn't eat I don't force him... But I do make him sit at the table... I taught him that it is family time and we talk about went on durning the day... After sitting there he might take a bite or two... But when he comes to me and wants to eat then I make him food... But don't force him to eat... I try that once and I had a huge mess to clean up... He just threw up everwhere... So i just let him tell me when he wants to eat... Also ask the Daycare what kind-a food he is eating there and how often they are giving him the bottle... Because if they are giving him just a bottle that could be your problem... Well good luck...

I also have a 15 month old, and he is also a picky eater. He would much rather have milk as well. You have to remember, until they are 2, eating is about exploring flavors and textures more than it is about nutrients. Milk is and should be about 80% of their caloric intake. My son would prefer snack type foods frankly because he can feed himself. I offer sliced apples, strawberries, carrots, veggie crackers, cheerios. At meal times, there are certain things he likes, but like your son, will not eat a lot. He will not go to bed hungry. He will let you know if that is the case! You don't want to create an aversion to eating, the best thing is to offer and don't refuse. He will start eating when he needs to. As far as wanting a bottle and being held, you are gone all day, when he is home, it sounds like he wants to feel safe and loved. He misses you! Cherish this time that he wants to be held and loved, it is going to end soon!

moms no best. don't force the feedings. around the meal time. Just let him sit with you. Even if he doesn't eat. With him being at daycare, he might feel that he wants mommy time. And not eating till late..See what time they give snack and see what time they feed him his lunch. When children are hungry they will let you know. offer the food. But don't force the food.

K.- I had a similar problem with my 4 year old who I felt was not eating the right kinds of foods and barely ate at all. (I blogged about it a few weeks ago...) While I can't give you any advice besides not forcing him to eat becasue kids will eat only when they want I can tell you what I recently found something that made me feel so much better to know that while he may not be eating much, he is still getting all the nutrients that he needs to grow. I have done a lot of research and asked a lot of mom's about this and I finally found something that he loves and makes me feel like he is getting the daily supply that he needs!! A friend (on mamsource of course) told me that Arbonne came out with new Hybrids for children. What this is, is a fruit punch flavored mix that you add to water. He loves the way it tastes and it has super food antioxidants with core vitamins and minerals known to support children’s health. It has no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors and it's key ingredients are vitamins and minerals and whole food fruit and vegetables! Sorry to sound like a walking ad for this stuff but I just love it and I think any mom who has the same problems as I do with kids not eating healthy or enough food should use this stuff. If you are interested in getting it or even learning more about it I can send you a information on it and you can give it a try.You could even put it right in his bottle with water and at least you know he is getting his daily serving of fruits, veggies, and nutirients.

Our pediatricians have recommended not forcing food - that kids will eat when they are hungry. That usually works for us. I do make the kids come to the table during mealtime - just because they say they aren't hungry doesn't mean they can't come to the table with us. I offer nutritious foods and when they refuse nutritious foods I try to sneak them in - add finely chopped veggies to spaghetti sauce, add pedipal or breakfast drink to milk, add baby cereal to applesauce, etc. I also try to give them the chance to choose between two options. Sometimes if they feel like they are making a decision they are more excited about eating what they choose. If your son seems to be eating so little that he is losing weight I would call your pediatrician immediately to discuss it with him. If his eating habits don't change you may want to look into vitamins.

I would ask the daycare what time they are feeding him snack in the afternoon. I would also ask how is he eating during the day, while he's there. I wonder if the daycare is just letting him have bottles all day.

Toddlers that age aren't really in a major growth spurt so they tend to need fewer calories and therefor have less of an appetite. Offer plenty of interesting and healthy options - even in a more snack type style (kids just like to nibble on snacks so take advantage of those calories and make them count too!). If he doesn't want to eat, let it go. Kids will eat with they are hungry. There are plenty of periods that they go through where it seems they can't possibly be getting enough calories to keep up with their energy, but it all evens out. As long as he's having normal diapers and is growing and acheiving milestones, try to relax and let him take the lead. It won't be long until he hits one of those growth spurts and you'll think he never does anything but eat...