Chapter 24: Growth and Development of the Toddler: 1 to 3 Years

The parent of a 2-year-old client states it is the child's naptime. The child is refusing to take a nap and cries, "I have to put my babies to sleep first!" The parent states, "I am so sorry, I do not know what is wrong. My child does not act this way at home. My child has 2 baby dolls we rock to sleep each day at home before nap." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? "A 2-year-old child's behavior can be greatly altered if rituals are not maintained." "You need to have someone bring the baby dolls to the hospital." "I am sure your child is just acting out since your child is in the hospital and not at home." "Your child's behavior indicates discipline occurring at home is not consistent."

"A 2-year-old child's behavior can be greatly altered if rituals are not maintained."

What statement by the mother of a 20-month-old indicates a need for further teaching about nutrition? "I give my daughter juice at breakfast and when she is thirsty during the day." "She drinks three 6-ounce cups of whole milk each day." "When she doesn't eat well at meals we give her nutritious snacks." "New foods are offered along with ones she likes."

"I give my daughter juice at breakfast and when she is thirsty during the day."

Parents are asking a pediatric nurse how to deal with separation anxiety every time they try to have an adult night out. Which advice by the nurse sounds like the most appropriate way to handle this situation? "Inform the child that you are going out but the regular babysitter will care for them and put them to bed." "Try to sneak out the back door to avoid the long crying scene at the door." "If your child starts crying, stay a little longer and read a story before leaving." "Note if your child cries as you leave because this may be an indication the babysitter is ignoring the child."

"Inform the child that you are going out but the regular babysitter will care for them and put them to bed."

After teaching the mother of a 13-month-old boy about suggestions for bathing and hygiene, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the mother states: "I'll wash his hair everyday with just plain soap." "It might be best to give him a bath in the evening." "I'll drain the tub while he's still in it so he won't fall." "I can use bubble baths to lure him into the tub."

"It might be best to give him a bath in the evening."

The nurse is reviewing sleep and rest activities of a 16-month-old child with the parents. The father states, "I have told my wife it is unhealthy for our child to sleep with us. It's time for him to sleep in his own bed. What do you think?" What is the nurse's best initial response? "Co-sleeping is viewed acceptable by some professionals, but as interfering with the child's independence by others." "It must be difficult for the two of you to both feel strongly about what is best for you and your child." "Have you thought about just trying to let your child sleep in his own bed to see how it goes?" "I will note this in your child's chart for the doctor to see."

"It must be difficult for the two of you to both feel strongly about what is best for you and your child."

During a wellness check up for a 4-year-old client, the parents state, "We just moved into a new home and our child has begun wetting and defecating in the underwear. Which response by the nurse is appropriate? "This is a normal response to stress during childhood." "Have you noticed an increase in urinary frequency?" "Has your child reported any pain with urination or bowel movements?" "I will let the primary health care provider know of your concern."

"This is a normal response to stress during childhood."

The nurse is teaching the parents of a 2-year-old child how to handle the child's temper tantrums. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful if the parents make which statement? "We will offer our child a treat to stop having the tantrum." "We will place our child in time-out for 5 minutes after the tantrum." "We will attempt to reason with our child to limit tantrums." "We will ignore our child while having the tantrum."

"We will ignore our child while having the tantrum."

After teaching a group of parents about language development in toddlers, which statement by a member of the group indicates successful teaching? "When my 3-year-old asks 'Why?' all the time, this is completely normal." "A 15-month-old should be able to point to his eyes when asked to do so." "At age 2 years, my son should be able to understand things like under or on." "An 18-month-old would most likely use words and gestures to communicate."

"When my 3-year-old asks 'Why?' all the time, this is completely normal."

The maximum time-out duration is how many minutes for each year of age? 30 seconds 1 minute 90 seconds 2 minutes

1 minute

When assessing a 2½ year old, the nurse would expect him or her to have: 6 deciduous and 12 permanent teeth. 12 deciduous teeth. 16 deciduous and 2 permanent teeth. 20 deciduous teeth.

20 deciduous teeth.

