picky eater

Hi my child is 3, and we have a difficult time getting our child to eat food with any nutitional value.  Any foods that he does try he tends to gag on.  For example we gave him a peanut butter and jam sandwich and he first gagged then brought it up as well as any other foods in his stomach.  He does however like peanut butter and honey sandwiches and can eat that with no problems. Food that my husband and I can get him to eat are very high in sugar and salt.  There is no veggies or meat at all in his diet, the only fruit he will eat is applesauce.

[Renee Radenberg]

From the measurements you wrote, his weight is on the 25th percentile and his height is just above the 10th percentile for his age. He is growing despite his eating habits. Have you tried nutrient dense drinks, such as Pedisure or Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink? These drinks should be in place of milk for extra calories and protein. Engage him in the kitchen more. Children love to be a part of making food. Have him help you with preparation of food and setting the table. Hopefully this will increase his interest in other types of food. Help him make milkshakes with Pedisure with ice cream, and fresh fruit or frozen fruit, and then he will have additional calories, protein, and vitamins and minerals. The most important thing is to relax. Mealtimes can be a battlefield when children do not have an interest to eating or eat very little. It becomes the battle of the wits between the child and the parents. Remember meals need to be joyous for parents and the child. If he will not eat a certain food, do not make a fuss over it. Give him some other food alternatives. Then let it go and enjoy the meal. Lead by example. Slowly introduce new foods, and if he does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Let it go and enjoy the meal. Try again in a few months. Hope this helped you.