When do young children's appetites typically fluctuate?

Young children's appetites typically fluctuate during periods of growth spurts or when they are overly tired. Infants and toddlers experience rapid physical development, which can lead to increased hunger as their bodies require more nutrients to support this growth. During growth spurts, children may exhibit heightened appetite and need for food to fuel their development.

On the other hand, when children are overly tired, their bodies may not function optimally, leading to a drop in interest in food. Tiredness can affect overall energy levels and may result in a lack of desire to eat, thus also causing fluctuations in appetite.

While other options may influence appetite to some extent—such as boredom or unengagement possibly leading to distraction from eating, seasonal changes affecting food availability, and levels of activity influencing hunger—growth spurts and fatigue have a more direct and recognized impact on young children's nutrition and appetite patterns.