By what age should the child know his/her own gender? 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years

3 years

If a toddler is following a normal pattern of growth, which of the following weights would be most likely for a 3-year-old toddler who weighed 21 lb at the age of 12 months? 24 lb 27 lb 33 lb 45 lb

33 lb

The nurse is providing parental anticipatory guidance to promote healthy emotional development in a 12-month-old boy. Which statement best accomplishes this? A regular routine and rituals will provide stability and security. Emotions of a 12-month-old are labile. He can move from calm to a temper tantrum rapidly. A sense of control can be provided through offering limited choices. Aggressive behaviors such as hitting and biting are common in toddlers.

A regular routine and rituals will provide stability and security

The nurse is assessing a toddler's fine motor skills. Which finding by the nurse could be a safety concern? Ability to turn door knobs Put shapes into matching openings Able to use a spoon to self-feed Ability to hold a crayon to write

Ability to turn door knobs

The mother of a 2-year-old child tells the nurse that she is constantly scolding the child for having wet pants. The child was toilet trained at 12 months, but since walking, the child wets all of the time. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to guide instruction for the mother? total urinary incontinence related to delayed toilet training excess fluid volume related to inability to control urination ineffective coping related to lack of self-control of 2-year-old deficient parental knowledge related to inappropriate method for toilet training

Deficient parental knowledge related to inappropriate method for toilet training

A 13-month-old child is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The child's parent expresses concern that the child has not started to walk yet. What is the best action should the nurse take? Refer the child to a developmental specialist for evaluation. Explain that the child could start walking any day. Ask the parent if the child has been ill recently. Explain that children can take their first steps as late as 18 months of age.

Explain that children can take their first steps as late as 18 months of age.

The nurse finds the diet of a 30-month-old girl to be low in calcium. What suggestion can significantly increase this toddler's calcium intake? Give her slices of cheddar cheese as a snack. Offer chocolate milk to increase milk intake. Use unsweetened applesauce as a dessert. Include dark greens and spinach in her meals.

Give her slices of cheddar cheese as a snack.

The parent of a toddler is frustrated because the toddler insists on brushing his own teeth and being left alone in the bathtub. What advice should the nurse provide to the parent about these expectations? Helping with teeth brushing encourages autonomy. It is unusual for a 2-year-old to have such strong opinions. The parent should continue to give full care in all aspects. Leaving the child alone in the bathtub is a good way to encourage autonomy.

Helping with teeth brushing encourages autonomy

The parents of a 2-year-old child born with short-gut syndrome feed their toddler via a feeding tube. Knowing this is a developmental time when children usually feed themselves, the parents are asking the nurses what they can do to help foster the child's independence. Which suggestion would be most appropriate at this time? Play catch with the child while others are eating so they do not have to feel left out. Let the child choose what clothing he or she will wear the next day. Try to focus the child's energy on learning to read simple books that are age appropriate. Imitate placing food in the child's mouth as long as the food is large enough so it cannot be swallowed.

Let the child choose what clothing he or she will wear the next day.

Once a temper tantrum has started, which intervention is appropriate? Move objects out of the way or move the toddler to prevent injury. Speak to the toddler during the tantrum. Engage the toddler's behavior. Have a long talk with the toddler regarding the tantrum.

Move objects out of the way or move the toddler to prevent injury

The parents of a 2-year-old boy report to the nurse that their child is "such a picky eater." Which recommendation would be most helpful for developing healthy eating habits in this child? Offering a variety of foods along with the foods the child likes. Assuring the parents that food jags are normal, and they can be honored safely. Advising the parents to minimize distractions at mealtime. Encouraging the parents to eat a variety of wholesome foods themselves.

Offering a variety of foods along with the foods the child likes.

Parents of a toddler describe how they handled their child's temper tantrum in a shopping mall. What action of the parents indicates need for additional teaching? Reasoned with the child to stop the behavior Tried to refocus the child's attention as tantrum behavioral cues appeared Made sure the child was rested and not hungry before going to the mall Remained relatively calm even though embarrassed

Reasoned with the child to stop the behavior

A mother is concerned that her 2-year-old child is having seizures. He holds his breath until he passes out when he wants something his mother does not want him to have. How should the nurse respond to this mother's concern? Seizures rarely occur in toddlers. With seizures, cyanosis rarely develops. Seizures are not provoked; temper tantrums are. Seizures typically occur with fever; temper tantrums do not.

