Just when you think you've got this whole feeding thing sorted, your toddler throws a spanner in the works. Suddenly, your little food lover is turning their nose up at their favourite dishes or refusing to eat altogether. What's going on?
First things first: take a deep breath. Mealtime regressions are a normal part of toddler development, and they're usually triggered by things like illness, travel, or growth spurts. While it can be frustrating (and even a bit concerning), know that this is just a temporary setback. With a little patience and some practical strategies, you'll be back to happy, healthy mealtimes before you know it!
What are mealtime regressions?
Before we explore the common triggers, let's first understand what we mean by "mealtime regressions." A mealtime regression is when your toddler suddenly becomes fussy about food, refuses to eat, or reverts to behaviours they had outgrown, like wanting to be spoon-fed or rejecting foods they previously enjoyed. These regressions can happen even after months of smooth sailing at the dinner table.
It's important to remember that these setbacks are a normal part of your toddler's development. They're not a reflection of your parenting skills or your child's overall health (in most cases). Mealtime regressions are usually triggered by temporary factors like illness, teething, or changes in routine. The good news is, with a bit of understanding and some practical strategies, you can help your toddler get back on track.
Common triggers for mealtime regressions
So, what causes these sudden changes in your toddler's eating habits? Let's take a look at some of the most common culprits:
Teething and illness
When your little one isn't feeling their best, it's no surprise that their appetite takes a hit. Teething pain, sore throats, and stuffy noses can all make eating uncomfortable or downright unappealing.
During these times, focus on offering soothing, easy-to-swallow foods like smoothies, soups, and soft-cooked veggies. And of course, a little extra TLC can go a long way in helping your toddler feel better.
Travel and routine disruptions
Jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings, and new foods can all throw your toddler's eating habits off-kilter when you're away from home. To minimise mealtime stress, try to stick to your usual meal and snack times as much as possible. Pack some familiar foods from home, and don't be afraid to let your little one explore new cuisines at their own pace.
Growth spurts and developmental changes
Toddlers grow in fits and starts, and their appetites often follow suit. During growth spurts, you may notice your child eating everything in sight one week and picking at their plate the next. This is totally normal! Trust your toddler to listen to their body's hunger cues, and avoid pressuring them to eat more (or less) than they want. The key is to offer a variety of healthy foods in toddler-friendly portions and let your little one take the lead - they'll let you know when they're hungry or full. Using toddler cutlery designed for their developmental stage (12+ months) can help them feel more in control and confident during these changes.
As your child becomes more independent, they may also start asserting their own food preferences (hello, fussy eating!). Embrace this as a sign of their developing autonomy, and continue to offer a variety of healthy foods without getting into power struggles at the table.
Strategies for supporting appetite changes and offering comfort
When your toddler's appetite takes a dip, it can be tempting to break out the chicken nuggets and ice cream just to get them to eat something. But don't worry – there are ways to provide nourishment and comfort without resorting to (too many) less-than-healthy options.
Responding to a decreased appetite
First and foremost, avoid pressuring your child to eat. This can lead to mealtime battles and create negative associations with food. Instead, try these strategies:
- Offer smaller, more frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure your toddler is getting enough nourishment.
- Focus on nutrient-dense options like avocado, nut butters, eggs, and full-fat dairy to make every bite count
- Let your child take the lead in deciding how much to eat, and trust their hunger and fullness cues.
Encouraging hydration and gentle nutrition
When your toddler is under the weather, staying hydrated is key. Here's how you can support them:
- Offer plenty of water and clear broths to keep them sipping throughout the day.
- If they're not up for solid foods, try blending some veggies and fruits into smoothies or soups - sweet potato and lentil soup is one of our favourites.
- Incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumbers into their diet.
Creating a stress-free mealtime environment
Mealtime regressions can be stressful for everyone involved. To keep things calm and positive, try these tips:
- Avoid distractions like TV or toys at the table to help your toddler focus on eating.
- Offer plenty of praise and encouragement for trying new foods or using utensils, even if they don't eat much.
- Model healthy eating habits yourself by enjoying a variety of nutritious foods and discussing how they make you feel.
- Keep mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable by engaging in positive conversation and avoiding power struggles over food.
Remember, your child is watching and learning from you, so creating a positive mealtime environment can go a long way in supporting them through this temporary setback.
Tips for quickly re-establishing a positive mealtime routine
Once your toddler is feeling better or settled back into their usual routine, it's time to get those healthy eating habits back on track. Here's how:
Gradual transition back to normal eating patterns
Don't expect your child to jump right back into their pre-regression eating habits overnight.
Reintroduce familiar foods gradually, and continue to offer new or previously rejected items alongside them. Involve your toddler in meal planning and preparation to get them excited about what's on their plate.
Consistency and predictability
Toddlers thrive on routine, so aim to keep mealtimes consistent and predictable. Serve meals and snacks at roughly the same times each day, and try to eat together as a family whenever possible. This helps create a sense of security and normalcy around food.
Making mealtimes enjoyable again
Who says mealtimes have to be boring? Get creative with food presentation, and encourage your child to explore and play with their food. Serve meals family-style, and engage in conversation that doesn't revolve around eating. The more positive and enjoyable mealtimes are, the more likely your toddler is to come to the table with a healthy appetite.
Bite by bite success
Navigating toddler mealtime regressions can feel like a wild ride, but remember: this too shall pass. By staying attuned to your child's needs, offering nourishment and comfort, and maintaining a positive attitude, you'll weather these temporary setbacks with grace (and maybe even a little humour!).
Celebrate the small victories, embrace the mess, and know that every "no thanks" or untouched plate is not a reflection of your parenting. You're doing a great job – keep up the fantastic work!
For more support and practical tips on navigating toddler mealtimes, check out our tips and advice. We're here to cheer you on every step (and bite!) of the way.