6 year old girl and mum with long dark brown hair are smiling at each other whilst the daughter holds a half eaten watermelon.

Why Does My Toddler Refuse Food? What’s Normal and When to Worry by an Expert

Nutritionist Clemmie Pellew-Harvey helps to understand the reasons behind reduced appetite and when to seek help, with calm, practical advice.

Not quite what you were after? Head over to our Toddler Nutrition Myths page, where Clemmie and Organix bust common myths and share expert tips for happy toddler mealtimes.
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Key Takeaways

  • Food refusal is usually normal and can be caused by growth, illness, or tiredness.
  • Offer nutrient-dense foods and keep mealtimes positive and pressure-free.
  • Watch for red flags: significant weight loss, lethargy, or refusal lasting more than a week.

Toddler not eating? Reasons why & what to do? 

If your toddler hasn’t eaten properly in days, don’t panic! This is usually completely normal. Growth spurts, illness, teething, or tiredness can all affect appetite.

  • Focus on nutrient-dense options: smoothies, soups, or milk are great choices.
  • Offer food without pressure, sit together, and trust they’ll eat when ready.
  • Keep routines normal. Regular meal and snack times help maintain structure.

🚩Red flags to watch out for:

Significant weight loss
Lethargy, or refusal lasting more than a week

What to do: Seek medical advice if you notice any of the above.  

Remember, no healthy child will starve themselves. Trust their body, reduce pressure, and know this phase will pass.

Reasons Why Your Toddler is Refusing to Eat

  • Growth spurts, illness, teething, or tiredness can all affect appetite.
  • NHS resource: Fussy eaters

What to Do if Your Toddler Won’t Eat

  • Offer food without pressure, sit together, and trust they’ll eat when ready.
  • Keep routines normal. Regular meal and snack times help maintain structure.

Helping Your Toddler Choose to Eat

  • Focus on nutrient-dense options: Smoothies, soups, or milk are great choices.
  • Keep mealtimes positive and pressure-free.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • Weight loss, lethargy, and refusal lasting longer than a week.
  • Seek medical advice if you notice any of the above.
  • Remember, no healthy child will starve themselves. Trust their body, reduce pressure, and know this phase will pass.

Other Helpful Resources

 

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