Seizures are not provoked; tantrums are

The parents are trying to promote toddler independence by allowing the child to dress himself. Which types of clothing would be appropriate to suggest? Select all that apply. shirts with large neck openings shoes with Velcro closures drawstring pants jackets with zippers shirts with snaps

Shirts with large neck openings Shoes with Velcro closures

The nurse is determining a toddler's language development. What is an expected finding for language development in a 2-year-old? able to count out loud to 20 speaks 20 nouns and 4 pronouns speaks two words plus "ma-ma" and "da-da" speaks in two-word sentences using a noun and a verb

Speaks in two-word sentences using a noun and a verb

The 18-month-old toddler has most likely attained which gross motor skill? The ability to walk independently. The ability to walk up stairs alone. The ability to balance on one foot. The ability to pedal a tricycle.

The ability to walk independently

The nurse is performing a cognitive assessment of a 2-year-old. Which behavior would alert the nurse to a developmental delay in this area? The child cannot say name, age, and gender. The child cannot follow a series of two independent commands. The child has a vocabulary of 40 to 50 words. The child does not point to named body parts.

The child does not point to named body parts.

When assessing a toddler's language development, what is the standard against which you measure language in a 2-year-old toddler? The toddler should say two words plus "ma-ma" and "da-da." The toddler should speak in two-word sentences ("Me go"). The toddler should be able to count out loud to 20. The toddler should say 20 nouns and 4 pronouns.

The toddler should speak in two-word sentences ("Me go").

The nurse is watching toddlers at play. Which normal behavior would the nurse observe? Toddlers engage in parallel play. Toddlers engage in solitary play. Toddlers engage in cooperative play. Toddlers do not engage in play outside the home.

Toddlers engage in parallel play

A nurse is presenting a class on toilet training to a group of parents with toddlers. Which information would the nurse include in the class? Select all that apply. Allowing at least 6 weeks to prepare the child psychologically for the training Using training pants that slide down easily and quickly Praising the child when he or she urinates or defecates Keeping the child on the potty chair for as long as necessary Putting the child on the potty chair at regular intervals during the day

Using training pants that slide down easily and quickly Praising the child when he or she urinates or defecates Putting the child on the potty chair at regular intervals during the day

While awaiting an appointment at the doctor's office for his 20-month-old daughter, a young father is astonished to see his daughter assume a proper stance and swing a toy golf club in the play area of the waiting room. A nurse also observes the behavior, and the father recalls that his daughter saw him practicing his golf swing in their backyard a few days ago. The nurse explains that this is an instance of which of the following? deferred imitation assimilation parallel play autonomy

deferred imitation

Which is the best way for parents to aid a toddler in achieving the developmental task? Urge the toddler to dress oneself completely alone Give the toddler small household chores to do Help the toddler learn to count Allow the toddler to make simple decisions

Allow the toddler to make simple decisions

The nurse is observing a 24-month-old boy in a day care center. Which finding suggests delayed motor development? The child has trouble undressing himself. The child is unable to push a toy lawnmower. The child is unable to unscrew a jar lid. The child falls when he bends over.

The child is unable to push a toy lawnmower.

What advice should the nurse provide the parent of a toddler, regarding how to handle temper tantrums? Appear to ignore the toddler Distract the toddler with a toy when the toddler begins holding the breath Promise the toddler a special activity if the toddler will stop Mimic the toddler's behavior by also holding the breath

Appear to ignore the toddler

While observing a 13-month-old and her parents in the playroom of the hospital unit, the nurse notes that the toddler is using her index finger to point towards a toy. What should the nurse say to the parents? "I notice your daughter is using her index finger to point. This is something we should tell the doctor." "How long has your daughter used her index finger to point to objects?" "Your daughter is demonstrating fine motor skills appropriate to her age by pointing with her index finger." "Has your daughter started turning book pages on her own yet."

"Your daughter is demonstrating fine motor skills appropriate to her age by pointing with her index finger."

The parents of a 30-month-old toddler have brought the toddler into the emergency department because of a seizure. During the health history, the nurse learns that the toddler was frustrated and angry immediately preceding the seizure. The nurse suspects the toddler had a breath-holding spell. Which parental report suggests breath-holding? A tantrum preceded the event. The event took place during a nap. The toddler was lethargic afterward. The toddler became unconscious.

A tantrum preceded the event.

