The Toddler Appetite
During the first twelve months of life, children triple their birth weight, gaining about 1½ pounds per month. But between twelve and twenty-four months, toddlers typically gain only 4 to 6 pounds — less than ½ pound per month. Between twenty-four and thirty-six months, they only gain 3½ to 5½ pounds — just over ⅓ pound per month! And those are averages, so some months they'll gain even less!
Since the beginning of the toddler years is also when parents try to get them to eat a greater variety of foods, it is easy to assume that resistance is due to being finicky. But consider the following:
When toddlers consume very little food, it's probably because they just aren't hungry or haven't become accustomed to a new flavor!
Unless your child's pediatrician suggests a need to spur weight gain, don't focus on
If your child is losing weight or you're concerned about an overly dainty appetite, discuss the matter with your pediatrician.
