My 3 year old won't eat anything

[Newishmom]

I am very worried about my child she's not eating anything I try talking to her tried a pediatrician trying to everything the only way to get anything into her is formula is she can survive of this? If not can anyone else tell me their stories?

I’m really sorry to hear this. I went through something similar with my eldest. He barely ate - in the end I found bits and bobs that he would eat (potato waffles, pizza and chicken nuggets) and he would eat this on repeat. He also ate yogurts. But that was pretty much it. It was a very stressful time. I tried all sorts of techniques and spoke to his doctor (completely dismissed me saying I have met children with more restrictive diets), the nurse, his nursery. It was really challenging. In the end only time helped. If there anything at all besides milk that she will eat?

I just dmed so it's easier to talk

@Nothankyovi dmed you and no there's really nothing else but formula she’d drink like use to like lasagna but whenever she sees that she screams and pushed it away

I wouldn't give formula to a 3 year old, it's likely to fill them up and therefore less likely to want to eat. Go easy on milk too. What did the doctor suggest?

Hi OP - no experience here, but you might benefit from trying out some of the ideas offered in NHS leaflets such as this one:

www.kentcht.nhs.uk/leaflet/managing-restrictive-eating/

@LoafofSellotape basically did doctor said we should try and find something she likes we found lasagna she loved it for about a month then she randomly stopped eating we tried all different types of food we try to pureate food she was that for about two weeks and then we tried to formula out of pure desperation and ever since she's been on it

Sorry for any misspellings I am dyslexic

Your dyslexia is interesting. Any neurodiversity in the family? Because eating nothing but formula at 3 does speak to a ND/comorbidity.

@MrsTerryPratchettI am dyslexic and most likely most likely have a form of autism I am thinking about getting her tested do you think that could be a part of the issue?

Try to get a referral to another doctor who specialises in ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder). That doctor may recommend tests and/or a specialist occupational therapist who works with children with sensory issues around food.

I’m not an expert, but I would say keep up the formula, because it’s important to get fluids and sustenance into her until you get better support - you’re doing the right thing.

@Gremlinsateit I I looked it up she's matching pretty much everything with this

I think ND is very complex and poorly understood. AFAID and other forms of food sensitivity show up a lot in ASD and there’s a good chance your little one has a reason for only eating formula. If you can get some assessment, that would give you more to work with.

But for now, although it’s not ideal, formula is a more complete meal than a lot of things children settle on. Ask for assessment, keep trying, calmly, and try not to worry too much.

Spelling! I apologise

OP, offer her choices, but no pressure. At three she can choose what she wants.

What happens if you put a picky-bits tea on a low table and leave her to it? Dips, bread sticks, halved cherry tomatoes, pieces of mild cheese. chicken nuggets, cucumber. Soft bread, different textures etc.

Don't try to feed her, just wait. Never mind any mess. Maybe she is looking for something she can control. Try it repeatedly.

Give her formula if she still won't eat. Hydration & nutrients are important while you work out what else is going on.

I just took to putting bowls of finger food around the house almost continually available and stopped making meals a sit down experience.
It took away what was becoming a bit of a battleground and made us both calmer, so my DS felt happier to nibble here and there.
I reduced family meals as he became more relaxed about eating.

@PerspicaciaTick Honestly you're not the first one to tell me about this method I read up about it try to one time and she started trowing the stuff around the place she almost broke my favorite Cup

I might try it again tomorrow

I'd recommend starting with stuff you feel comfy with, Cheerios, raisins, cucumber sticks, whatever wont be too messy. You need to be giving off completely relaxed vibes.
Get some paper or plastic bowls to use (like party wear if she has a favourite character?) and keep your special stuff safe.
Take it slow. Don't put out anything that makes you stressed and maybe don't even mention it to your DD for the first few attempts. Just leave the bowls out and see if she interacts at all.
Good luck, she will get better (possibly at nursery being around other children eating??).

@PerspicaciaTick The nearby nursery won't take herAs she's not potty trained or in training

Keep on at the health visitor is she at nursery how is she there?

That’s illegal of them

I think it depends where the Op is based? Are you in the UK @Newishmom?

@BunnyRuddingtonyes I am in the uk

I have a child who probably had ARFID but the GP said only girls have eating disorders and refused to refer him to anyone until his weight dropped off the bottom of the percentage chart. Many health professionals sincerely believe that if a child gets hungry they will eat so they don’t think food refusal is a real issue.

We followed the Ellyn Sattler Division of Responsibility model and my son is now 22 years old and a pretty adventurous eater. It takes time but it can work really well.

@StuntNundo you think I will get a referral?