A nurse in a busy pediatric clinic is educating a group of parents with toddlers about the nutritional needs of this age group. Which concepts should be addressed in this educational presentation? Select all that apply. There is no need to worry about the amount of trans fats in a toddler diet. Active, "busy" toddlers may need up to 1,400 cal/day. Children can have as many cookies they want if that is the only thing they will eat from breakfast. Try to limit the fat intake to less than 35% of total calories. Milk is still important to incorporate in the diet for bone health.

Active, "busy" toddlers may need up to 1,400 cal/day. Try to limit the fat intake to less than 35% of total calories. Milk is still important to incorporate in the diet for bone health.

The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of an 18-month-old girl. Which guidance will be most helpful for toilet teaching? Telling the child that either mommy or daddy may demonstrate toilet use. Assuring them that bladder control occurs first. Telling them that curiosity is a sure sign of readiness. Advising them to use praise, not scolding.

Advising them to use praise, not scolding

The home health nurse is visiting a 2-year-old client's home. Which finding will cause the nurse to intervene? All of the windows in the home are locked. The toddler goes to the bathroom alone to urinate. The family's medications are located in a kitchen drawer. The toddler in not allowed in the kitchen while food is being prepared.

The family's medications are located in a kitchen drawer.

The nurse is providing guidance after observing a mother interact with her negative 2-year-old boy. For which interaction will the nurse advise the mother that she is handling the negativism properly? Telling the child to stop tearing pages from magazines Asking the child if he would please quit throwing toys Telling the child firmly that we don't scream in the office Saying, "Please come over here and sit in this chair. OK?"

Telling the child firmly that we don't scream in the office

The nurse is examining a 2-year-old girl for speech and language development. Which finding would suggest a delay in speech development? The child does not use the names of familiar objects. The child repeats what the parents say out of context and at random moments. The child does not speak clearly but shows understanding of what is said. The child puts together sentences of two words.

The child does not use the names of familiar objects.

The parents of a 3-year-old who had bone cancer that resulted in amputation of the lower left leg ask their health care provider about expected behaviors for their child. Which behavior is expected and acceptable during hospitalization for treatments? During hospitalizations, there should be no regression in their toilet training since many staff members are available to take the child to the restroom. Soiling with feces is unacceptable if the child was toilet trained prior to the hospitalization and should be addressed each time it occurs. Crawling may be their preferred mode of travel because they may not want to wait for help to put the prosthesis on. If the child throws a tantrum, the nurses should also assess for seizures related to the use of pain medication following current treatment modalities.

Crawling may be their preferred mode of travel because they may not want to wait for help to put the prosthesis on.

The nurse observing toddlers in a day care center notes that they may be happy and pleasant one moment and overreact to limit setting the next minute by throwing a tantrum. What is the focus of the toddler's developmental task that is driving this behavior? The need for separation and control The need for love and belonging The need for safety and security The need for peer approval

The need for separation and control

A nurse, who is also a mother of a 2-year-old child, attends a party at a friend's house and notes some safety concerns that she would like to share with the other mother privately. Which observations during the party would be considered a safety concern that should be addressed privately when appropriate? Select all that apply. The nurse/mother notes that the toddler's car seat is located in the passenger front seat. The parent is busy entertaining guests and did not notice the toddler running out in the neighborhood street to get a toy. The toddler was wearing a helmet while riding a tricycle. The parents allow the toddler to climb up on the counter and watch as food is stirred on the stove. The safety gate/fence surrounding the pool area is secure and a little hard, even for parents, to unlatch.

The nurse/mother notes that the toddler's car seat is located in the passenger front seat. The parent is busy entertaining guests and did not notice the toddler running out in the neighborhood street to get a toy. The parents allow the toddler to climb up on the counter and watch as food is stirred on the stove.

