BF 2 1/2 year old poor appetite for solids

[DayZwidow]

My skinny, but healthy and very active 2 1/2 year old has become even more picky with food than usual. He has not had an evening meal for several weeks now, I am trying not to make a big deal about it but I am getting worried. I am sure he is just holding out for his nightly breast feed, and he has started waking through the night once and feeding, and sometimes early in the morning too. I give in partly because I'm worried he doesn't eat enough during the day, but also because I'm tired and it's the easiest way to get him back to sleep (yes I know.?). I know he has now increased my supply as I am starting to feel let-downs and tonight I was a little horrified that I actually dripped some milk from the other side!

I suppose I'm asking, mainly from those that have fed toddlers, should I wean him completely from the breast in an effort to get him to eat more during the day; or keep going hope he will pass this stage and know at least he's getting something that's good for him.

I never expected to be still feeding, it's just sort of happened, and I would like to finish by 3 if I can- my other two self weaned at 2years, and 17months. I kind of hoped he'd self wean too. He has been through some big changes-we moved countries at the beginning of the year, and were also overseas on holiday for two weeks at the beginning if summer break which is when his eating issues really got worse. I thought they'd improve when we got home,but we've been back 2 weeks and he is still not eating like he did before we left.

We will be seeing the health visitor in a few weeks for his developmental check, but to be honest I am not sure how evidenced based their advice will be and whether they will just say "wean".

Hello, I've got an almost-4-yo with a poor appetite for solids too, and what she will eat is bland carbs so I see breastmilk as an important part of her diet- lots of vitamins and minerals that she's not getting otherwise.

HVs can vary- I was told by my first (v sensible) HV not to worry too much and that DD1 would pick up more solid food in her own time. Other HVs I've seen have been fairly rubbish, basing their advice on nothing but personal opinion. So by all means ask but don't take what they say as gospel.

There's a very good book by Dr Carlos Gonzalez called My Child Won't Eat that you might find helpful. If there's an LLL group near you then they'll probably have a copy you can borrow.

This article might be helpful too.

Apart from his food intake you don't sound too worried, saying he is healthy and active :) That's good news.

Could he be getting his molars? Ds is taking an age to get his and is feeding and waking lots at night. Its a pain for me sometimes but mostly I'm pleased I can do something that helps.

Thanks for your replies- its appreciated I will look for that book EauRouge, and read the link.

And yes VelvetJacket he is getting the last molar but it's almost all through- maybe that's the problem- didn't think of it (should have considering he's my third)! I might try giving some Calpol 30min before dinner and see if that makes a difference to his appetite.

Thanks again I feel abut more reassured,

eaurouge just read that link- I could have written the question myself and all those replies are so sensible. I am going to totally stop worrying now and maybe make him one of those snack trays I think- he's often helping himself to a yoghurt, cheese stick or jar of peanut butter anyway