Food Jags: How to Get a Toddler to Eat

Noodles, noodles, noodles ... and more noodles? Among the most frustrating types of picky eating for parents is the oh-so-common food jag, an eating pattern in which your child gets stuck on a certain type of food and rejects anything else for toddler meals.

Picky eating can take many forms, and food jags are just one. Some children don’t like certain textures or smells; others invent certain rules, like the potatoes can’t touch the peas. Though parents may worry about it, finicky eating is common during toddlerhood, and it usually peaks between the ages of 2 and 6.

Food Jags in Toddlers: Why So Picky?

Kids tend to have a natural preference for sweet and salty foods – like most of us - and reject bitter and sour flavors, which can explain why food jags typically focus on yummy foods. Picky eating during meals is partly a control issue, too. As your toddler gets more independent, they may begin to realize they can exert some saying their life, and they tend to assert it during mealtimes. Toddlers also typically have a fondness (or inflexibility) for predictability during this time of big change. They may ask to wear a certain shirt or cling to a favorite toy—and they might want to see the exact same meals on their plates, day after day.

How to Encourage Your Toddler to Eat

The most important thing to do when your toddler is food jagging is to stay calm. Not making a big deal about a food jag is the best way to keep it from becoming a battle. Never force your child to eat something they dislike; simply present the food and let them choose to take a bite (or not). Also, avoid nagging, begging or bargaining to get them to try something besides the chosen food. That can put too much emphasis on the issue and usually sets you up for a power struggle during toddler meals.

What to Do to Get Your Toddler to Eat:

1. Try not to over-worry about nutrition.
   Over time, if you keep offering a variety of healthy foods, your child will likely get hungry and eat a balance of the nutrients they need. A toddler’s stomach is only the size of a fist, so it shouldn’t take much to fill them up.
2. Keep offering your toddler the same foods you make for the whole family.
   They can choose to eat them or not. It’s OK to mix in the preferred food once in a while; just try to avoid catering to it and serving only that food.
3. Reintroduce rejects.
   Remember, it can take 15 or more (sometimes, many more) tries before your toddler will accept something new.
4. Try a little positive peer pressure.
   Look for opportunities for your toddler to eat with bigger kids. Seeing other children eating different foods might make your toddler more interested in giving them a shot.

Be patient. Some food jags pass in a few days or weeks, while others last years. But most picky eating is outgrown during the early elementary years. Food jags won’t last forever, so try not to fret too much. Remember, your little one is showcasing their independence with their choices, which is ultimately a good thing. If you’re getting worried that your toddler isn’t getting enough nutrition from their diet, chat with your doctor about ways to supplement their meals.

All information on Enfamil, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.