The nurse is explaining safety precautions for toddlers to the mother of a normal 30-month-old boy. Which activity might the nurse suggest may be done without supervision? Turning on the bath water Undressing himself Playing in the basement Eating a mid-afternoon snack

Undressing himself

Parents and their nearly 3-year-old child have returned to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. Which of the findings may signal a speech delay? Uses two-word sentences or phrases Talks about a past event Half of speech understood by outsider Asks "why" often

Uses two-word sentences or phrases

A parent brings a 15-month-old child to the clinic for a routine health maintenance visit. Which immunization should the nurse prepare to administer to this child? measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) Rinne test oral polio hepatitis A

measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)

Parents share that their toddler often needs a snack in between meals. Which snack choice is nutritious enough to give the toddler energy but also may help prevent dental caries? Select all that apply. orange slices raisin oatmeal cookies cheese slices yogurt sugar-free candy bars

orange slices cheese slices yogurt

During a well-child visit to the health care provider, the parent reveals a family struggling with the changes from their "sweet, cuddly 16-month-old child" to that of a negative, more aggressive 2-year-old toddler. After the clinic visit, the nurse will document which priority nursing focus for this visit? ready for enhanced family coping potential risk for child abuse malfunctioning family coping impairment in family's resilience

ready for enhanced family coping

A nurse is discussing safety measures with the parents of a toddler. What would the nurse emphasize to address the most frequent type of accident in toddlers? "Keep all cleaning products and drugs out of the reach of your child." "Turn the handles of your pots away from the edge of the stove when cooking." "Make sure to have your child securely fastened in a car seat." "Have your child wear a helmet when beginning to ride a tricycle."

"Keep all cleaning products and drugs out of the reach of your child."

The nurse is teaching good sleep habits for toddlers to the parent of a 3-year-old client. Which response indicates the parent understands sleep requirements for the client? "I'll put my child to bed at 7 p.m., except Friday and Saturday." "My child needs 12 hours of sleep per day including a nap." "I should give my child a glass of milk before bed." "The routine at bedtime can fluctuate from day to day."

"My child needs 12 hours of sleep per day including a nap."

During the toddler years, the child attempts to become autonomous. Which statement by a 3-year-old toddler's caregiver indicates that the toddler is developing autonomy? "My toddler uses the potty chair and is dry all day long." "When my toddler falls down, they always wants me to pick them up." "My toddler has temper tantrums when we go to the store." "Every night my toddler follows the same routine at bedtime."

"My toddler uses the potty chair and is dry all day long."

During a health history, the nurse explores the sleeping habits of a 3-year-old boy by interviewing his parents. Which statement from the parents reflects a recommended guideline for promoting healthy sleep in this age group? "Our son sleeps through the night, and we insist that he takes two naps a day." "We keep a strict bedtime ritual for our son, which includes a bath and bedtime story." "Our son still sleeps in a crib because we feel it is the safest place for him at night." "Our son occasionally experiences night walking so we allow him to stay up later when this happens."

"We keep a strict bedtime ritual for our son, which includes a bath and bedtime story."

The nurse is teaching parents how to avoid a power struggle with their 2-year-old girl. Which comment indicates that more teaching is needed? "We will make sure she shares her toys with cousins her age." "We will give her a choice whenever possible." "Both of us, as parents, will agree on and consistently enforce the limits we set." "Childproofing our home will make it less necessary to say 'No!'"

"We will make sure she shares her toys with cousins her age."

A group of caregivers are discussing the form of discipline in which the child is placed in a "time-out" chair. Which statement made by these caregivers is appropriate related to this form of discipline? "When my child starts getting frustrated and aggressive, I remind the child throwing a fit will end up in a time-out." "My child is 3 years old now and I put my child in time-out for 5 to 10 minutes when misbehaving." "Our time-out chair is in the master bedroom so my child cannot see anyone else in the family." "We use the time-out chair when our child gets tired but does not want to take a nap."

"When my child starts getting frustrated and aggressive, I remind the child throwing a fit will end up in a time-out."

A mother of a 2-year-old girl is asking her friend when she should start potty training the child. The mother expresses concern about the high cost of diapers and training pants and would really like to have her trained as soon as possible. Which advice by the friend would be considered the best response? "You will just have to condition yourself to take her to the potty chair every hour until they get the hang of it." "I started training my kids when they started to pull themselves up to a standing position." "It doesn't hurt to start when they turn 2 as long as you don't punish them for having many accidents." "When she is uncomfortable in her wet diaper and brings a clean diaper to you, that's a good indication she is ready for potty training."

"When she is uncomfortable in her wet diaper and brings a clean diaper to you, that's a good indication she is ready for potty training."

