14 Month--Fad Foods, any suggestions.

[erin_s]

My 14-month daughter follows the BW's principles of fad eating. She chooses one thing and fixates on it, right now she is loving grapes.

I wanted some advice about how to deal with this. She is rejecting what we are eating at our family meals and only wants a few select things. Is she way too young to say, "this is what's for dinner.." and if she doesn't eat that, then she is hungry (that sounds really harsh), or are we going for her nourishment with anything at such a young age.

Any thoughts??

[Colin Macs Mom]

Personally I would not press the this-is-dinner-and-that's-that idea yet. I don't think at that age they can comprehend that concept. Just me though

[erin_s]

Thanks so much, it makes sense to me to not push it with her. I am more concerned that she eats at this point than press the discipline. Thanks for your reply.

[Colin Macs Mom]

Welcome!

[Texomamama]

Funny, grapes are one of my 16 mo DD's favorites right now as well.  I am inclined to agree with the previous posters.  I think at this age, they are still a little too young to understand the "eat this or go hungry" concept.  Personally, I always offer what we are having unless I know outright that it is something my LO can't or won't eat.  Then, if she rejects it, I always have 1 "backup" something easy like a hot dog, PB&J etc.  But, I don't offer 2nd or 3rd options, both b/c of the the time involved and the fact that by the time she refuses 2 things, I know she is not going to eat anything period.  One thing I have been doing recently is giving her a separate dinner at around 6, in which I can make her something easy, and then, when my husband and I eat, we sit her back down and offer her something we are having or a small portion of fruit.  That way, she eats when and what she needs to beforehand, but she still learns the importance of spending time with us at dinner and at least trying some of what we are having.

[huntersmummyinoz]

my LO is 14mths too but he will eat most things. however when i am making something he hasnt had before or hasnt liked before i make a back up (pasta, or some veggies that he eats, i have these in the freezer ready to zap so it's no extra hassle). most of the time i try and make sure there is at least one thing on his plate that he will eat, even if it's as simple as putting some carrots or broccoli on the side so that he will eat something. if it's a new food i tend to hide the extra thing so that he at least tries it, then if he doesnt like it (maybe 1 in 10 times if that) i will give him something different. like pp tho, there is one other option for dinner and that's it. i think at this age they dont understand the cause and effect of 'going hungry' yet and nutrition is more important, plus i dont want to be woken up early in the morning cos he's hungry either!

[Mimi 2]

i think at this age they dont understand the cause and effect of 'going hungry' yet and nutrition is more important, plus i dont want to be woken up early in the morning cos he's hungry either!

That's how I see as well when ds (19 mos) doesn't feel like eating.  Usually all the meals have at least something that he likes or at least had before.  For instance, ds decided that he will eat only 4 asparagus for dinner.     Needless to say that I'm hoping he will have a big snack before bedtime.