Why would my toddler suddenly stop eating?

Question

My daughter is 13 months. She is usually a very big eater. She suddenly refuses to eat more than a bite or two, if that. She is still drinking well, no fever, no other problems. Doc says as long as she is drinking, not to worry. Anyone else have this happen?

Answer 1

give her ice cream... she will still get calcium and stuff and no child can refuse ice cream

Answer 2

My daughter had that problem at the same age.  It's for a couple of reasons.  Growth slows down a lot, and so toddlers don't need the amount of calories they did as infants, and it's also because she's developed interest in other things.  Sitting down to eat isn't one of them.

She won't starve herself.  You can try leaving out a tray of healthy foods for her to snack on throughout the day while she plays.  Grazing might be more to her style.

Answer 3

Hi there!I have a 2 year old and he was the same way.He actually just started to pick up again.He was drinking a lot of juice and maybe will take 3-4 bites of food.As long as the child is active and not dehydrated and nothing is wrong then she's ok.I know it's frustrating and you want to make sure she's taking her daily intake,but you can't force it,because she will just spit it out and she'll refuse even more.Checking with your doctor was the right thing to do.I think he did this for almost 4-5 months until he started getting a better appetite again.I tried pediasure,it's a drink with vitamins and minerals for kids who don't eat a lot so he could get some nutrition.Also,my li ttle brother,who's 3 is going through the same thing right now.My dad has to force him,but I told him that it's just a phase.But also,he drinks too much juice anyways all day long,so it's a 50/50 thing with him.Hopefully everything will work out for you.Take care.

Answer 4

She might just not be as hungry as she normally is - which is a good thing, it means she's listening to her body, instead of just stuffing her face when she can (which is what grownups tend to do).

If the doc says don't worry, then don't worry.

Answer 5

All of my children went through phases like that. It won't be the last one. It is normal as long as nothing else is going on.

Answer 6

I had the same exact problem, and yes I mentioned it to my son's pediatrician. Milk actually makes them very full, so they don't desire food that much. My doctor told me the same thing, not to worry. Your daughter will be ok, once she stops drinking from the bottle, she will eat more. The pediatrician urge that parents should eat with their kids..