Do you have a fussy eater? Tips?

Demosthenes · Jun 18th, 2008, 05:34 AM

My baby's really fussy, and he hasn't gained enough weight in the past 3 months. Are there any tips or tricks that worked with your child? I'm already mixing a little bit of powdered milk into his lower calorie foods like green beans, squash, etc. My mom mentioned the possibility of adding butter, but that seems really unhealthy to me. What has worked with you?

Mrs. MC · Jun 18th, 2008, 10:21 AM

How old is your baby ?

KC1984 · Jun 18th, 2008, 10:58 AM

My Little one eating anything she's 19 months.

The key is to keep a relaxing attitude at meal times, just keep introducing new foods & it will work.

eviemarie · Jun 18th, 2008, 11:42 AM

My daughter is 2 an half. She won't eat any meat, cheese, eggs. We are totally relaxed she just isn't interested. She is now potty trained an the clothes she was wearing were 12-18months anyway she is wearing shorts for 9-12 today as nothing stays up.
She is healthy though as she is never ill so i am not too bothered but its just a bit annoying.

Demosthenes · Jun 18th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Sorry! He turns one this month.

I'm really relaxed during mealtimes (I even sing on command since he seems to eat more when I sing and dance, lol) so I don't think he's picking up on tension. He just cries and cries because he doesn't want to eat. I'll feed him out of his high chair too, just to make sure it's not because of that, but he won't eat regardless.

I have a dr's appt at the end of this month, and they'll tell me if there's something wrong then, but I want to help him gain weight before then.

DlkinVegas · Jun 18th, 2008, 07:02 PM

Well, I think around one they are still getting used to textures & flavors you know? Just keep offering varied foods. Do you free feed or do you do three main meals & then 2-3 healthy snacks?

My daughter goes in phases right now she isnt eating well. She never has been a big eater. I do use a lot of butter, olive oil, Almond/sunflower butter, advocados etc.. She also loves to dip her food so I give her ranch, honey mustard dipping sauce for example. This isnt the healthiest but I make her a Hagen Daz ice cream shake with a tablespoon or two of almond butter everyday with her lunch. It bothers me that my daughter isnt gaining weight but as long as she doesnt lose I can deal. You could always give your little one a Pedia Sure in the morning or before bed for extra calories.

galligator · Jun 18th, 2008, 07:29 PM

Each of my 3 were different but all went through a light-eating phase. They didn't lose weight, but they were 'flat' on the growth charts for awhile before growing out & then up. I tried to offer a variety of foods. Some kids do better grazing, especially if they are into finger foods like carrots, snap peas, cheese, olives. All of mine really liked hummus with soft pita breads. Peanut butter, if there are not allergy tendencies in your family, is also a good protein source. I also would try to make sure that there was always at least on 'kid friendly' item at the main meal of the day, be it pork, chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli (Yes, my kids always liked green veggies), or a sliced fruit, al dente noodles - you know your child best.

Don't be too worried if they shy away from textured meats. It's not unusual for kids to dislike 'grainy meats' such as steak until they are a few years old. All of my kids went through a phase where plainly seasoned light meat such as pork or chicken were their main meat. Also try to remember that each meal does not necessarily have to be 'balanced' - Kids will often eat in such a way that they are balanced over the week rather than at every meal.

Oh, and I definitely second the sauces with meals. Kids like sweet flavors and wince though we might, ranch dressing or ketchup is often the difference for them trying new things while they are little. I also do use real butter in cooking. It improves flavor with just a touch & is healthy in moderation since a number of vitamins we need for health are fat-soluble.

Mrs. MC · Jun 18th, 2008, 09:16 PM

It could be teething and his teeth are hurting him from chewing. I would check for the signs that he is teething, excessive drooling, sticking his fingers in the back of his mouth, flushed cheeks, fussiness etc. Also ask about a vitamin supplement. Another thing that works is feed him what he likes most. My son is fussy so I feed him what he will eat and give him vitamins. Good luck, I know how frustrating a picky eater can be !

LVgirl888 · Jun 18th, 2008, 09:37 PM

I have a fussy eater too. He is 21 months old. He does not know when he is hungry. I try feeding him three meals a day and he just does not want to eat. I tried foods new foods that he likes and still I have trouble feeding him. He has no problem drinking milk from the bottle. I have tried to "starve" him, meaning letting him decide when to eat, but that does not work. He only weighs about 20 pounds. His doctor says is normal.

bonniec · Jun 18th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Just remember that no kid starves him/herself for being picky... if they are hungry enough, they will eat.

