She will eat from others but not me!!!

[Stars66]

My daughter is 16 months, and food has been mostly ok, slow to start but generally ok. About a month ago she went off her food and had a throat infection, some TLC and antibiotics later, she's ok. But recently she refuses food from me and has a screaming fit when I sit her in her high chair.
She eats at nursery and she eats from my OH. But she's still with me 4 days a week where I'm battling to get food in her. It's getting me down and I'm finding it very hard work!!

Advice appreciated!!!

Are you bf? Perhaps she sees you and wants milk instead?

My first thought is that she's perhaps seeing/sending your anxiety. It's soooo important that food doesn't become a power struggle or battle ground. Meal is served, you eat together nicely and talk etc no mention of "just a little bit" or " look yummy carrots" you have to completely ignore the food.

We had a similar thing with our dd at this age. I just stuck her on my knee and didn't give her any foid but turned a blind eye if she helped herself from my plate.

As long as she is bf or is getting her 300ml of full fat cows milk a day, she will be fine.

She won't starve herself and if you try to keep a food diary, so that you can see what she eats over a week rather than a day, you will probably see she is eating enough.

If you do give her a plate of food of her own, just make it a really small portion, don't encourage her to eat or even talk about the food. Keep the conversation light, you could even read the paper if you want to blank the tantrums completely, and after about 20 mins, clear away and let her get down. Oh and never, ever offer an alternative

X posted with Giles

Thank you!!
Yes I bf her in morning and before night, but also give her a bottle of milk before her nap (after lunch).
Ok, food diary ahoy and small small portions. And ignoring her!!
xx

Look at it over a week rather than day by day. And don't worry this is completely normal!! We have all been there and still are some days

The main thing is that meals are dress free and relaxed and they eat when they eat. Toddlers live off fresh air for days!! :)

Dress free? That would be interesting

Stress free

She'd be happy dress free, getting dressed is often a struggle

Could you decrease the amount of milk at lunch?