Worried about my toddlers diet - Page 2

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by JoanCrawford

A lot of this dietary stuff sounds like it's coming from you taking to easy way out - he'll only eat fries so I'll give them to him. This is faulty logic and creating a rewards system for his fussiness. Don't give in - put a plate in front of him with good, healthy food and wait it out. He'll get hungry.

so am I supposed to put everything he wont eat in front of him and let him starve? what I am going through is certainly not easy so I dont like it being called the easy way out. Id rather have him eat something rather than nothing. And the fries are not a regular thing, it not like I stuff him with fast food or anything. And he isnt fussy when hungry. The milk problem is mostly at night. he drinks most of his milk then. Im 7 months prego, a single mom and work a full time job. I have to get sleep some how and the milk seems to help him sleep. I have put plate after plate after plate in front of him with the healthy food for months and you know where it goes? on the floor, in the trash, on his clothes... everywhere but in his mouth.

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by abiyhayil

does he have any snack traps? DS liked grazing from his snack cup instead of having to sit down and eat a meal. Anything from Just Tomatoes works perfect in them. Has he tried Just Tomatoes before? I think trying to make meal time into a power struggle would make things even worse. Like PP have said, just make healthier versions of what he will eat even homemade baked french fries if he doesn't like the sweet potato. do you have a waffle maker? he could help pour the batter and pick a topping. Good luck mama!

he does have a snack cup which is what he is carrying around most of the time with either his apples or veggie puffs or goldfish crackers. He actually LOVES sitting in his high chair and getting his food on his big boy plate and fork but problem is he wont eat the healthy stuff on the plate. Ive tried tomatoes a few times but he never liked it... I think it comes back to the texture thing... he doesnt like slimy. He doesnt even really like pasta because when it cools it feels slimy. He wont eat mac n cheese after its cooled so i am constantly reheating it.

[GoBecGo]

Does he like yogurt if he likes milk? (i know the two don't necessarily follow!)

My DD was totally NOT into veggies for about a year (after being very into them and now being pretty into them again) and i found when she really didn't like them much she would still eat them if they were offered as sticks to dip into yogurt (i used plain, or made my own flavoured stuff by mixing plain with homemade applesauce which is super easy to make, or mixing plain with this kind of jam i buy which is sugar free (no sweeteners either), not sure you can get that in the US?).

I was thinking "peanut butter" when i was reading. My DD will eat that even when she's not interested in eating much else and it has fats and protein.

I would try cutting the milk down in some way, especially the overnight milk. Can you offer less? Or water his milk down until he IS just getting water?

I ate a VERY restricted diet as a small child (apple slices, yogurts, peanut butter, plain white bread toasted and buttered and grapes and pretty much NOTHING else for a few years!) but i am not overweight as an adult and i love food now, all kinds! Sometimes a sensitive palate needs time to mature, i think the immediate thing would be to cut down his milk so he'll eat more general food, and then try to sneak more good stuff into that food.

You are NOT a horrible person! By the MDC standards the diet you describe isn't brilliant, but i know people for whom it is positively aspirational, so don't feel terrible!

[rightkindofme]

Originally Posted by JoanCrawford

A lot of this dietary stuff sounds like it's coming from you taking to easy way out - he'll only eat fries so I'll give them to him. This is faulty logic and creating a rewards system for his fussiness. Don't give in - put a plate in front of him with good, healthy food and wait it out. He'll get hungry.

I would have thrown it in your face and screamed hysterically. Children are not logical creatures and trying to treat them like they are is asking for a world of hurt.

What she is doing is not going to cause permanent damage to her kid. Setting up an oppositional, combative parenting relationship will.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by rightkindofme

I would have thrown it in your face and screamed hysterically. Children are not logical creatures and trying to treat them like they are is asking for a world of hurt.

What she is doing is not going to cause permanent damage to her kid. Setting up an oppositional, combative parenting relationship will.

totally agree with this! To OP. I wanted to comment on the FF. You can also make your own FF. I make all kinds of FF for DS. Sweet potato ones are great, but if your DS wont eat them, try just cutting up a regular russet or red potato into strips, coating with a little evoo and seasoning (if you want) and baking in the oven until crisp and lightly brown. Nothing wrong with FF made this way!! Hang in there. You are clearly a concerned mama with ALOT on your plate! You are doing the best you can.

