What can I do if he's not eating a whole lot?

[newmothermary]

I know, probably not a whole lot I can do but to keep offering.

Had our 16 mos wbv today and Miles clock in the 10 percentile. The ped is not overly concerned. In fact, if was me who was asking all the questions. I guess its the fact that he's not gaining a whole lot, (he's still gaining thought. Still nurses) that makes me feel somewhat like a failure. The boy likes to eat. Just not a whole meal. He grazes, and its usually if we're snacking or eating. He's happy, thriving and is super active. Can't even sit in his highchair for too long!

Wish this isn't bothering me like it is.

[PeachBaby]

DS also doesn't like to eat a big meal. He may eat focused for the first few tablespoons and then stop being so interested. But I found that if I kind of "distract" him in a way, he'll eat more spoonfuls. I'll say something - anything, really - like, "Can you touch your nose, and while you're at it, would you like to take a bite?" It works really well for my DS. He'll then touch his nose while taking a bite. I can get on average about 3 times more food into him that way (also trying to get him to gain more weight). Sometimes, I also find that if he refuses, it just means he's still not finished with his last bite, not necessarily that he's done eating. Other times, I find that he's just too focused on something else, but in another moment will take a bite. So I don't give up on him too soon.

[woodchick]

I agree with PeachBaby, distraction works pretty well around here.

Some other things that work (some of the time)
*Utensils- regular and odd (chopstics, toothpicks, the strawberry huller as a picker upper)
*Music in the background (goes alon with distraction, maybe)
*Sitting on our laps or standing on a chair instead of high chair

And, When our 4yo was a toddler she would never eat during dinner, but when DH and I got up to clean up she would stay in her highchair and clean her plate. She is still like that to some extent. .

I think society has linked 'good eater' with 'good parent' and that might be why you're feeling bad about his eating and weight. If you're ped isn't concerned and he's still nursing and eating something I would try to relax about it. He sounds like a thriving boy

[skueppers]

It sounds like he's happy and healthy. He just happens to be lighter than most other children his age. Somebody's kid has to be in the 10th percentile, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong!

As long as his pediatrician isn't concerned, I don't see any reason to worry about what he is or is not eating.

[ellegoat]

I also wouldn't worry if the ped isn't worried. I understand that it's pretty common for weight gain to really slow down at this age. Is he growing in height? I think someone told me that as long as they are growing in height, and not actually losing in weight, they're fine.

To get my DD to eat more at mealtimes, we've had luck with using small stuffed animals that try to eat her food or serve her bites of food. She also tends to take a break in the middle for a few minutes, then gets into my lap and will allow me to feed her more. We have also given her sips of milk in between bites, which seems to make her eat a bit more.

[claras_mom]

If he's thriving and hitting all the developmental milestones, and if the ped isn't worried about it, I think you should just relax and enjoy the lightness.

My first hovered around the 25th percentile for a long time (but more like 75th for height). She had a very large head, too--if you can imagine a tall, thin, really big-headed baby. Now, at five she's somewhere in the 95th for both--very healthy, tall, well-proportioned kid. My 15 month old dd is the opposite--she's almost dead average for height, but in around the 75th percentile for weight. She has the chubby legs dd1 never had. I have every expectation that she too will level out in a few years.

Sometimes dd2 refuses a food, only to take it if it's offered later in the meal. Loves beans, for example, but doesn't always want to eat them first. Maybe she wants some veggies first. So when she's not eating what's offered, that's one of the strategies we try--just mixing it up a little.

With both my girls, I'm trying not to stress (dd1 barely eats sometimes, though clearly it's not harming her!). I want them to be able to eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. Some days they both eat more than on other days. The only rule I enforce is that there needs to be balance (protein, carbs, fruits, veggies)--if not in a meal, then throughout the day. And you can't say you're full, leaving food on the plate, and then ask for ice cream.