Problems eating

[foxyroxy141]

My 15 month old daughter has suddenly become a nightmare to feed! She recently had a very bad cold and sore throat so could only eat soft food i.e. jelly, yogurt, creamed rice etc. Now she is getting back to normal though she is refusing most of her food - even the things she loved before. I think she has got used to having treats as her main meal - I only fed her these as I was worried about her not eating anything when she was ill (she's got a really healthy diet normally!) What can I do about this? It is causing us both distress, although I try not to let her see I'm getting worried by it.....Any suggestions??

[acorn]

What a nice mummy you sound! I expect she will start to eat once she is 100% feeling better. Perhaps although the cold is better, she still remembers how sore her throat felt and is reluctant to eat normally for now. If she is showing no other signs of illness maybe you should just wait a wee bit longer before becoming very concerned. What about mashed fruits or finger foods? The yoghurts and creamed rice are not going to do her any harm so why not try some soft bread and butter and have the yoghurt nearby so she can see it but encourage her to have a bit of bread first even if it means you have to nibble a bit as well. Or soft vegetables lightly cooked - nice bright colours cut into tiny pieces. Dont worry about three meals a day just leave some stuff near where she plays and keep offering her some. The more you insist the more she will dig her heals in. After all, she used to eat a well balanced diet so theres no reason why she wont again - and soon for your peace of mind i hope!!