Very fussy toddler

[RedAndWhiteSpots]

DS is two and a half. He's always been a bit fussy but used to eat more vegetables and some fish etc now his food intake is limited to the following:

Cereals (always the "healthy" no sugar ones)
Bread/ wraps/ crumpets
Jacket potato
Pasta - only plain with cheese
Sweetcorn
Fruit smoothie but only mango and sometimes banana
Peanut butter
Tinned Heinz tomato pasta
Some yoghurts
Plain rice
Apple juice
Milk
Cream cheese

I offer fruit and vegetables with meals plus other things like breaded chicken or fish he used to like etc. He won't touch things other children seem to like like chicken nuggets etc. He attends nursery four days a week and will only eat plain food there. It's really worrying me. Can anyone empathise? Does it get better?

I can empathise as my 4 yr old is very picky now (wasn’t when younger).

My advice would be not to make food a battle at all, don’t comment on his eating, comment on your own eating describing the food “this broccoli is so delicious and crunchy” etc etc Keep giving his safe foods but also offer new foods, no pressure at all to eat or touch. Eat with him, offer what you’re having. Again no pressure.

Try getting him involved in the cooking. Try growing fruit and veg - could still sow some seeds this year or start in the spring.

My 4 yr old is autistic and has got pickier with age. My 2 yr old is neurotypical and went through a very fussy phase - she’s coming out of it now at almost 3. So for your son it’s most likely just a normal phase (two year olds are often picky!)

Anyway I know how frustrating it is but don’t show that! If mine don’t want their food or are still hungry they can have weetabix or a peanut butter sandwich.

Just don’t make food a battle, offer new foods, it’ll pass!

One of ours was like this but worse!

Pretty much only ate rice pudding, cheese and chips. And drank loads of milk thankfully.

At just turned 4, one day picked up an apple from the fruit bowl and devoured it.

We couldn't believe it! She eats everything now. Was rarely ill, tall for her age.

We are glad we didn't turn it into a battle with her. A couple of times, we said no dinner, no desert but she would just say OK and walk off, not bothered at all...

They know what they need. Present them with lots of new foods, let them see you eat a wide range of foods, and try not to worry too much.

Amy mums who say otherwise didn't have a truly fussy eater