Toddler never eats?

jjwalker1207

My son is 2yr 9mo and for the past year or so he will only eat one or two bites of food at lunch and dinner. He hasn't gained any weight, and if I'm lucky he will take 5 bites. He does drink juice and milk.... I talked to his pediatrician and he gave me the whole don't worry kids eat, they won't starve, but I swear it effects his behavior being hungry and low on energy! Anyone have ideas?

jjwalker1207

He's also anemic and an insomniac.... I don't know maybe that has something to do with it? I think if he would eat he would sleep alittle better too?

TiffanyBerry

The first thought that comes to mind is a food intolerance - dairy or gluten in particular.  (Gluten in particular because you mention he is anemic, and sometimes that is the only sign in some kids.)

jjwalker1207

Thanks! I keep thinking something is medically wrong, I will definitly look into that!

Venuschild

I hardly ever write on here, always a lurker though (!), and I think the thing to grab onto is that you have a mommy instinct that something is not right.  There 's no harm in asking the pedi to run a basic blood test just to see if there is anything going on, and of course get a second opinion if you feel you need to.

  The other thing that I keep going back to is that he gained no weight...is he still in 18mo clothing?  I think that alone would make thing "Hmm..should he still be in 18 month clothing?"  My DD is the pickiest person in the workd when it comes to food but I always try to get a fruit in her and if worst comes to worst she eats Cheerios, I definitely feel your pain in that respect!

GL curious what other people would say and what ends up happening!

jjwalker1207

Venuschild said:

I hardly ever write on here, always a lurker though (!), and I think the thing to grab onto is that you have a mommy instinct that something is not right.  There 's no harm in asking the pedi to run a basic blood test just to see if there is anything going on, and of course get a second opinion if you feel you need to.

  The other thing that I keep going back to is that he gained no weight...is he still in 18mo clothing?  I think that alone would make thing "Hmm..should he still be in 18 month clothing?"  My DD is the pickiest person in the workd when it comes to food but I always try to get a fruit in her and if worst comes to worst she eats Cheerios, I definitely feel your pain in that respect!

GL curious what other people would say and what ends up happening!

He is in 3T clothes because he's extremely tall and he is growing in height. He's tiny though, his 16 mo old brother is only a few pounds lighter and much shorter. I am definitly going to get him in.

LSU628

Is he drinking the juice or milk before eating? Can you try offering the food first and drink later in the meal?

cpmich

Try foods that are healthy and high in calories, like avocado... Great with soft shell tacos. You might want to limit juice intake, fairly empty calories, and focus on pushing meat and spinach to up his iron intake. If you need to, push healthy snacks throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar crankiness.My son definitely sleeps better when he isn't hungry.

jjwalker1207

LSU628 said:

Is he drinking the juice or milk before eating? Can you try offering the food first and drink later in the meal?

Tried it. No success

jjwalker1207

cpmich said:

Try foods that are healthy and high in calories, like avocado... Great with soft shell tacos. You might want to limit juice intake, fairly empty calories, and focus on pushing meat and spinach to up his iron intake. If you need to, push healthy snacks throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar crankiness.My son definitely sleeps better when he isn't hungry.

We've tried this too. He will go all day with out eating or drinking if he doesn't want to eat something.