Just can't get my toddler to eat, and doctor won't help! Post Reply

[BetteDavisEyes]

Toddler fussiness is so normal, but it normally kicks in around the time that they start toddling, and isn't so usual in a baby - on that basis I would try to get again to get a referral. Occupational therapists do look at 'sensory registration' (I'm not one, I just used to live with one and we chatted about it) and you mention that your little boy is also not keen on some textures when he's playing - it may be that he has high registration through touch. My toddler is also very fussy, but it started when he started to walk (which is typical) and I was also a very fussy eater as a child - normal toddler fussiness is largely hereditary, apparently.

One thing that might be worth trying: can you get him to play with food and textures as much as possible? Ie breadmaking, homemade playdough. Hand painting with paints. Squishing foods. Mud pies in the garden. It won't make him start tucking into other foods overnight, but increasing his acceptance of new sensations (touch and smell) could help in the long-term. Let him play with food as much as possible with no pressure for him to try it. Indulging in lots of messy play helps with all kinds of development.

Good luck - I think you're right to look at this properly now as if there are any issues, the earlier you get help, the better. If all's fine and it's just a phase, nothing lost.

[Bubs]

I have had two fussy daughters, the second far worse than the first.
We're also under Rosan Meyer, via Gt Ormond Street (privately) and she's been such a support.

We did have a nutrional bloods check done which alleviated a lot of my worries, as she was (somehow ??) fine. Low iron stores, but the iron supplement really didn't agree with her - made her terribly constipated and sore, so just beware with that.

Ours has been attributed to gastro allergies too, so I feel like at least there's an underlying 'reason' ....... helpful to get the family off my back re: her eating habits, but donesnt help with the continual gnawing worry I feel.

She was born on 25th and has consistently been on or below the 2nd centile now. It's so hurtful when people comment on how tiny she is, but it's unavoidable.

I feel like my elder daughter probably had some underlying allergy issue which we never really picked up - I was young, she was my first, she wasn't *that* bad. So I feel more confident pushing with my second (who is now 3).

I'd definitely seek the help of a dietitian and have some nurtional blood checks done, for your comfort.

FYI we've been advised that bassets chewable vitamins are fine/helpful. I do slip in the odd drop of abidec where I can too.

It's a battle, and a very tough one for a Mum to endure. It's such a primal thing to want them to eat and grow strong.

[frustrated]

Thanks for all the messages - the allergy angle is interesting.. my son did have reflux and allergies, but we thought he had grown out of those. We certainly aren't covered in vomit 24/7 anymore! But then I suppose allergies present themselves with very different symptoms, so perhaps that's worth pursuing, even if just to rule it out.

I've thought long and hard about this, and decided to get a second opinion from another GP to start with. I'm going to be a bit pushier this time as I just can't switch off the voice in my head telling me that something really isn't right with this.

And thank you too for those of you who provided recommendations of who to speak with / offered to speak with me personally. I'll be following up for sure.

If I get anywhere, I'll post back in case it helps out any other mums going through similar issues