#asktheexpert
Good morning doctor,
my daughter is 1.5 yrs old. she's not eating properly now a days only preferring mother feed a lot. she is not sleeping well at night too.what can I do doctor?

Question

#asktheexpert 
Good morning doctor,
my daughter is 1.5 yrs old. she's not eating properly now a days only preferring mother feed a lot. she is not sleeping well at night too.what can I do doctor?

Accepted Answer

For a 1.5-year-old who is not eating well and having trouble sleeping, here are some strategies to consider:

### **1. Improving Eating Habits**
- **Introduce Variety**: Offer a variety of foods and textures to make meals more appealing. Include fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins in different forms.
- **Regular Meals and Snacks**: Establish a consistent meal and snack schedule. Offering small, frequent meals can sometimes be more effective than larger ones.
- **Involvement**: Involve your child in meal preparation. Sometimes, being part of the process can make children more interested in eating.
- **Positive Environment**: Create a calm and pleasant mealtime environment. Avoid distractions like screens during meals.

### **2. Managing Night Sleep**
- **Routine**: Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help signal to your child that it's time to wind down. This could include activities like reading a book or taking a bath.
- **Comfort**: Ensure the sleep environment is comfortable, quiet, and conducive to rest. Check for any potential issues that could be affecting sleep, such as discomfort or a too-warm room.
- **Limit Naps**: Ensure daytime naps are not too close to bedtime, which can affect night sleep.

### **3. Breastfeeding Considerations**
- **Gradual Weaning**: If you’re looking to reduce breastfeeding, try to gradually decrease the frequency of feeds. Introduce other liquids like water or milk, and offer solid foods more frequently.
- **Healthy Alternatives**: Provide nutritious alternatives that your child might enjoy, such as yogurt, cheese, or fortified plant-based milks.

### **4. Monitoring and Health Check**
- **Observe Symptoms**: Keep an eye on any other symptoms or changes in behavior. Sometimes, reduced appetite or sleep issues can be related to illness or other factors.
- **Consult a Pediatrician**: If the issues persist or if there are concerns about your child’s growth, weight, or overall health, consult a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice.

### **5. Emotional and Behavioral Support**
- **Reassurance**: Provide reassurance and comfort. Sometimes, changes in eating or sleeping patterns can be related to developmental stages or emotional needs.

Implementing these strategies consistently can help address the issues. If you continue to face difficulties or have concerns, seeking guidance from a pediatrician is always a good step.

#asktheexpert Good morning doctor, my daughter is 1.5 yrs old. she's not eating properly now a days only preferring mother feed a lot. she is not sleeping well at night too.what can I do doctor?