Weaned toddler now doesn't eat anything

[Realisticmama]

So I finally weaned my 20 month old from breastfeeding. We were still doing night feeds and he'd wake quite a lot in the night which I would then just nurse him back to sleep. We have stopped this now but it seems that he's waking even more now. I guess he's just getting used to it. But what's worrying me more is the fact that he doesn't really seem to eat much. He likes to snack and has always been like this but I think he gets hungry in the night especially now that he doesn't have any milk. I do try to give him a snack before bed and have tried to give a bottle which he outright refuses. I'm really worried as he's quite on the smaller side anyway and I don't want him losing any more weight. Is there any food which is calorie dense that I can give him. I'm at a loss at what to do so any help or advice is much appreciated.

How long ago did you night wean and stop BFing altogether OP? Have you done the two things separately or gone cold turkey?

It does usually take them a couple of weeks to realise that milk isn't available and to eat the food.

I wouldn't bother with bottles either unless he's used to having them regularly.

You might find this guide on feeding toddlers helpful too

Has he actually lost weight? Toddlers don’t need the huge volume of food people assume. Weigh him and keep an eye on his weight centile to be sure.

My youngest is a small snacker, so I just make sure she has balanced healthy snacks. Nut nutter are good to get protein and healthy fats into snacks.

I found that Greek yoghurt with some berries or banana was good at that stage. The protein in the yoghurt seemed to help make my DC feel fuller.

Second nut butter and full fat milk and (Greek) yoghurt. Maybe also add some extra olive oil to a pasta sauce. Or use some hummus/cottage cheese for extra protein. My little one also likes eggs (and meat).

My oldest was like that, he just preferred liquid for a really long time, so I often made very nutritious smoothies for him (full fat milk with some oats and banana for example)

He did eat small amounts of solids

it just took longer

my other child was happy to be weaned and never liked milk much

a as long as you offer him nutritious options he will be fine. If his weight or appetite are a concern obviously please see a doctor (I did)

Could you do picnic style so good is available but your not having to constantly make the food. I quite often have a lunchbox for mine even if we aren’t going out which is his daily snacks + lunch all together. Not means he can pick and eat when hungry. It all gets eaten just in a rather odd order.

How are you both doing today so far @Realisticmama?

Thank you for all the advice everyone, it is very helpful. To be fair I have just weaned him and stopped breastfeeding a few days ago so it is probably just him getting used to it. I think it's just the sleep deprivation and anxiety that has got me in a panic. But I will definitely take all your suggestions on board. I think he is just a snacker so I'll have to accept that.

@CCadyEastman Doing much better thank you for asking. He has woken up a few times but I have been able to sooth him back to sleep by rocking him.