Can a 15 mo be this picky about food already?

[spmamma]

My DD is about to turn 15 months and seems to be getting pickier about food every day. She loves beans, rice, Cheerios and cheese. Just about everything else is suspect. Some days she'll eat a ton of peas... then she won't want to eat them at all. This morning she had a fit when I gave her cut up peaches... but then ate the same peach at lunchtime when I gave her a big hunk. This afternoon, however, she refused to eat a hunk of pear (even after signing that she wanted to eat). She'll sign "eat" or "more" to indicate that she's hungry, but then refuses anything I give her... :

A little background... she still nurses like crazy (thank goodness I don't have to worry about her nutrition!), was a pretty high-needs babe, has always been a self-feeder and didn't really touch many solids until she was about 14 months old.

Please reassure me... tell me that this is normal at this age... everyone else I know has a baby that will eat anything.

[angrypixiemama]

DD was the same way. Still at 21 months there are days when she only wants to eat peas or white beans or "potsa" (pasta). I just go with it. I offer her many different things and show her her options, but I don't want to force foods on her either. We grew up having to eat at set times and certain things, and both my brother and I have had food issues. DD still nurses, which is very reassuring to me too.

Don't worry, mama. Your baby is doing great!:

[spmamma]

Thanks angrypixiemama! This has been a real source of stress for me lately. I don't want to create food issues, but I also have a fear of setting her up to be "one of those kids"... you know, the ones who only eat three foods. I know it's all in my head, but it's a real fear of mine.

[curvyred]

Totally normal! My little man used to eat any and everything until he was about 14 months old. All of the sudden, he turned into a picky eater and does exactly what you talked about--the best breakfast food in the world will be refused at dinner as the most vile thing ever.

I keep putting out the food, several things at a time, and make sure I include at least one food I know he will always eat. Sometimes just eating something he likes kind of "primes the pump" and once he starts eating, he will keep eating.

Sometimes I use my mama wiles and hold out a piece of something for him to eat from my fingers, and that gets him going.

It's totally normal, but totally frustrating. Keep hanging in there though--DS is 17 months old and still eating fairly well, despite the pickiness.

[Ruthie's momma]

Sounds like your little one is a normal toddler! My almost 15 mo eats in a similar fashion. Her favorites foods are mainly cheeses, fruits, and veggies. She is super particular about grains and meats. So, I try to offer whole grain pastas and cheerios for the grain category. She is even less interested in meat...she loves salmon and turkey...but, will usually spit out beef!

[beingmommy]

My DS still barely eats solids at all. He likes banana and apple but usually only a few bites a day.

Read the book "My Child Won't Eat" by Carlos Gonzalez. It will calm any fears you have about how much a baby should eat (amount and variety).