How much is too much??

[Emskilou]

Can you give your dcs too much fruit?? My dd is 21 months and she mainly eats fruit (dried and fresh). She'll eat weetabix with banana chunks, muesli bars, crackers, youghurts and drinks water. When it comes to 'proper' dinners she turns her nose up and refuses to eat it unless it is beans on toast (thats a kind of treat food) or chips (homemade not fried type), I know its not a major food issue but I'm worried that she is eating too much fruit and not enough 'proper' food. Any suggestions anyone??

I would say as long as it's not adversely affecting her bowels IYKWIM she's okay!!

i would say fine with the exception of the dried fruit. Its really good in small doses but can act as a laxative if eaten in huge quantities so just keep an eye out. A lot of toddlers go thru this stage at this age so I wouldn't worry too much. At least she's eating healthy stuff and not living on crisps and lollipops!!

Ahhh thank you, I was beginning to worry! I make sure she doesn't have too much dried fruit, I let that happen once and once only, urgh! Her little brother 7 months eats everything and still bfs 4 times a day, which is ok isn't it? How many time should I be bf him? Really dont know why I am suddenly doubting everything I do as a mum, at least theres mn!!

Personally I'd be as bit concerned at a possible lack of iron, protein and fat. It sounds healthy but perhaps you could find some dips or spreads to up those a bit.

I stopped breast feeding at 3 mths but at about 7mths i was giving ds 8oz first thing, 4 oz mid morning, 4 oz mid afternoon and 8oz before he went to bed. I then cut the morning feed by 8 mths, the afternoon feed by 10 mths so he ws just having the wake up and go to bed feeds which he still has now and he's nearly 2!!! One thing I've always done is follow his lead and that's what you've got to do.

Ah thank you, sorry to keep asking but how can I introduce the good foods to my littel girl?? Because I'm also worried about the lack of proteins etc

Just try something like hummous spread thinly to start with on her crackers. Chunks of ham or cheese alongside pieces of apple and pinepple in a salad. A sauce (in which you could puree chicken or tuna with vegetables) along side her "chips" or with pasta shapes.

Just one new thing at a time along sde her accepted/familiar foods and lots of fuss when she even just tries it, ignore if she doesn't. Also combinations of food such as fruit with her weetabix so that she can absorb the iron content more efficiently.

Do you eat with her, offering her the same meal but in tiny portions ? The social side of a meal may distract her from its contents. She may find a big plate too overwhelming so start with just a small spoonful of each thing. Does she still drink milk , as that can suppress her appetite for other foods.

thank you, I will try these ideas, she used to munch everything. We do all sit and eat together, well me and the babies!! last night she did try to eat my dinner but then turned her nose up at it when she had it near her mouth. Is this normal for her to be doing this?? As I said she used to eat everything I did bu tnow doesn't so what size portions should I be giving her? Sorry for the constant questions just dont want her to get poorly or lose weight and I am doubting myself so need a bit of reassurance, thank you again

I think unfortunately children jist go through odd phases with food and you just have to try what you can and as long as she is getting as much of the recommended food groups in her diet as you can realistically get into her and appears to be healthy and gaining weight, I would try not to worry. Sometimes at this age, food and mealtimes can be a way of exercising their independance and control and it can turn into a battleground. Perservere with what you're doing and the suggestions on here which obviously I will be stealing (!!) and try not to put too much pressure on yourself

Thank you, I love mn I wish I'd found it sooner, I feel so much better in myself as a mum having spoken to other rl mums. I tried the tips today, especially putting a small amount on her plate and big praises when she tried something and she wolfed down a whole plate of spaghetti bolognese!! Thank you all so so much I think having this chat restored my confidence and she must have picked up on that, so thank you thank you thank you! I know its only the first day but its a good start!

Fab news - you can't not like good old spag bol!!!