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by GoBecGo

Does he like yogurt if he likes milk? (i know the two don't necessarily follow!)

My DD was totally NOT into veggies for about a year (after being very into them and now being pretty into them again) and i found when she really didn't like them much she would still eat them if they were offered as sticks to dip into yogurt (i used plain, or made my own flavoured stuff by mixing plain with homemade applesauce which is super easy to make, or mixing plain with this kind of jam i buy which is sugar free (no sweeteners either), not sure you can get that in the US?).

I was thinking "peanut butter" when i was reading. My DD will eat that even when she's not interested in eating much else and it has fats and protein.

I would try cutting the milk down in some way, especially the overnight milk. Can you offer less? Or water his milk down until he IS just getting water?

I ate a VERY restricted diet as a small child (apple slices, yogurts, peanut butter, plain white bread toasted and buttered and grapes and pretty much NOTHING else for a few years!) but i am not overweight as an adult and i love food now, all kinds! Sometimes a sensitive palate needs time to mature, i think the immediate thing would be to cut down his milk so he'll eat more general food, and then try to sneak more good stuff into that food.

You are NOT a horrible person! By the MDC standards the diet you describe isn't brilliant, but i know people for whom it is positively aspirational, so don't feel terrible!

sadly he doesnt eat yogurt anymore. hasnt for close to a year. I have tried cutting down the bottles a couple of times already but as mentioned before... when prego and working a full time job waking up at 4 am and being a single mom isnt easy and I do need my sleep. I could get into a car accident for falling asleep at the wheel if I dont. When I cut it down yes there is crying (both DS and I ) but I just cant do that while Im working. Thats why I thought it would be good to try it when baby is here where I will be at home for a while.

[marispel]

My DS is a picky eater too. It's crazy because when he was a baby I pureed all these great foods and he ate EVERYTHING. Then, when he learned to walk he started turning his nose up to those same foods. When I introduce new foods to him he won't even taste them. I try to sneak a bite in and he gets hysterical.

Most days i'm fine with just offering what he likes. I continue to offer new foods and I continue to throw them away. Most nights he either eats chicken nuggets or grilled cheese. That's it. Mornings are waffles (no syrup) or toast. He loves cashews, strawberries, bananas. He'll eat most yogurts and then any type of processed carb. Yep. Cheez Doodles are his favorite. I cringe when we feed him, but some nights thats the bulk of his meals.

I figured - he is getting fruits everyday. He gets multivitamin drops. He eats good nuggets (Tyson) and whole wheat bread. He is healthly, thriving, and the top percentile for height and average for weight.

....just keep trying. It's frustrating, I know. You're not alone and I WISH my DS would eat a FF. That would be one more thing I could add to his menu. Ugh!

[ZoshaMosha]

Have you tried dehydrated fruit and veggies? They are crunchy not chewy (as opposed to dried fruit). You can get them at most health food stores (I think the brand is called Just Fruit, or something like that). They feel more like crackers in texture.

Also, my kids ADORE dried seaweed snacks. They are roasted and salted, but they're high in vitamins. They have the same kind of "feel" as potato chips.`

Also, maybe get a juicer? It's true apple juice is pretty worthless nutritionally, unless you juice fruits and veggies yourself--no added sugar and intact vitamins and enzymes. If you could add THAT to his milk, it could be worth something.

[Youngfrankenstein]

Hugs to you, mama! I know this isn't easy! I don't have picky eaters so much but I do know how important sleep is!

I truly think it's all the milk he's getting at night could be the culprit. I've heard some mamas say that when their LO is in day-care, for example, they don't like the bottles so much so they nurse a ton all through the night. I think it's called "reverse cycling".

Maybe your guy is filling up a lot at night and doesn't feel as hungry during the day because of it. I know that as an adult, I feel hungry all the time or I should say I could eat all of the time. He may just not be hungry.

I don't think night-weaning will make him love every food, but it may help him be a bit more hungry in the day and expand what he likes a bit.

