So I have stopped bottles recently and now my daughter wont stay out of the kitchen she goes to the fridge and pantry and appears to be wanting food so I get her what she points to but she doesn't eat it most the time. She is 14 months. I don't know what to do; she cries and I feel like I am depriving my child of food but she isn't eating it when I give it to her and it's constantly all day. She is still eating breakfast lunch but not usually dinner probably cause she snacks all afternoon and early evening. Any advice or suggestions would be great. Thank you.
Amber
Is she drinking enough?
Is she drinking enough? Maybe she's just thirsty?
I would first check with the pediatrician, but perhaps one of those Pediasure shakes or the Similac Go and Grow would both quench her thirst and give her some nutrients.
Good luck.
Is she drinking enough milk?
Is she drinking enough milk? Maybe she is hungry and thirsty. My son kind of went through that when we stopped the bottles too, but he got over it quickly. As long as you are offering a healthy balance of options coupled with enough milk and other fluids, she will be just fine.
My daughter used to do this,
My daughter used to do this, but once she was about 18-20 mo. old (and quite verbal) - she said "be like Mommy"
She was just repeatedly mimicking me always going to the panty and frig cooking the family meals, etc.
Perhaps this is what yours is doing, but then frustrated when she doesn't know what "next" in the game!
Perhaps you could do pretend play with her? Ask her if she is going to be cooking? Is she going to make pancakes for you? yum! Yum then get the empty bowl and a wooden spoon, and talk about stirring the batter, etc.
even if that's not the issue...hey - it's a nice fun distraction game! :)
Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.
I agree maybe she might be
I agree maybe she might be thirsty and is her way of tell you. I always kept a sippy cup of water available at all times for my son - that seemed to help. We scheduled our milk drinking time because our pediatrician told us after the age of 1 a child only needs so many ounces of milk a day (and we were giving him way to much so we had to scale back.) Now, on the other hand she may just be curious too. My 3 year old is constantly in the pantry - I had to buy a door lock. It was more a habit of just wanting to see what he could get. Occasionally, he'd be hungry and I'd feed him, but most of the time it was just a habit he started. A couple of my friends say their little one's do the same thing. Maybe it might also just be a fascination with the pantry?
LisaMommy is a 38 year old discussion leader for arizonamoms.com from the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. Her two boys are ages 7 months and 3 years old.
My son is the same way he's
My son is the same way he's 2yrs old but he started doing that at around 12mos and I was so worried because he'd never want to eat!
then I spoke to his pediatritian and he said not to worry that some kids are just like that but they are not going to let themselves starve they will just eat when they're ready.
Whenever my son finishes a complete meal I tell my husband,'I'm so happy when he eats'!
who would've thought the highlight of my day or whenever would be when my child completes a meal! WOW!
They'll come around some just takes alittle longer than others!
good luck,
Sashaymom
Since it's getting warmer
Since it's getting warmer outside, you might be able to entice her with cold food. Try yogurt, cottage cheese, or string cheese. I've also had success with soft veggies like cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes (and maybe a chopped hard-boiled egg) in a bath of cold ranch dressing. It makes a mess, but, you know you're getting some of the good stuff in. Refrigerated canned fruit, fruit cocktail, and applesauce are good.
I know that they're high in sodium, but I've yet to give a toddler a bowl full of Noodle-Os or Spaghetti-Os that didn't get eaten. Mac and cheese or just pasta and Ragu often appeal. Again, you're in for a mess, but it's what gets inside that counts.
She should be eating at least six times a day. Her tummy can't hold enough food to last longer than that. Maybe that's why it seems like she's always hungry. You need to schedule meals/snacks for her about 2 1/2 hours apart.
If you get her on a schedule, it'll be easier on both of you. You can keep track of what she's had to eat, and, after an adjustment period, she won't be fussing for food.