If your toddler refuses food and eats very little, this is often a phase, not a permanent problem.
What is common at this age
- appetite varies day to day
- acceptance of foods changes quickly
- autonomy and control affect eating behavior
What to do this week
1. Offer predictable meals/snacks at regular times.
2. Keep pressure low: parent decides what/when, child decides whether/how much.
3. Track intake patterns across 7 days, not one meal.
What makes things worse
- pressuring or bargaining bites
- replacing every meal with preferred snacks
- serving too many alternatives at once
When to seek support
Talk to your pediatrician if there is weight loss, dehydration signs, pain with swallowing, choking concerns, or persistent severe restriction.