I think you need to make a plan. Think about when and how he wakes at night and what are some other things to try before giving the bottle. I know that sounds impossible, but I think if you could hang in there a few nights, it might improve sooner than later. I don't know if you co-sleep or not, but maybe even offering a <gasp> paci might help you out. You know what's best and what you feel comfortable with so that may not be an answer for you, but think about what you might be able to change without wiping yourself out.

Another thing: (no flames please, I'm just trying to offer options) Do you have any trusted loved ones where ds could stay over a night? I know he's little but my daughter very occasionally would stay with my mom and dad over night and loved it. Just a thought I had....

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by ZoshaMosha

Have you tried dehydrated fruit and veggies? They are crunchy not chewy (as opposed to dried fruit). You can get them at most health food stores (I think the brand is called Just Fruit, or something like that). They feel more like crackers in texture.

Also, my kids ADORE dried seaweed snacks. They are roasted and salted, but they're high in vitamins. They have the same kind of "feel" as potato chips.`

Also, maybe get a juicer? It's true apple juice is pretty worthless nutritionally, unless you juice fruits and veggies yourself--no added sugar and intact vitamins and enzymes. If you could add THAT to his milk, it could be worth something.

what he eats are these: http://www.gerber.com/AllStages/Prod...ni_Fruits.aspx
He only eats the apples none of the other fruits. He wants apples 24/7 this way but these little packs are not cheap. Maybe I can buy them in bulk somewhere. Ill look into the dried fruit you suggested, if he thinks its a cracker he may like it...that is if its not too sweet, he hates sweets.

I personally love dried seaweed, the sheets but I know DS wont like it like that. What brand are the treats you get? perhaps if it feels like a chip he may like it. and great idea for the juicer, I know i could probably sneak more in his milk this way... only thing is him being almost 2 and with the new baby on the way Im hoping to cut out bottles all together hopefully soon.. but thats a whole other struggle and battle

[Honey693]

Originally Posted by organicpapayamama

what he eats are these: http://www.gerber.com/AllStages/Prod...ni_Fruits.aspx
He only eats the apples none of the other fruits. He wants apples 24/7 this way but these little packs are not cheap. Maybe I can buy them in bulk somewhere. Ill look into the dried fruit you suggested, if he thinks its a cracker he may like it...that is if its not too sweet, he hates sweets.

Could you buy a food dehydrator and make your own? I just got one ($40 at Menards) and DD and I love dehydrated apples from it.

[QuestionGal]

I hate to say this because it's more for insurance purposes but does he get a multivitamin? You are getting some GREAT food/recipe suggestions so a vitamin would just be to help tide things over as you help him transition to a better diet. (and for when he decides to be extra picky). There are vitamins for all sorts of things...greens, omega 3s, multi, etc. We like the animal parade ones from the health food store.

Second have you tried a milk shake? Not an actual milk shake BUT we use the Shacklee protien shake mix. DS loves it and I can usually add things (like frozen fruit or veggies) for an added bonus.

HUGS. you aren't a bad mom, you are doing your very best, take it easy on yourself =)

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by QuestionGal

I hate to say this because it's more for insurance purposes but does he get a multivitamin? You are getting some GREAT food/recipe suggestions so a vitamin would just be to help tide things over as you help him transition to a better diet. (and for when he decides to be extra picky). There are vitamins for all sorts of things...greens, omega 3s, multi, etc. We like the animal parade ones from the health food store.

Second have you tried a milk shake? Not an actual milk shake BUT we use the Shacklee protien shake mix. DS loves it and I can usually add things (like frozen fruit or veggies) for an added bonus.

HUGS. you aren't a bad mom, you are doing your very best, take it easy on yourself =)

he did take the multivitamin drops in his milk till roughtly 15 months. I switched peds and the new one saw no need to give it to him anymore especially since he is fast approaching 2 yrs old. I have been adding these to his milk every few days as well: http://3kidsandus.com/2009/gerber-gr...t-sips-review/ I have to get vanilla because he doesnt like the fruit taste. I supposed I can make a "shake" from that drink an add fruit maybe???

[GoBecGo]

Sorry to harp on, because it's very likely you've tried it already, but what about watering his milk down VERY slowly? Like if he has an 8oz bottle then 7oz milk to 1oz water? Or even taking it down 0.5oz/week? Water is just not as filling and it may well make him hungrier in the day even when you've only managed to reduce it by a tiny bit...?