That said, I too have/had a picky eater who is now 2 1/2 years old who still goes in cycles. I thought things were great when he was an infant, ate EVERYTHING. Then once he hit 18mos, it was hunger strike time. One thing I do (as a tip from a friend) is to keep a regular eating schedule, three meals a day plus morning and afternoon snacks. I put one single type of each food group at any given time (total of 3-4 things on the plate). Some kid friendly foods that worked for me (my kid wouldn't touch meat forever) are the following:

PASTA. Barilla pasta in the yellow box. This has extra protein. In fact, one cup has almost as much protein as half a chicken breast or more. Try different shapes for variety.
RICE. Shape it into small balls or ovals and serve it as finger food. NOODLES. I get Asian noodles such as Udon and the thicker japanese noodles. My son "helps" me make it and watches it cook, so he gets excited about eating it.
BREAD. Get cookie cutters and make fun shapes, put some jelly +/- Peanut butter and serve.
PIZZA. Make a small pizza dough and have him/her pick the toppings and "make it."
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST/PORK CHOP (SHAKE AND BAKE). Small, cut pieces of tender meat. My son NEVER ate chicken fingers, and personally I really don't serve him much processed food at all.
FRUIT. This is a no-brainer. Anything colorful, but one color at any given time. Kids get overwhelmed when there are too many choices.
HARD-BOILED EGGS. It took about 5 times for him to eat it, but it is now one of my default foods when I want him to have extra protein.
YOGURT, CHEESE CHUNKS
VEGETABLES. I don't see a problem with a little pat of butter here and there. When my son didn't eat veggies, I tried the canned (and salted) ones first, which he actually devoured. Slowly, I moved toward the canned and non-salted, or fresh with a bit of salt or a bit of butter, or even topped with cheese (broccoli). My son now loves broccoli and green beans...
PM me if you'd like any recipes.

bonniec · Jun 18th, 2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVgirl888

I have a fussy eater too. He is 21 months old. He does not know when he is hungry. I try feeding him three meals a day and he just does not want to eat. I tried foods new foods that he likes and still I have trouble feeding him. He has no problem drinking milk from the bottle. I have tried to "starve" him, meaning letting him decide when to eat, but that does not work. He only weighs about 20 pounds. His doctor says is normal.

Have you thought about cutting off the bottle completely and moving toward a sippy cup (served at meals and snacktime)?

emmalawyer · Jun 19th, 2008, 12:08 AM

PediaSure will work once he turns 1 year of age, but I think I'd only resort to pharmaceuticals like Duocal, Polycose or MCT oil if the pediatrician suggests it... and I think for now I'd include PediaSure with the pharmaceuticals and wait until your consultation with the pediatrician.

I liked the suggestion about avocados. I give my twins avocado (it's their first and only solid food so far; they are almost 4.5 months old) and they absolutely LOVE it. They also seem to have gained weight quite nicely on it... but then again, the only time I worried about their weight gain was in the first month and a half of their life. After that, they started pudging out and now they have a ton of rolls.

I also know that Beech Nut makes a banana delight something or other that has 110 or more calories (though I can't remember exactly how many) which --per serving of baby food-- is quite high. They also have a sweet potato baby food which is also more calorically rich than most other baby foods, so you might give them a look!

LVgirl888 · Jun 19th, 2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonniec

Have you thought about cutting off the bottle completely and moving toward a sippy cup (served at meals and snacktime)?

I tried to teach him to use a sippy cup, but he refuses to and throws it at me. He does not know when he is thristy, I hand him the sippy cup and I put the sippy cup in his mouth; he refuses to drink from it. Well, now I am trying to get him to drink from a straw but he drinks a tinsy sip every few hours. I think he is not getting enough fluids.

Demosthenes · Jun 19th, 2008, 05:31 AM

Thanks for your great tips everyone! I'll try one or two of them at a time. Basically, he has only a few foods that he's willing to eat, and even so, he'll lose interest really quickly and start throwing a tantrum when I continue to try to feed him. He especially hates mushy baby foods, so I only give him that once a day.

Our first meal of the day is in his high chair, and I usually make sure he gets his veggies and fruit then. After that, the only way he'll eat is by grazing (I have a set time period where I'll sit down with finger foods, and he comes and eats). He needs to be able to crawl around and come back to me when he wants another bite. I know it's setting him up for bad habits later, but that's the only way he'll eat during the day (and even then, it's not a lot). Because of his weight, I haven't wanted to start weaning him from the bottle yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVgirl888

I tried to teach him to use a sippy cup, but he refuses to and throws it at me. He does not know when he is thristy, I hand him the sippy cup and I put the sippy cup in his mouth; he refuses to drink from it. Well, now I am trying to get him to drink from a straw but he drinks a tinsy sip every few hours. I think he is not getting enough fluids.

