Eating Habits changing in 16 month

My 16 month old DS who was such an fantastic eater as soon as we started solids with him, has now become such a picky eater. The last month he has given us such a hard time.

We have such a hard time getting him to eat anything - all the things he would scarf down, he nows throws to the floor in disgust or smoosh it around the tray.

He won't eat
veggies
meats
potatoes
cereal
oatmeal
yogurt
pasta
cheese
cold cuts
grilled cheese


The only things that he won't refuse
fruit
bread/crackers
cookies

Obviously, these aren't a well balanced meal.

Is this normal? Is this a phase they go through and eventually grow out of it?

I only have to deal with it on the weekends when I am home with himn - so its not too bad for me. My mother who watches him deals with it 5 days a week, 3x's a day - she's going crazy.

Re: Eating Habits changing in 16 month

Sounds normal, unfortunately!!!!

Re: Eating Habits changing in 16 month

DS is also 16 months: I think it's a manipulation phase.

If I even SHOW DS bread... all else is OVER. I never offer cookies for the same fear.

I keep things interesting by giving him soup (with mashed up veggies & potatoes). He loves it & I can sneak some meat in there too.

We do a cold hearted "training" on weekends (my mom watches him on weekdays & spoils him rotten): He refuses everything & I let him go until the next meal. Then, he usually eats what is offered.

He does love fruits though. On a given day he will eat a banana, avocado, blueberries, cherries & a pear (imagine our grocery bill $$$). As long as he does a little bit of meat & veggie... I'm OK.

Re: Eating Habits changing in 16 month

Completely normal. Keep offering the foods eventually he will go back to it. DD was picky for a while and now eats everything in site again. Try to limit the snacking, especially close to meal times. DD survived on cheerios for a few weeks.

Re: Eating Habits changing in 16 month

omg- YES...im so dealing with this right now..they are 17months.

they ATE everything...up until now.
They shake their head no and wont open mouth but will eat things like yogurt and of course..crackers, and cereals.

Re: Eating Habits changing in 16 month

DS hasnt had meat in about 7 months....i have resorted back to jarred food for fruits and veggies. Hew as the BEST eater until 14 months and now at 21 months we are still in the same situation. It is a battle, some days he goes with only eating yogurt and applesauce

Re: Eating Habits changing in 16 month

Yes!

DD is almost 16done months and was a fantastic eater and would eat anything. She's been a lot pickier lately but it's perfectly normal. Luckily, she stll eats well-balanced meals but can go for weeks eating the same meal everyday three times a day.