Milkaholic 2 yr old

[Razzlefrazzle]

DS 2.8 has always been a keen, if not tremendously adventurous, eater. Since he was unwell at Christmas his appetite has totally changed and all he is really interested in is milk (whole, cow's). He still has morning and bedtime beakers but is now asking for it as a meal substitute. For lunch today he has had about three bites of a ham sandwich and milk. Even the offer of a biscuit has been refused so you can imagine the disdain which greeted my suggestion of a banana! The food he will eat has to be bland to the point of tasteless. The GP seemed unconcerned and told me to give milk if that was what he wanted but I am worried that bad habits are being formed. Has anyone had a similar problem or suggestions to get him back to normal eating? Thanks

Does he go to nursery at all? My two always ate better at home after a couple of days of communal eating with their mates. Even if he doesn't, maybe you could try some lunch dates with some friends of his?

Otherwise you have two choices - go cold turkey and only give him milk at bedtime and in the morning (do you mean at snack time?) and deal with the crying and moaning until he starts to eat again (which he will - no healthy child will starve itself) - or try and find other milky foodstuffs to lure him back to solids! Rice pudding often works a treat, Laughing Cow cheese triangles, yogurt.

Wanting the comfort of milk is understandable after being ill, but you're already aware that giving him too much might be putting him off his food so I wouldn't worry too much about bad habits forming. He'll probably be demanding beef stew by this time next week!

Thanks BogoPogo I think you are right and I need to be a bit harder and not give in to his requests for milk. He isn't at nursery but does often eat with his friends, at the moment this is having no effect but will keep on trying. Will have to be chicken casserole, would be wrong to risk giving him prime horse right now :-)

We go though phases of milk-milk-milk... and that's what it is: a phase. I always offer meals but if she's feeling off-colour or is growing, or upset, milk works every time.

We also use whole cow's milk (organic) and go through at least a pint a day still aged 3.

How funny - my daughter is going through the same phase! She has a pretty healthy, normal appetite but is nonetheless asking for milkmilkmilkmilkmilk all the time, and doing an impatient jig next to the fridge...

Do be careful! My dd2 who to be fair, doesn't eat well, when ill,started to demand milk 6/7 times a night. We had to stop it! She gets one big milk at night and one with cereal. Keeps asking for it when slightly off - but led to bad ways. Give ur child,recommended milk amts plus a little more infill - but otherwise, WATER,