My 3 (almost 4) year old son won't eat.. Its extremely stressful but he's lost a fair bit of weight. Was a rather chubby baby but naturally as he's been more active in his toddler years, he's lost a fair bit of weight. He doesn't eat his breakfast on his own nor does he accept it when we try to feed him. We have tried everything from different coloured foods, to different types of food to just the things he enjoys, which is grapes and strawberries and cucumbers! He doesn't have much junk food as we don't keep much of it in the house. He only weighs 15-19kgs and its devastating to see as when he stretches out, I can see his ribs and his stomach is almpst sunk in! I just want to cry! At 3 I'm thinking as he has a lot of energy to exert as he runs around with our puppy in the backyard yet he barely has enough fuel in his little body to keep him going. Short of holding him down and forcing food down (which we haven't done of course and don't plan to) I don't know what else to do!? Does anyone know any foods that will help him put his weight back on? Please help me..
4 Replies
Hmm.. Try to make food fun, get him in the kitchen 'helping' my 3 yr old just started eating french toast because she makes it herself ( cracks egg, stirs & dunks bread in a container on the kitchen floor. Feed him when hes hungry, like after running around with the dog, also don't ask what he wants, just make it and put it for him, I've just remembered this again lately after she wasnt eating a big variety and would say no thanks, but if I just Cut it up anyway ie. A sliced apple with sultanas she gobbles it all down.
Otherwise I'd see a gp, he could have an issue with his mouth, digestive system or something deeper psychologically you'd need more help with. Good luck!
15-19kg is pretty good for a 3yo. Mine is 3y9mo and weighs just under 17kg (she was also a long, chubby baby but has slowed down on growth and thinned out a lot). Most kids go through fussy stages too so it's not necessarily abnormal.
That said: you say he won't eat much apart from some very low cal fruit and veg; and he's lost weight. You Also sound concerned about him. Given Those factors I'd be inclined to see your GP first up. He May just need a supplement like Sustagen or a toddler formula until he decides to start eating again or it may be a symptom of a bigger issue that needs addressing.
Good luck xx
Firstly get him checked by your GP and track his weight and height in the blue book. Kids this age do thin out a lot so it's important to know if it's within the normal range. They also loose a bit of interest in food. Make sure health wise he is well especially his throat, enlarged tonsils can make it uncomfortable.
Read up on appropriate serving sizes for children. Most people over fill there kids plates, there stomach is the size of there fist, so absolutely tiny! They can only eat that much in one sitting and if it looks too much they dog in there heals.
So I would concentrate on lots of healthy foods through out the day in little amounts but not making it relaxed.
My 3 1/2 year old boy weight 12kgs and only picks at his food but drinksa fair bit. Is that normal