18 month old struggling to get him to eat

[Jane68]

I have an 18 month old boy and I am really struggling to get him to eat, I'm lucky if I get 2 mouthfuls of food down him a day. His weight seems fine and his development is otherwise normal, any ideas?

[loganberry12]

Hi have you tried letting him feed himself with finger food rather than spoon feeding him? Many babies won't take lumpy foods from a spoon, but will chew quite happily when feeding themselves!

[nicnacinoonoo]

i think a lot of kids go through fazes like that. i cant remember how old ds was when he went through it, it was probably around the same age and i remember he ate breakfast ok but barely had anything at all for the rest of the day. i cant remember how long it lasted but he is 3 and a half now and eats very well and has done for a while.
as long as your ds is drinking enough i wouldnt worry too much it should just be a faze. keep trying different things and you might hit on something he really likes and wants all the time. i think maybe at that age they are just more interested in playing etc than eating.
will he have toast? most kids like that.

[MrsBadger]

how much milk is he drinking?
what are you offering him?
do you eat with him?
is he well in himself / growing out of clothes etc or are you worried he is losing weight?

[Jane68]

I have tried both spoon feeding and letting him help himself (which is generally a tad more successful). I have tried him with lots of different foods both fresh and junk and he is indiscriminate about what he turns his nose up at. He is growing right on schedule. I'm just hoping that this is a phase and I am panicking over nothing.

[Jane68]

He was slow staring with his teeth (14 months) and he still has some to come through, I'm wondering if this may have something to do with it.

[loganberry12]

just to put your mind at rest my daughter didnt start weaning until 18 months she refused everything and still then she was really fussy. She is now 22 years old and still a fussy eater but perfectly healthy so pleased dont worry too much if your son is happy and growing fine.

[EdgarAllenPoo]

at 18 mo my good little eater went rubbish, and fussed and spat out food.

self- fed meals helps..and the end of teething.

softer food worked better after then.