Fussy eating toddler - advise please

[Bubblesbubblesmybubbles]

DC1 is a fussy eater, we did everything right with BLW, didn't offer alternatives as a baby, multiple exposures to foods etc etc. Now, we have around 5 approved dinners, 2 or 3 lunches and 3 or 3 breakfasts.....it makes me really sad. At the moment we go for

• offering food from our plates
• no pressure
• talking positively about food
• getting DC1 involved in cooking

Not offering a liked food leads to no food getting eaten so the whole "they will eat if they're hungry" thing doesnt work as then later the hanger comes out but the food will still be rejected

Do we just continue as we are and hope it rectifies itself?

How old a toddler?

I often find if i can get a mouthful these days he keeps going, sometimes I distract him with tv, sometimes we just leave the food there while he plays and he comes and goes, he will eat in the bath! Have you tried a picnic outside? Do you eat together?

Pretty much the same here...DD never wants to eat anything nice we've made or anything mixed with anything. Even pasta with sauce is a no-no right now.

Fir lunch and dinner DD has a big tray thing with little bits of food all separated out. Think bits of bread, bits of pepper and cucumber. Bit of egg...it's the only way she'll eat.
I do get a bit frustrated about lack of variety and fussiness but trying not to worry too much about it. DP and I will eat anything and imagine she'll turn out the same. Try not to worry too much if overall she is eating ok and getting decent balance of nutrients...

We just made sure part of the meal was something they liked and for a while she would scream until offending food was removed from her plate. Lots of it's ok you dont have to eat it gradually improved things. At around 3 years old we changed to one taste of everything. Later upped it to all veg and a small portion of the bit they dont like much but can leave the pasta/rice etc if wanted.
On the whole they are fine now at 5.5 yrs old.

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/apr/10/family2
I remember reading this article when my DD was 2 and it reassuring me somewhat as she was going through a very fussy phase. She's 13 now and eats a wide-range of foods and dishes from many different countries. They do usually grow out of being really fussy. Took several years in our case, but they do get there.

23m sorry should have said, yes we do eat together for every meal

What is on the approved foods list is pretty healthy so maybe i shouldnt worry too much

Thank you for the ideas and thoughts, nice to know its common, its like they dont read the weaning books

That's a great article. Peas are funny though, but I have noticed them on loads of children's menus. DD also loves raw carrots, but won't touch them cooked.

My 3 year old alternates the same 2 dinners every day. Neither are amazingly healthy but not awful. Variety is overrated if you ask me.

My now adult dd used to eat anything at that age but is now very fussy.

Sounds pretty normal in my experience! All my friends have had similar experiences with their toddlers. I think it's just trying to relax and keep offering interesting things for them to try.