While i agree that when you're home and not having to go out to work would be a good time to try it (i've been a single mama of ONE and i didn't have to work so i really really sympathise with how exhausted you can get just from being on your own, let alone being pg, and having to work!) but how long is your maternity leave after the baby going to be? I would be really worried for you trying to juggle 2 kids (DS and newborn) to sleep every night, even if you didn't have to work. i hope you can work this all out.

[tmwmommy]

I don't know if anyone else mentioned it or not but could you sneak fruit and veggie purees into a smoothie? I do think that some kids are pickier eaters than others which makes it tough. For my dd I do need to offer the same food several times before she will taste any of it.

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by GoBecGo

Sorry to harp on, because it's very likely you've tried it already, but what about watering his milk down VERY slowly? Like if he has an 8oz bottle then 7oz milk to 1oz water? Or even taking it down 0.5oz/week? Water is just not as filling and it may well make him hungrier in the day even when you've only managed to reduce it by a tiny bit...?

While i agree that when you're home and not having to go out to work would be a good time to try it (i've been a single mama of ONE and i didn't have to work so i really really sympathise with how exhausted you can get just from being on your own, let alone being pg, and having to work!) but how long is your maternity leave after the baby going to be? I would be really worried for you trying to juggle 2 kids (DS and newborn) to sleep every night, even if you didn't have to work. i hope you can work this all out.

no worries Im open to any suggestions... I have tried to water down the milk. After I got the half way point where it was half water and half milk he does like it. We will cry till he gets a bottle with more milk in it. He can tell even over a span of weeks. my maternity leave is up for debate. I get time off work yes, but no pay. So it depends on how long I can make my small savings and tax refund last. So if I HAD to guess right now Id think maybe 3-4 months if that.

[organicpapayamama]

Originally Posted by tmwmommy

I don't know if anyone else mentioned it or not but could you sneak fruit and veggie purees into a smoothie? I do think that some kids are pickier eaters than others which makes it tough. For my dd I do need to offer the same food several times before she will taste any of it.

yes it has been mentioned but thank you for the tip. DS is VERY VERY picky esp when it comes to textures. he doesnt really like thick drinks or soups. I was thinking maybe not doing a true smoothie...more like a liquid one that wouldnt gross him out. But again he doesnt like sweetness so I know straight fruit wont work. Maybe milk and apples since apples are not too sweet but I wish he would eat a variety.

[QuestionGal]

they make gummy vitamins and I think they even make sour gummy vitamins (since he doesn't like sweet). If he's not able to chew the gummy (DS could at 18 months b/c he had all his teeth) there is also the liquid which we just shot straight into his mouth, he liked the taste.

Yes, you can add things to the shake mix. it comes in a powdered form. You do 1cup milk , either 1/4 or 1/3 cup powder, ice, and anything else you'd like then blend. I typically buy the vanilla mix and add blueberries and a slice of ripe banana, you could also add carrot or any veggie that doesn't have a strong flavor. DS & I will usually split a shake.

[ZoshaMosha]

The seaweed snacks my kids eat are called Sea's Gift http://www.amazon.com/Seas-Gift-Seaw.../dp/B000HVX6NK.

You can get them at Whole Foods. I was surprised they loved them so much. They are crunchy, salty and flaky and a good alternative to crackers. And if you're looking for a healthier cracker, sesame sticks have a surprising amount of iron in them (still tons of salt).

Speaking of salt, if your DS likes Goldfish, maybe switch to Annie's Cheddar Bunnies because they are organic and have less salt.

Don't feel too bad. My kids don't really eat greens either, though lightly steamed broccoli with lemon-butter sauce is decently popular. Keep trying different foods and don't be afraid to reintroduce food. It's amazing how kids will HATE something one day and LOVE it the next. It's also amazing how kids won't eat a particular food one way, but if you cut it a different way or put it on a special plate or something, they will.

A lot of kids love frozen fruits and vegetables. My DD won't touch bananas unless they're frozen and then they're her favorite. I know kids who gobble down frozen peas, but would never touch the same peas defrosted.