Really struggling with getting my son to eat

[OneLilac]

So my son is almost 14 months old and barely eats during the day, never finishes a meal and is then miserable as he’s hungry throughout the day. I’m at my wits end I want to burst into tears because he just throws himself crying but won’t eat what I give him! He’s EBF only feeds 3-4 times during the day mostly for his naps. I really need some advice

Is he teething? My 17 month old goes on hunger strike when she's teething and then gets constipated and then gets really grumpy. I make smoothies and provide other soft food, like pancakes, yogurt and just give her cows milk in a beaker throughout the day in addition to water.

He is teething at the moment but it seems even when he’s not teething he’s still being fussy and won’t eat

Unless he is losing weight / failing to thrive it may not be food that is the problem.

they seem to manage with surprisingly little sometimes

Echoing what the poster above said, sometimes they don't need much! Have you had him weighed recently? Can you speak to a health visitor or gp if you're concerned? And do you know if he's crying because he's hungry or is he just grumpy? Mine was really frustrated around that age as she couldn't walk and couldn't communicate, etc. etc. She's getting sunnier the older she gets.

He’s walking now so I thought he’d have more of an appetite but obviously not. He’ll happily eat something sweet but normal food he refuses. At the moment all I can get him to eat is baked beans or pasta with hidden veg and sometimes he doesn’t even eat half of it. He hasn’t lost any weight it’s just so different from my older child.

How is his weight?

Does he BF at night @OneLilac?

Can you give us an idea of what you offer him during the day and what he eats?

Baked beans and pasta is fine - whatever it takes. Give him small portions so he isn’t overwhelmed with the amount of food on his plate. Alongside his food offer some fruit or veg - carrot sticks, sliced grapes. You could also try some strips of ham or chicken and a baby bell or similar. Do you feed him or let him feed himself? It’s a messy business but letting him feed himself gives him a bit more control.

Yes he feeds himself. I try giving him fruit and stuff but he doesn’t eat it. He likes cheese but doesn’t always want it