Toddlers are all so different. Some toddlers are like a vacuum, eating anything in sight, even things they aren’t supposed to.
Then we have picky eaters—the ones who won’t eat certain foods no matter what you do.
Finally, we have the super picky eaters. These are toddlers who won’t eat at all. No matter what foods you give them, they just won’t eat, and you don’t even know how they can be as rambunctious as they are if they aren’t eating.
So what causes this? Why won’t your toddler eat? Here are a few reasons why your toddler may have lost their appetite.
A Life Change
A life change can lead to a loss of appetite. Something that seems insignificant to you may be a life change that rocks the toddler’s world and makes it harder for them to function. For example, going to daycare for the first time may lead your toddler to have a hard time eating food.
If there has been a change in the toddler’s routine, that may be to blame.
Illness
If your toddler has a little illness, this could cause them to have problems eating. If your toddler is under the weather, there we go. Make sure to give them lots of love when they are dealing with an illness.
Is It A Bad Thing?
If your toddler stops eating, this may make you go crazy. You may feel like force-feeding your toddler because you know they need food. However, you would be surprised. Often, a toddler can go for a long time without food, and usually, the problem ends up resolving itself, with the loss of appetite being a phase. Your toddler will eventually eat if they are hungry enough, which is the entire point of eating. In an age where we eat to feel good, many people forget that.
Don’t Give It Too Much Attention
Many parents who will give attention and make a big deal out of their toddler not eating. However, this makes the problem worse.
Toddlers love to get the attention of their parents, and if they see the parent upset over this, they may end up doing it more to get attention. Figuring out how to wind up their parents is just how a toddler works, and by forcing them to eat, you may be in for a rude awakening.
While a toddler is growing, a toddler who spends a day or so, not eating isn’t going to be a big deal. Yes, a toddler should eat, but humans, in general, can last for a long time without food, and naturally, your toddler will return to eating. Giving in to your toddler may make the hunger strike into a power play. Despite the cliché of the parent being forceful with food, it never does work. It just makes the toddler want the food even less, especially if they feel forced to do it. Make sure that’s not your plan.
What You Can Do
We understand that it can be frustrating if your toddler isn’t eating. However, your toddler is smarter than you would think. They can determine whether or not they are full or want food. As a parent, offering them food and cooking some nutritious meals for your toddler is good, but if they don’t want it, don’t get mad. Instead, tell them that the food is here if they change their mind.
Also, make sure they are eating in a place where it isn’t distracting. If you’re offering a meal while the toddler is playing with a toy and watching their favorite show, it can be a little harder for them to eat. Instead, make sure they’re eating in a nice, quiet room.
Don’t bribe, make a fuss, or force your toddler to eat. Eating food is something you should do when you feel hungry, not something you should do out of obligation. By making a fuss, it could lead to your toddler is a picky eater, and no one likes picky eaters.
When Is It Time To Seek Help?
A hunger strike tends not to last a long time, and soon your toddler will normally be eating. However, if your toddler hasn’t been eating for a long time, and you notice a difference in their weight, you may want to speak to a doctor. This could be a sign of a bigger problem, and it’s something you need to speak to a professional about. They can help find the cause and be able to teach you how you can feed your toddler.
Your goal is to feed the toddler a nutritious meal every day. They need four servings of veggies and fruit, three of grains, two dairies, and one protein. Servings tend to be much smaller for toddlers. However, don’t overthink it too much. You don’t need to get the servings every day, and sometimes, your toddler may not be hungry.
It Takes A While For Toddlers To Try Something
If you want to introduce a new food to your toddler, it’s important to keep trying. For some toddlers, it can take them ten or more tries until they eat it. Offer them food, but don’t force it on the toddler. Let them decide what they want. Obviously, don’t feed them fast food every single day, but offer them nutritious food.
Be Creative
Creativity goes a long way. In the land of toddlers, if the food has a unique shape or texture, they may try it more. Buy cookie cutters and cut food into unique shapes. When you do that, your toddler may be more likely to eat the food and be able to love every bit of it. Creativity is quite rewarding.
Conclusion On 14 Month Old Won’t Eat
A toddler not eating for a bit is nothing to worry about, and it’s something you shouldn’t force. A parent forcing food on their toddler never ends up well, and it’s not something you should try.
14 Month Old Won’t Eat FAQs
Why is my 14 month-old not eating?
Your baby’s unwillingness to eat is often temporary. A young child’s interest in food will dip during teething and spikes during growth spurts.
What do you do when your 14-month-old won’t eat?
Always serve the right amount of food. Make things fun and be patient. More about it here: https://yourkidstable.com/8-things-you-can-do-when-a-toddler-refuses-to-eat/
What causes babies not to eat?
Babies refuse to eat, maybe because they are full, tired, distracted, or sick. That said, if a baby’s refusal to eat makes you worried, always talk to your pediatrician.
When should a baby be on three meals a day?
Your baby will slowly move towards eating three meals a day in addition to their usual milk feeds. Feeding your baby should start from 7 to 9 months old.
How long can a child go without eating?
A human body can go without food for three weeks. However, they would typically only last three to four days without water. In a child, the expectancy can be shorter.
Should you force your child to eat?
The study suggests that forcing your child to eat food that they somehow do not enjoy could spark tension at mealtimes. Forcing to feed them hard may develop picking eating habits.
What are excellent meals for toddlers?
You can have nut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese plates with crackers, fruit, and veggies. Check more food ideas here in TheBump.
How can I increase my toddler’s appetite?
Never skip breakfast and make sure to keep an eye on their iron levels. Also, make them drink water 30 minutes before their meal.
When should I worry about my baby’s eating habits?
It might seem like your 14 month old won’t eat is because he or she is not hungry. Understand that a child’s appetite to slow down between the ages of 1 and 5.
Last Updated on June 25, 2022 by Jejomar Contawe
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