My toddler is drooling and having trouble...

My toddler is drooling and having trouble eating. Should I worry?

Drooling is something we usually associate with babies, especially when they’re teething. However, there may come a time when your toddler starts to drool a lot, and have trouble eating, especially while your child is making the transition from liquid to solid foods.

If your toddler is pushing food out of his mouth when he’s drooling, then it might be that he simply does not enjoy the taste or texture.

If his behaviour is sudden, and applies to all foods, then it could be caused by an illness. Tonsillitis, laryngitis and even an abscess can cause a toddler to reject all food.

When your toddler is rejecting only a specific type of texture or consistency, then it could be that he is suffering from a sensory processing disorder, that may need special treatment, and you should have your doctor examine him.

Many children struggle with sensory processing disorders. They are essentially a problem with the brain, where your child’s brain cannot give him the correct processing instruction for a certain type of food. This most often leads to a rejection of that foodstuff.

More questions

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The earlier you begin to encourage a love of reading in your child, the better.

My toddler is drooling and having trouble eating. Should I worry?

Drooling and difficulty eating can be associated with normal toddler behaviour, illness or sensory processes.

When does separation and independence occur in a child?

Up to the age of three, your toddler will be over separation anxiety. However, as there are so many separations in the years of growing up – pre-school, a few days away at camp, and even your child’s first year at college, bouts of separation anxiety could very well occur from time to time all through your child’s life.

How can I ensure that my toddler's motor development is on track?

As long as your toddler has plenty of space and time to play, and practice all their new physical skills, they’re probably doing just fine with her development!

How can I make sure that my child stays curious and interested in the world around him?

Toddlers are naturally curious about everything. Instead of stifling that curiosity, you should be making every effort to promote it!

Encouraging imagination and creativity: how do I do it?

Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.

I want my child to be in touch with her emotions. How can I ensure that she grows up that way?

Young children are emotional beings. The worst thing you can do is make them stifle those emotions. Teach them how to cope with them instead, and you’ll raise a well-adjusted child.

Encouraging spirituality: how can I make sure that my child grows up with a spiritual foundation?

If you want your child to grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, it’s never too young to start teaching, but remember to teach by example.