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Originally Posted by Forever_family
Would this rule apply to a 13 month old toddler? Should I have a supply of food where he can reach it at all times? He already eats until he spits up.
L
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IMO - No. This child is pre-verbal and the minimum age I worked with was post-verbal, so I am not sure.
You have probably already done this - but have you had a complete checkup by the pediatrician to determine any deficiencies? Sometimes a child may be lacking in protein, iron, a vitamin, etc. and is eating in an attempt to fulfill that requirement. For example, if an adult craves a peanut butter sandwich, it may be the body's way of getting more protein. Or a craving for bananas may indicate potassium. Pediatricians may not regularly run this level of testing - so it would be a good idea just to have extra tests run.
Also, a child who eats until they spit up *might* create a metabolic problem, or a digestion problem - through the vomiting. This can become cyclical, and could create the above problems.
Also, this could be indicative of a digestion problem which might need to be explored.
I wish I had some more advice for you. This is really tough because your child is unable to regulate his eating and you may have to do that for him.
My only other suggestion is to keep out very healthy food (IF he is not prone to overeating them) - things he may not like so much but will eat if really hungry. If he LOVES grapes (cut up really tiny of course) then I would not put those out. If he will eat apple pieces, but only if he is really hungry and not because he is overly fond of them, then you can try that. You will need to watch him very carefully of course to determine if there is ANY healthy food he will eat but not overindulge.
Oh - also, is it possible he is allergic to milk? Or apple juice? Something else to consider.
MY most important recommendation is your pediatrician. And the doctor may be able to offer some more suggestions for you. If so you may want to post them for others who are having this problem.
I am always concerned about very young children who exhibit these tendencies. Please let me know how he is doing.