How to Deal With the Toddler Appetite Slump

Jun 25, 2025

Mealtimes can be difficult when you have a child who seemingly won't eat anything. It happens more commonly than you may think. As a child transitions from an infant to toddler, their calorie needs change.

From the age of one to five, it’s normal for a child’s appetite to slow down. However, it can be nerve-wracking for parents who may worry about whether their child is eating enough.

“The main way to prevent feeding struggles is to teach your child to feed themselves," says Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health. "Let your child pace their feeding. Remember, your child will survive this picky-eating slump.”

Here’s how to get through this eating power struggle:

Trust Your Child
Your child’s brain will make sure they are getting enough calories for energy and growth. If your child is hungry, they will eat.
Don’t Force Feed
Doing so will make mealtime feel more like a punishment and lead to them eating less.
Limit Snacks
Offering snacks all day could lead to your child never feeling hungry. Try to limit snacks to no more than two a day.
Limit Beverage Calories
If your child is thirsty between meals, offer them water. Juice will only keep them from feeling hungry and wanting to eat at mealtimes.
Don’t Spoon Feed
Once Your child is old enough to use a spoon, don’t spoon feed them.

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