You could be describing my son! He's just like that.

KC1984 · Jun 19th, 2008, 06:06 AM

Demonsthemes - i bet there's nothing seriously wrong but seeing a doctor is a good idea as he/she will be able to give you a ton of advice & fresh ideas.
A balanced diet is important for growth & mental development so they may suggest some sort of supplement although if your child was seriously lacking you'd know.

Regards

Kimberlea

Jun 18th, 2008, 05:34 AM	#1
Demosthenes Member	Do you have a fussy eater? Tips? My baby's really fussy, and he hasn't gained enough weight in the past 3 months. Are there any tips or tricks that worked with your child? I'm already mixing a little bit of powdered milk into his lower calorie foods like green beans, squash, etc. My mom mentioned the possibility of adding butter, but that seems really unhealthy to me. What has worked with you? __________________

Jun 18th, 2008, 10:21 AM	#2
Mrs. MC Member	How old is your baby ? __________________

Jun 18th, 2008, 01:31 PM	#5
Demosthenes Member	Sorry! He turns one this month. I'm really relaxed during mealtimes (I even sing on command since he seems to eat more when I sing and dance, lol) so I don't think he's picking up on tension. He just cries and cries because he doesn't want to eat. I'll feed him out of his high chair too, just to make sure it's not because of that, but he won't eat regardless. I have a dr's appt at the end of this month, and they'll tell me if there's something wrong then, but I want to help him gain weight before then. __________________

Jun 18th, 2008, 07:02 PM	#6
DlkinVegas Member Location: Las Vegas	Well, I think around one they are still getting used to textures & flavors you know? Just keep offering varied foods. Do you free feed or do you do three main meals & then 2-3 healthy snacks? My daughter goes in phases right now she isnt eating well. She never has been a big eater. I do use a lot of butter, olive oil, Almond/sunflower butter, advocados etc.. She also loves to dip her food so I give her ranch, honey mustard dipping sauce for example. This isnt the healthiest but I make her a Hagen Daz ice cream shake with a tablespoon or two of almond butter everyday with her lunch. It bothers me that my daughter isnt gaining weight but as long as she doesnt lose I can deal. You could always give your little one a Pedia Sure in the morning or before bed for extra calories. __________________ “Make sure you have a different opinion and people will talk about you.”

Jun 18th, 2008, 09:16 PM	#8
Mrs. MC Member	It could be teething and his teeth are hurting him from chewing. I would check for the signs that he is teething, excessive drooling, sticking his fingers in the back of his mouth, flushed cheeks, fussiness etc. Also ask about a vitamin supplement. Another thing that works is feed him what he likes most. My son is fussy so I feed him what he will eat and give him vitamins. Good luck, I know how frustrating a picky eater can be ! __________________

Jun 18th, 2008, 10:58 AM	#3
KC1984 Member Location: In my own little World	My Little one eating anything she's 19 months. The key is to keep a relaxing attitude at meal times, just keep introducing new foods & it will work.

Jun 18th, 2008, 11:42 AM	#4
eviemarie www.designerclothing Location: Stratford Upon Avon	My daughter is 2 an half. She won't eat any meat, cheese, eggs. We are totally relaxed she just isn't interested. She is now potty trained an the clothes she was wearing were 12-18months anyway she is wearing shorts for 9-12 today as nothing stays up. She is healthy though as she is never ill so i am not too bothered but its just a bit annoying.

Jun 18th, 2008, 07:29 PM	#7
galligator Mostly Harmless	Each of my 3 were different but all went through a light-eating phase. They didn't lose weight, but they were 'flat' on the growth charts for awhile before growing out & then up. I tried to offer a variety of foods. Some kids do better grazing, especially if they are into finger foods like carrots, snap peas, cheese, olives. All of mine really liked hummus with soft pita breads. Peanut butter, if there are not allergy tendencies in your family, is also a good protein source. I also would try to make sure that there was always at least on 'kid friendly' item at the main meal of the day, be it pork, chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli (Yes, my kids always liked green veggies), or a sliced fruit, al dente noodles - you know your child best. Don't be too worried if they shy away from textured meats. It's not unusual for kids to dislike 'grainy meats' such as steak until they are a few years old. All of my kids went through a phase where plainly seasoned light meat such as pork or chicken were their main meat. Also try to remember that each meal does not necessarily have to be 'balanced' - Kids will often eat in such a way that they are balanced over the week rather than at every meal. Oh, and I definitely second the sauces with meals. Kids like sweet flavors and wince though we might, ranch dressing or ketchup is often the difference for them trying new things while they are little. I also do use real butter in cooking. It improves flavor with just a touch & is healthy in moderation since a number of vitamins we need for health are fat-soluble.

