Power struggles and picky eating 😓😓

Yup, it’s pretty developmentally appropriate. Our doc supported us with offering him what we eat and if he refuses to save it for later. They won’t starve themselves so try not to let him know how infuriating it can be. It takes practice but it’ll get easier❤️

Try other protein sources. Beans, peanut butter, etc.

@Megan thanks! I’m actually not concerned about protein though since he does get it from other foods (like what you’ve listed). I just need him to not be nutrient deficient elsewhere. 😣 It’s so frustrating spending so much time meal planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning - I just want him to eat what everyone eats!

@Stevie thanks! Are y’all still going through it? I do save the dinner plate and that’s what he’s offered if he says he’s hungry later. So incredibly frustrating.

Yes lol. After getting reassurance from his doctor that he’s healthy and advancing fine, we didn’t stress as much. I just offer him any and everything I can think of. Some of his favorites are now steak, seaweed, miso soup, random stuff.

Food scientist here. He won't go nutrient deficient, as long as he's eating something. This is a normal stage for toddlers. I know that nutritionally speaking, beige foods get a bad rap, but honestly, they are often the most palatable for young children. It's a constant juxtaposition because as parents we're pressured to feed our kids well with whole, nutritious foods, and then many end up begging and pleading and bargaining just to get something other than a goldfish cracker down. I'll let you in on a secret: toddlers can survive on just about anything. A kid could survive on no veggies at all if they had to (disclaimer: not advising to try this yourself). Kids, and humans, can live on all sorts of weird diets. Yes, obviously a variety of foods from all food groups is best, but if he eats fairly well other than meat, he's doing just fine and he will get over it. Don't stress! Focus on making meal times a fun, safe, low-pressure space. Kids will try new things when they feel safe and not pressured to do so.

@Melissa thank you. I needed to hear this. He had a rough birth, needed a feeding tube in the NICU, and I had supply issues for the first 3 months so feeding him has been a challenge literally his whole life! He’s always been a skinny kid and it just hurts my mama heart when I see his baby brother so chunky. 😭 it’s impossible not to compare though I know I shouldn’t. I just need him to eat more than fruit and bread

Even my older kids don’t eat as well as they should. I know he’s too little for gummy vitamins, but I give my older boys smarty pants vitamins with added fiber and I feel like it keeps them a little healthier and definitely more regular. Just thought I’d throw that out there for any mamas with older kids. Toddlers are tough.

@Sarah thank you ❤️