What to Do When Your Toddler Won’t Eat

Why Your Toddler Won’t Eat​​

​There are a variety of reasons your toddler may be avoiding food. Here are a few common ones:

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1. Developmental Stage:
   Toddlers are gaining independence, and one of the first things they realize they can control is what goes into their mouths. Saying “no” to food is a way for them to assert autonomy.
    

2. Slower Growth Rate:
   After their first year of life, toddlers naturally slow down in growth. This often leads to a decrease in appetite, which can be surprising to parents who are used to their babies eating more.
    

3. Sensory Sensitivities:
   Some toddlers are extra sensitive to the texture, temperature, smell, or appearance of food. This can make mealtime overwhelming and result in food refusal.
    

4. Tired, Sick, or Distracted:
   Just like adults, toddlers have off days. Being overly tired, sick, or overstimulated can reduce interest in eating.
    

5. Grazing or Too Many Snacks:
   If your child is snacking all day or drinking large amounts of milk or juice, they may not be hungry at mealtimes.
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What to Do When Your Toddler Won’t Eat 
If you’re stuck wondering what to do when your toddler won’t eat, here are some gentle, evidence-based strategies you can try:

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1. Stick to a Mealtime Schedule
   Toddlers thrive on routine. Serve meals and snacks at the same times every day and avoid grazing in between. This helps build natural hunger cues and improves overall eating habits.
    

2. Keep Portions Small
   Large portions can be overwhelming for little ones. Offer small amounts—about 1 tablespoon per year of age per food group. You can always offer more if they finish what's on their plate.
    

3. Offer a Variety Without Pressure
   Continue offering a variety of healthy foods without demanding that your child eat them. Repeated exposure to a food (even without eating it) increases the likelihood of them trying it in the future.
   
   Use a “safe food” strategy: include at least one food your toddler usually accepts on their plate, alongside newer or less-preferred options.
    

4. Create a Positive Mealtime Environment
   Make mealtimes calm and distraction-free. Turn off screens, sit together as a family, and model healthy eating. Try not to make mealtimes feel like a power struggle—this can lead to more resistance.
    

5. Get Your Toddler Involved
   Let your toddler help choose fruits at the grocery store, rinse vegetables, or stir ingredients. Involving them in meal prep can increase their interest in eating.
    

6. Respect Their Appetite (or Lack of One)
   Forcing a toddler to eat often backfires. If they’re not hungry, it’s okay. Trust that they’ll eat enough over the course of the day or week, even if they skip a meal here and there.
    

7. Avoid Using Food as a Reward
   Using dessert as a bribe (“You can have ice cream if you eat your broccoli”) teaches toddlers that veggies are the bad guys and sweets are the prize. Instead, treat all foods as morally neutral.
    

When Should You Be Concerned?
While most picky eating is normal and temporary, some signs may indicate a feeding issue that needs professional support. Talk to your pediatrician or a feeding therapist if:
 

• Your toddler consistently refuses entire food groups (especially proteins or vegetables)

• They gag, choke, or vomit during meals

• They are not gaining weight or growing as expected

• Mealtimes are consistently stressful for the whole family

• You suspect sensory issues or oral-motor delays

 

Pediatric feeding therapists, like those on our team at Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy, specialize in helping children develop positive relationships with food. We take a child-centered approach that’s fun, respectful, and effective.

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Final Thoughts
If your toddler won’t eat, try not to panic. Toddlers are notorious for their unpredictable eating habits, and in most cases, picky eating is a phase that improves over time. The key is to stay calm, provide structure, and create a mealtime environment that encourages—rather than pressures—your child to explore new foods.

And remember: you’re not alone. If you’re feeling stuck, we’re here to help. At Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy, our feeding therapists are passionate about helping children (and their families) enjoy happier mealtimes.​

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