Your toddler can experience a decrease in appetite.As they reach a certain age, this is very common.As they grow, the outside world becomes more fascinating, and the fresh plate of food sitting in front of them can seem less and less appealing.It may take some trial and error, but if you can find the cause of your toddler's loss of appetite, change their habits around food, and create consistency around meals, you'll be able to get them back to their normal eating habits.
Step 1: Your toddler is in between spurts of growth.
When they were babies, toddlers grew as quickly as possible.A decrease in appetite can be caused by toddlers not having a surge in growth.This is normal and nothing to be worried about.If your child is acting happy and healthy, there is no reason to be concerned.You can determine periods of time when your toddler is experiencing growth spurts by monitoring their habits.
Step 2: Your toddler may be exploring their independence.
Toddler want to assert their independence as they begin to feel more confident.This can be seen through their eating habits.One day they may clean their plate and the next they don't want to eat.Allow your toddler to be their own person.Your toddler will eat when they feel hungry.
Step 3: Make sure your toddler gets at least 3 hours of exercise a day.
Toddler do not need to replenish themselves as frequently when they are not burning enough energy.Play outside with your toddler and engage in more physical activities.Before a meal, give your toddler at least 10 minutes notice.Allow your child to get at least 3 hours of playtime per day.
Step 4: When your toddler is sick, recognize it.
Most of the time your toddler will not be interested in food due to normal growth and development.If your child is unwell, they may not be able to eat.If your child's symptoms don't improve within a few days, or if they seem unwell, you should seek the advice of a primary care doctor.
Step 5: A food journal is a great way to keep an eye on your toddler.
This is a great way to track changes in your toddler's eating habits, as well as determine the foods that may need to be avoided in the future.Staying on top of your toddler's appetite changes can help you determine if this change is consistent or if something else is going on.You can plan for the days when your toddler seems disinterested in their meals by keeping a food journal.You can have them on hand if you know the foods they enjoy.
Step 6: A well-balanced breakfast is important for your toddler.
It is important that your child gets a good breakfast to start the day.A healthy breakfast not only gives toddlers the energy they need to get through the day, but it also provides them with the sustenance they will need.It's a good idea to provide a well-rounded breakfast that includes a fruit or vegetable.
Step 7: Your toddler should be fed every couple of hours.
If your child is having 3 meals a day, try to feed them every 2 hours.Your child may be hard to please because they aren't active enough to make them feel hungry.Allow snack-time to be its own meal and replace it with hardy replacements.Give your toddler a sandwich or bowl of whole grain cereals instead of the cookie jar.
Step 8: Make sure your toddler drinks water throughout the day.
Water is the first beverage your child will drink in the morning, but it should be their main drink throughout the day and 30 minutes before meals.Allowing them to drink milk or juices may make them feel full and decrease their appetite.If you allow your toddler to drink juice, make sure it is 100% fruit juice and limit them to a maximum of 6 fluid ounces a day.
Step 9: Milk should not be its own meal.
Milk can be used as a substitute for food.A decrease in appetite is possible if your toddler is allowed too much milk.When your toddler is close to their time to eat, reduce the amount of milk you give them.Their appetite should return if they don't have that extra fillip in their day.Introduce other types of dairy such as yogurt and cottage cheese.These will allow your child to get the calcium they need without getting too full.
Step 10: Your child has a daily menu.
It's easy to fall into the same routine when your toddler likes to eat.It's important to mix up the menu to make sure they get all the vitamins and minerals they need.New foods may be rejected on the first try.It is important to vary each meal with a mixture of new and familiar foods.It is okay if they are hesitant of new food.They could change their mind the next day, or it could be something they don't like.Whole grain products such as slices of bread and pasta will provide your toddler with a lot of vitamins and minerals.Milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium, vitamins D and proteins.Provide your child with lots of fruits and vegetables, cut into kid-friendly sizes.Lean meats such as poultry and fish should be included for a healthy serving.
Step 11: yogurt is a regular part of your toddler's diet.
Your child's body needs yogurt to help build their immune system.When yogurt helps boost a child's appetite, it does wonders.You can serve yogurt in different ways to your toddler.Use yogurt as a snack or dessert.
Step 12: There is a dash of appetite- boosting herbs and spices in your child's food.
Adding spices will increase your toddler's appetite.Your toddler may not even notice the subtle flavors of the herbs and spices.It is important that the spices and herbs are not visible in your child's food.
Step 13: Avoid foods with strong smells.
Children can be exposed to odors and tastes.If you find yourself cooking smelly foods, try to avoid any recipes that call for those ingredients for a while.If your child has been reacting to the tastes and smells, they will start eating normally once they are eliminated.A strong smell and taste of garlic may deter your child from eating it.
Step 14: Your toddler needs more zinc.
Zinc can help build your child's appetite.Pumpkin seeds and cashews are great sources of zinc for your child.It is possible to increase your child's daily intake of zinc by including these in their meals and snacks.If your child doesn't like zinc-laden foods, ask your doctor to give them zinc supplements.
Step 15: You can make your own juice to improve your child's health.
Lemon and ginger can help rid your child of parasites.It is possible that your child is refusing to eat because of nausea and indigestion.Juicing can help keep your toddler healthy by increasing their immune system.The harsh flavor of garlic juice may make it hard for kids to like it.You can mix ginger, lemon, and honey together.Have your child drink the mixture first thing in the morning.
Step 16: It's a good idea to keep the meals fun and enjoyable.
If you want your family to have a good time, try to create an environment where they can hang out.Allowing your toddler to see you eating can make them enjoy their food as well.Negative conversations at the dinner table can affect your child's digestion.As a matter of fact, toddlers want to feel included in their family as much as possible.A happy family meal will cause your child to associate that time, spot, and activity with positive thoughts.If you want to create a good environment for your toddler, don't discuss stressed topics during meals.To increase your toddler's appetite, talk about happier things and keep the conversation light.
Step 17: It's a good idea to have meals at a consistent time.
Making your meals fall in the same time frame daily will help your toddler adjust to a routine and know what to expect.As toddlers, they thrive with regularity.Younger children should not be eating late in the day.Children under 10 years old should have at least 3 hours between their last meal and bed.This will make it easier for them to have a healthy appetite in the morning.
Step 18: There should be no distraction during meals.
Toddler can become easily distracted as they become interested in the world around them.This can result in little interest in the meal in front of them.Don't feed your child with the television playing in the background.The distraction of books and toys can cause your toddler to lose interest in their meal.
Step 19: Allow toddlers to make up their own minds.
It is important to allow your toddler to make their own decisions as they fight for independence.toddlers will refuse to eat new foods or change their minds on old foodsIt's possible that your toddler is getting portions that are too big for them, causing them to feel full before they can clear their plate.
Step 20: Don't force your child to eat or punish them for not eating.
There are many different reasons your child may have a lack of appetite, but forcing or punishing them will not make the situation any better.It can make it worse if it creates anxiety around meals.