Children are known to have good interoception skills, which means they are able to feel and understand the sensations of their own bodies. This includes hunger.
If your toddler won’t eat and insists he’s not hungry, let him. Continue to offer meals and snacks even if he refuses. But don’t force it. As it goes through growth spurts and days of varying activity, it will eat according to its needs.
Some young children drink a lot of fluids, which fills them up to the point that they are not hungry during meals. Limiting drinks between meals can help your child eat more.
The child refuses to eat new foods. Maybe he’s scared and has another problem.
But if you notice that the child regularly does not finish his food, keep the following in mind: Maybe the portion is too much for him? Try to reduce the amount you offer him. Or let them serve themselves and drink as much as they think they will eat.
And what are the other reasons why the child refuses to eat?
Fatigue and distraction
Just like adults, a child who doesn’t want to eat may simply be too tired. It may also be concentrated on an activity that keeps its mind off food at the time.
This can happen when:
- The child was very active throughout the day
- Not enough sleep the night before
- He’s playing with something or someone and won’t stop
- If dinnertime fatigue becomes a regular occurrence, try making lunch your toddler’s big meal of the day and prepare a lighter dinner.
Good sleep plays a role in good health, especially among growing young children. Toddlers ages 1 to 2 need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep a day (including naps), while 3- to 5-year-olds need 10 to 13 hours a day.Medical Problems that Affect the nutrition toddler
As you probably know from your own experience, you can lose your appetite if you feel sick. Toddlers are no different, although they can’t always tell you exactly what’s bothering them.
Some medical conditions that can cause a toddler to have a lack of appetite or refuse to eat include:
- Teething
- Constipation
- A viral infection, allergy, or other condition that causes a sore throat or high fever
- Food intolerance
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or chronic acid reflux
- Eosinophilic esophagitis is a build-up of certain white blood cells in the esophagus (potentially due to food allergies/sensitivities or acid reflux) leading to a swollen, raw, sore throat
