I have a toddler that won't eat a thing and I am pregnant with twins! Help me!!!!

Congratulations on your pregnancy, twins - what a gift! I get so many questions about toddlers and eating, it's a very common issue. It is also an issue that can make Moms really anxious. The most important thing to remember with toddlers and eating is that you have to stay relatively neutral. The more anxious and upset you get, the more your child will realize that eating or not eating is a trigger for you. It doesn't take them long before they realize they can control you with their behaviors and attitudes concerning food.

Toddlers are quick to reject new foods or foods they don't like the color or texture of, so food choices often shrink during these years. My oldest was like this. He would only eat chicken and apples for years. He's 16 now and eats things I would never try.

Try introducing new foods in a relaxed way with no pressure. Don't fight, bargain, pressure or plead. Sometimes offering foods when they are playing, coloring or watching TV can work well. If your little one does try something new, don't have a parade and call the Grandparents - it adds pressure and can make them back off so they won't risk disappointing you.

In the meantime, sneaking healthy veggies into foods they like can also offer peace of mind, and so can a good multi-vitamin.

You can try making a game out of trying new foods by asking them to hold it in their mouth for a few minutes, then they can spit it out. They can do that once or twice for a day or two, then they can chew it and spit it out, and then eventually move on to swallowing one bite, etc. This can work if you are relaxed and explain that it can take many tries before your brain decides it likes something.

What I can tell you with certainty is that although healthy eating is very important, the vast majority of kids pass through this picky phase and graduate to trying all kinds of foods. As always, if you are really concerned speak to your child’s pediatrician. Good luck to you.