Advice is really needed

Irish727

Hi,

My son is 19 months old and has always been a difficult eater but has gotten worse. When he was a baby he had stomach problems and suffered constipation, which has gotten better for the most part. He can go days without eating. As a baby he would only like stage 2 foods mostly sweet potatoes, if had stage 3 he would spit out the pieces in it. Now at 19 months, he only eats blueberries, chips, banana, noodles, hash, sausage, Gerber pouches, yogurt, milk, cheese, pretzels, pudding. This is about it and he will not eat these food some days, like this  week he has not had any of it. We supplement with Pediasure. I have been to his doctor about this issue since he has been a baby, we have had a speech eval to check for swallowing issues or any other issues but he is normal. It is not a texture thing either. He has been seen by a nutritionist who told me I am doing everything I am suppose too and he is just a hard case. We have been to a pediactric GI where they gave his a laxative and about it, we had an x ray of his stomach and was fine!  We have tried all foods you can think of, letting him feed himself, fun plates, watching his brother eat, etc. He goes to day care and he won't eat there either. He had the summer off with me and he has regressed even more and I am afraid he will go all day not eating at day care again. He is for the most part a happy baby and does not mind not eating. We have cut back on how much whole milk we give so he does not get full We do not push the food and we have tried letting him eat when he is hungry. We never get upset with him when he won't eat. He is very long but lean. He is almost 23 pounds but he has not gain any weight in a month. I am just at a lost and I am very worried.

I am sorry I am rambling on  and thank you for taking time to read this.

dufferoo

I won't negate your worry, because I'm sure this us tearing you up, especially since your son has a history of stomach issues, BUT, to put things in perspective, I would say that if he is at a healthy weight, he is probably getting enough food. Could he just be a lazy eater? Might he just prefer the sweetened taste of Pediasure and therefore be holding out for that? Could be a million other things as well. I just know that toddlers are notorious for driving their mommies insane with their erratic eating habits!

JTGochnour

Have you tried feeding him smoothies?   My LO is 17 months and is a pickier and pickier eater.  I give her a daily smoothie so that I know she's at least getting a healthy meal that way.  I make them myself with spinach and/or kale, greek yogurt, carrot, zucchini, banana, oatmeal cereal (the baby kind), and blueberries; sometimes I add different fruits and peanut butter.   Good luck. 

brachysira

It sounds like you are doing a lot medically, which is great.  You might be able to qualify for occupational therapy or speech therapy, specifically related to eating, through Early On or with insurance.  You could ask your doctors.  Preemies often have all kinds of eating issues well into their childhoods and since I have a preemie, I have followed many cases.  The therapy can deal with both behavioral inclinations as well as physical mouth abilities and sensory aversions.  

To me, your list seems diverse and long enough and I have a child the same age with a similar length list.  You might try to diversify by just adding similar foods.  If chips, then what about Cheerios or puffs...if sausage, then seasoned hamburger...if blueberries, then raspberries or sliced grapes?  My child weighs a bit more than yours, but hasn't gained in months because she runs constantly, has had a lot of summer colds, and is growing into a tall toddler rather than a chunky baby. No one is worried and we're all actually excited that she is becoming more height/weight proportionate on the charts. The weight of your child does not sound low.  I have heard from preemie moms that pediasure is filling and can deter a child from eating...so you could try just quitting that for a couple days and seeing if his appetite increases.  It sounds like you are doing what you should and I wouldn't worry too much at this point.

jlpev

When my children go through their picky stages, which havent been very bad tho, I give them smoothies. I google smoothie recipes. I use avocadoes, spinach, kale, bananas & many more including wheat germ & coconut oil.
It makes me feel better. Good luck. I've also heard of people using protein powder but I've never done that.
Good luck!! I also give a gummy vitamin.

jcrising

The list of foods he will eat at 19 mos. Is HUGE compared to our LO. You are worrying too much, I believe. If the doctor says he's healthy at at a good weight, then stop worrying. Toddlers are notorious for ever-changing appetites and tastes. Just keep pitting the healthy food in front of him and relax and enjoy! If the doctor and nutritionist aren't concerned, why are you?

Beth.1212

I don't have any advice, unfortunately. I just wanted to send you hugs! It sounds like you're doing the right things (not that I'm an expert), and if you keep it up, hopefully your LO will start eating better soon. 

landrews

My daughter is 22 months.  Everything you said about your son, is exactly what we did/are experiencing with my her.  On top of it all, she doesn’t even drink milk, but does eat yogurt and cheese.  She is healthy, but only 20 pounds.  We too are concerned about her food intake, especially because of her low weight/slow growth.  Only recently did I stop worrying/obsessing over how much she was eating or not eating.  It was a life-changer for me!  You are doing a great job as a mom, just keep at it

Irish727

Thank you everyone for your advice, I like the smoothie idea will try it. I know a few don't think I should worry but the last time my son ate anything was last Wednesday,s  a full wee of no food....this is not normal toddler behavior, we have a 3 year old who is picky. I will keep trying and see what happens!!

Thanks again I am sorry to hear other moms are worried about their children, but nice to know I am not alone.