#asktheexpert 16 months old baby girl doesn't it anything. mostly she prefers milk only , is there any appetite enhancer for babies ?

Question

#asktheexpert  16 months old baby girl doesn't it anything. mostly she prefers milk only , is there any appetite enhancer for babies ?

Accepted Answer

It's common for toddlers to go through phases where they prefer milk over solid foods, but it's important to encourage a balanced diet for proper growth and nutrition. Here are some strategies and considerations to help improve your child's appetite and eating habits:

### Strategies to Encourage Eating
1. **Limit Milk Intake**: Excessive milk consumption can reduce hunger for solid foods. Try to limit milk to about 16-24 ounces (around 500-700 ml) per day.
2. **Offer Small, Frequent Meals**: Serve small portions of a variety of foods throughout the day rather than three large meals.
3. **Create a Routine**: Establish regular meal and snack times to create a predictable eating schedule.
4. **Make Mealtime Enjoyable**: Create a positive mealtime environment without pressure. Offer a variety of colorful and fun-shaped foods.
5. **Lead by Example**: Eat together as a family to model healthy eating habits.
6. **Healthy Snacks**: Offer healthy snacks like fruit, yogurt, cheese, and whole-grain crackers between meals.
7. **Involve Your Child**: Let your child help with simple food preparation tasks to increase their interest in eating.
8. **Limit Distractions**: Turn off the TV and remove toys during meals to help your child focus on eating.

### Foods to Try
- Soft fruits (bananas, peaches, and avocados)
- Cooked vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas)
- Protein sources (shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, and beans)
- Dairy products (cheese and yogurt)
- Whole grains (oatmeal, rice, and whole-grain pasta)

### Appetite Enhancers
Before considering any appetite enhancers, it's crucial to consult with your pediatrician. They can evaluate whether your child needs an appetite stimulant and recommend appropriate options. Some commonly discussed options include:

- **Vitamins and Minerals**: A pediatrician might recommend supplements if there is a deficiency contributing to poor appetite.
- **Pediatric Formula Drinks**: Nutrient-dense formula drinks designed for children can provide additional calories and nutrients.

### When to Seek Medical Advice
If your child's poor appetite persists, consult with your pediatrician. They can assess for any underlying medical conditions or developmental issues that might be affecting eating habits and provide personalized recommendations.

Encouraging a balanced diet and making mealtime a positive experience are key steps in helping your child develop healthy eating habits.

Accepted Answer

There are of course supplements for enhancing the appetite but they’re not meant to be given at such an early age where you see the child is active and their appetite should be normal because of their activities so you should try to give varieties of food to the child and then you’ll keep fulfilling the need of the child by giving every time milk to the child child will prefer that then how do you expect your child to eat the food that you’re giving you have to set the amount of milk like I’m not going to give more than 500 ML that twice or thrice in a day rest of the times you should give food only the child is not eating let it be okay so if you do not replace food with Mail your child would be hungry or child would be bound to eat whatever you are getting you just have to have patience with your child