DD won't eat soilds

[njon2]

DD used to eat her solids up until a few weeks ago. Now, she refuses to eat anything that she can't pick up herself. This is fine, but when I do give her food to eat she just throws it around and will only eat the tiniest bit. The only exception is fruit!

So, I've started BFing more which isn't a problem for me (I love BFing), but I have my MCHN appointment in a week and I know that I will probably end up really upset because they will tell me that by 12 months, her solids need to play a more important role than breast milk.

I know that their solution (as others have already pointed out to me) is to cut the BFs and she will be hungry enough to want to eat her solids. This does not work. I tried for just over a week and she ate the EXACT same amount, became more clingy, started waking in the middle of the night screaming and when I would BF she would have hysterics when she would be taken off.

I am not ok with this. No one likes to be starved!!!! And I don't see how reducing her milk so she can eat the exact same amount of solids is good for her.

I guess I am looking to see if anyone else has had this problem and what they did.

[MantaRay]

I think this is really common although that doesn't make it any less frustrating for you All toddlers (except for one I know ) have a time when they live on fresh air for a number of weeks. I think you're strategy of making up for it with more bfs until she's interested in food again is very sensible. If she's been eating well before then she will again. She could be a bit under the weather, have teeth bothering her, it could be anything. It's great that you are able to keep her nutrients up - how much easier does that make things! If you are worried about the MCHN I would just say that she's been eating well, is a bit off her food temporarily but you're not worried.

Offering her the food so she can eat when she's ready is a great way to deal with it. At least she's eating fruit. Also, as hard as it is, try to resist the temptation to show your frustration when she throws the food. If she knows she'll get a reaction she's more likely to keep doing it. If you can, ignore her totally and give her the impression that you really don't care if she eats or not. GL!!

[HotI]

Things kinda clicked for my daughter around 12 months and she started eating more. Just keep offering and she will get there.

If you think your daughter is doing ok, does it matter what others say?

[onthefly]

How is she growing and developing? It may be that she knows what she needs and this is it
Any history of allergies or intolerances in the family?

Do you *really* feel there is a problem, or are you more concerned what the nurse will say? If the latter, you can either lie or just not go. Sounds like you already know what works for your daughter. If you are concerned, maybe it would be better to seek out a more supportive health carer who you feel comfortable with.

[~Kim~]

Oh hunny
Now just because the books say.....does not mean your small person has read those books. I know it's hard to feel like you're doing the right thing when the 'experts' say otherwise, but you really are. I did the same for my non eaters.
My DD1 was exactly the same and tbh she is now a fantastic little eater, as tall as the average 8yo and as heavy at 6. She'll get it in her own time. Their palates develop in their own time too.

[TeniBear]

With the MCHN thing, at DD's 12 month appointment all I said about solids was that she was being served "whatever we ate, plus snacks through the day". Never mind that in reality, she would play with the food rather than eat most of the time... She's only just starting to eat more regularly now at 14 months, and even then she's much more dependent on breastmilk than any other food

[Liz]

We are supposed to see a MCHN at 12 months?? LOL. Ugh... if they give you grief, and you tend to ignore them and do your own thing anyway... don't bother going. That's my theory.. and probably why I never see a MCHN haha. (GP does similar developmental checks at immunisations... and I go to the pre-school screening at the clinic)

We don't have a solids problem really (aside from the new game of drop it all on the floor ) but fwiw DD is still getting most of her nutrition from breastfeeding. So long as you're giving her plenty of opportunity to eat, then she'll do it in her own time I'm sure. Can't exactly force feed her anyway You'll know within yourself if she's suffering from it or not.

[Barb Glare]

Welcome to the world of toddlers - and yes, pretty much all of us have had this problem. this is what toddlers do - apparently live off fresh air. As you are finding, you can't make a toddler eat. (or anyone really) and it's far to young to turn this into a food fight - you will have years ahead of you for that. sit with her at mealtimes and really enjoy your food - she will probably want what you are having, even if it is identical to what she's having! Set your face and your body language to neutral - like she can eat or not, no concern of yours but it sure is good and she's missing out! I don't think any sensible health professional would suggest you starve your daughter. Toddlers eat and breastfeed - they don't do one at the expense of the other. This will pass - no healthy child ever starved in the presence of food.

[KimB]

I'm glad I found this as I posted a similar thread only the other day. DD4 is nearly 14 months but just won't eat solids. She eats weetbix but not much of anything else. On the other hand she loves her booby feeds We are still feeding through the night as well. This is a first for me as the others self weaned before 12 months. I was starting to get a bit worried so after reading all the replies I don't feel so bad - so thanks everyone for putting my mind at ease