Common Feeding Problems

Your child demands the same food over and over

• Food jags are common and often do not last too long.
• As long as the food is a nutritious food, allow the child his or her food choice and hope that the phase passes quickly.

Your child won't eat vegetables

• Try offering fresh vegetables with a dip as a snack.
• Try to stimulate an interest in vegetables by letting your child help select them at the store or grow them at home.

Your child won't try new foods

• Try preparing food in different ways.
• Foods that are too hot or too cold may not be well accepted by the child.
• Be an example and try the food first before offering it to the child.

Your child has a small appetite

• The growth rate slows at age one and so does the appetite.
• Make sure that what your child does eat is nutritious.
• Try to offer food before your child gets tired and cranky.

Your child spills often; uses fingers

• This is normal; feeling food with the hands is one way children explore their environment.
• Handle mealtime spills calmly and promptly.

Your child has cavities

• An overall good diet is the first step to cavity-resistant teeth.
• Regular visits to the dentist are important to prevent cavities.
• Limit your child's intake of sweet, sticky foods.

For more information, contact the Nutritional Services Department of Lutheran Hospital at (260) 435-7981.