A 3-year-old child is hospitalized. The parents are concerned because the child is now refusing to use the potty and is wetting the bed even though the child has achieved toilet training. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? "Do not worry. This is a normal response to being in the hospital." "Your child is experiencing regression as a result of stress." "Once discharged, your child will quickly learn to use the toilet again." "Why do you believe your child is refusing to use the potty?"

"Your child is experiencing regression as a result of stress."

The nurse is teaching parents interventions appropriate to the emotional development of their toddlers. What is a recommended intervention for this age group? Remove children's security blankets at this stage to help them assert their autonomy. Distract toddlers from exploring their own body parts, particularly their genitals. Do not blame toddlers for aggressive behavior; instead, point out the results of their behavior. Offer toddlers many choices to foster control over their environment.

Do not blame toddlers for aggressive behavior; instead, point out the results of their behavior.

The nurse in a pediatric clinic is observing a 2-year-old playing in the waiting room. Which action is an example of normal growth and development for a 2-year-old (24-month old) at play? imitating adult action like wrapping a doll in a blanket sitting and softly stroking a stuffed animal throwing toys out of the toy box to see if someone will pick them up for them sitting and stacking boxes that fit inside each other

Imitating adult action like wrapping a doll in a blanket

When providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a toddler, which of the following would the nurse include as most appropriate for enhancing their child's self-esteem? Including the child in activities that interest the adult Using belittling techniques as opposed to time-out Using negative criticism as well as positive reinforcement Avoiding applauding for unsuccessful attempts

Including the child in activities that interest the adult

The nurse is designing a nursing care plan for a toddler with lymphoma who is hospitalized for treatment. What is a priority intervention that the nurse should include in this child's nursing plan? Limiting visitors to scheduled visiting hours Planning physical therapy for the child Introducing the toddler to other toddlers in the unit Monitoring the toddler for developmental delays

Monitoring the toddler for developmental delays

When observing a group of toddlers playing in a child care setting, it is noted that the toddlers are all playing with buckets and shovels but are not playing with each other. This type of play is referred to as: parallel play. solitary play. onlooker play. associative play.

Parallel play

A parent with a 2-year-old invites a friend with a toddler over for a play date when they notice their children are not really interacting while playing. The children are playing side-by-side when one toddler gets up and grabs a toy car out of the hands of the other toddler, which results in both toddlers crying. To prevent this from occurring again, which intervention should the parents make? Sit the toddlers down and give a lecture about "sharing." Parents should decide that they need to wait about a year when the children are more ready to share toys. Parent of the toddler who started the fight should put this child in "time out." Parents should ensure that toys in front of each child are "similar" to prevent fighting over one toy.

Parents should ensure that toys in front of each child are "similar" to prevent fighting over one toy.

A nurse is discussing oral care with the parents of 4-year-old. The nurse determines that the parents are performing this aspect of their child's care appropriately when they state that they use which amount of toothpaste? Pea-sized Smear 1/4-inch strip 1-inch strip

Pea-sized

During a wellness care visit, the parents of a 2-year-old toddler report that they are struggling to deal with their toddler's daily and increasing number of tantrums. What information should be provided to the parents? Select all that apply. Tantrums at this age can signal the development of an aggression disorder in a toddler. Tantrums are a common occurrence for a toddler of this age. Maintaining a consistent daily routine can help to reduce tantrums. Ignoring the behavior is often helpful in reducing the duration of the tantrum. Tapping the toddler on the hands and voicing displeasure in the toddler's actions can successfully interrupt the behavior.

Tantrums are a common occurrence for a toddler of this age. Maintaining a consistent daily routine can help to reduce tantrums. Ignoring the behavior is often helpful in reducing the duration of the tantrum.

A mother is concerned because her 14-month-old son, who had a big appetite when breastfeeding a few months ago, seems uninterested in eating solid food. She still breastfeeds him daily but is thinking of weaning him soon. How should the nurse respond to this mother? "It is normal for toddlers to lose their appetites; try starting him with just a tablespoonful of food on his plate." "It is normal for toddlers to lose their appetites; try weaning him all at once so that he will be more interested in the solid food." "It is not normal for toddlers to lose their appetites; spoon feed him yourself to make sure he gets proper nutrition." "It is not normal for toddlers to lose their appetites; have him tested for a gastrointestinal condition."

"It is normal for toddlers to lose their appetites; try starting him with just a tablespoonful of food on his plate."