Dear Dorie,

I’m worried that my 2-year-old is not eating enough. She’s more of a nibbler really and seems to eat less than most of her friends. I try to give her a lot of options and repeat the favorites, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. Is there a guideline for this?

— Food Fatigued



Dear Fatigued,

Welcome to toddlerhood — your daughter is right on time for the picky or finicky eating stage. This corresponds with the emotional and physical growth that’s happening right now. She is growing differently and her hunger and eating patterns are changing. She will be getting taller and losing a little bit of body fat. This is perfectly normal and there are a few bits of sage wisdom to remember.

Watch your portion sizes: Children eat about one third to one quarter of adult portion sizes and can get overwhelmed by large amounts of food. Keep the options simple (two or three items per meal) and small. Your daughter will love asking for seconds of her favorite items.

Watch the week, not the day: It is more important to get all food groups and proper nutrition sources over the span of a week as opposed to a day. It is not uncommon for a toddler to go through a “only eats yogurt” day. This is OK. Just make sure that in five to seven days, consumption follows general nutrition guidelines.

Talk to your pediatrician about her pattern on the growth chart, not placement. Your long-term goal is a varied diet that provides stable growth. The growth chart can reassure you that she’s eating appropriately.

Finally, respect her tastes as they develop. Carry her favorite healthy foods with you and she’ll do just fine.

Good luck.

— Dorie

(Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at meek@smmusd.org, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).