Jun 18th, 2008, 09:37 PM	#9
LVgirl888 Member	I have a fussy eater too. He is 21 months old. He does not know when he is hungry. I try feeding him three meals a day and he just does not want to eat. I tried foods new foods that he likes and still I have trouble feeding him. He has no problem drinking milk from the bottle. I have tried to "starve" him, meaning letting him decide when to eat, but that does not work. He only weighs about 20 pounds. His doctor says is normal. __________________

Jun 18th, 2008, 10:07 PM	#10
bonniec Neurotic SAHM by day	Just remember that no kid starves him/herself for being picky... if they are hungry enough, they will eat. That said, I too have/had a picky eater who is now 2 1/2 years old who still goes in cycles. I thought things were great when he was an infant, ate EVERYTHING. Then once he hit 18mos, it was hunger strike time. One thing I do (as a tip from a friend) is to keep a regular eating schedule, three meals a day plus morning and afternoon snacks. I put one single type of each food group at any given time (total of 3-4 things on the plate). Some kid friendly foods that worked for me (my kid wouldn't touch meat forever) are the following: PASTA. Barilla pasta in the yellow box. This has extra protein. In fact, one cup has almost as much protein as half a chicken breast or more. Try different shapes for variety. RICE. Shape it into small balls or ovals and serve it as finger food. NOODLES. I get Asian noodles such as Udon and the thicker japanese noodles. My son "helps" me make it and watches it cook, so he gets excited about eating it. BREAD. Get cookie cutters and make fun shapes, put some jelly +/- Peanut butter and serve. PIZZA. Make a small pizza dough and have him/her pick the toppings and "make it." GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST/PORK CHOP (SHAKE AND BAKE). Small, cut pieces of tender meat. My son NEVER ate chicken fingers, and personally I really don't serve him much processed food at all. FRUIT. This is a no-brainer. Anything colorful, but one color at any given time. Kids get overwhelmed when there are too many choices. HARD-BOILED EGGS. It took about 5 times for him to eat it, but it is now one of my default foods when I want him to have extra protein. YOGURT, CHEESE CHUNKS VEGETABLES. I don't see a problem with a little pat of butter here and there. When my son didn't eat veggies, I tried the canned (and salted) ones first, which he actually devoured. Slowly, I moved toward the canned and non-salted, or fresh with a bit of salt or a bit of butter, or even topped with cheese (broccoli). My son now loves broccoli and green beans... PM me if you'd like any recipes.

Jun 19th, 2008, 12:08 AM	#12
emmalawyer BLITHERING FOOL Location: with the teething twins!	PediaSure will work once he turns 1 year of age, but I think I'd only resort to pharmaceuticals like Duocal, Polycose or MCT oil if the pediatrician suggests it... and I think for now I'd include PediaSure with the pharmaceuticals and wait until your consultation with the pediatrician. I liked the suggestion about avocados. I give my twins avocado (it's their first and only solid food so far; they are almost 4.5 months old) and they absolutely LOVE it. They also seem to have gained weight quite nicely on it... but then again, the only time I worried about their weight gain was in the first month and a half of their life. After that, they started pudging out and now they have a ton of rolls. I also know that Beech Nut makes a banana delight something or other that has 110 or more calories (though I can't remember exactly how many) which --per serving of baby food-- is quite high. They also have a sweet potato baby food which is also more calorically rich than most other baby foods, so you might give them a look! __________________ signature too large “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” --Dr. Seuss ( lil Bitsy's favorite bedtime reading) Last edited by emmalawyer; Jun 19th, 2008 at 12:20 AM.

Jun 19th, 2008, 06:06 AM	#15
KC1984 Member Location: In my own little World	Demonsthemes - i bet there's nothing seriously wrong but seeing a doctor is a good idea as he/she will be able to give you a ton of advice & fresh ideas. A balanced diet is important for growth & mental development so they may suggest some sort of supplement although if your child was seriously lacking you'd know. Regards Kimberlea