#asktheexpert hii Sir good morning my baby 16 month not eating food only drinking milk. please suggest mae how to eat food ..

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Accepted Answer

It's common for toddlers around 16 months old to go through phases where they prefer milk over solid foods. However, it's important to encourage a balanced diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Here are some strategies to help encourage your baby to eat more solid foods:

### Strategies to Encourage Eating Solid Foods

1. **Create a Routine:**
   - Establish regular meal and snack times. Consistent timing helps build a routine and makes your child expect food at certain times.
   - Try to space out milk feeds so your baby is more likely to feel hungry at mealtimes.

2. **Limit Milk Intake:**
   - At 16 months, your baby should ideally have about 16-24 ounces (about 500-700 ml) of milk per day. Excessive milk can fill up the baby’s stomach, reducing their appetite for solid foods.
   - Offer water instead of milk between meals if your baby is thirsty.

3. **Offer a Variety of Foods:**
   - Introduce a variety of textures, flavors, and colors to make meals more interesting. Toddlers are often more willing to try foods that look appealing.
   - Finger foods like soft fruits (bananas, berries), cooked vegetables (carrots, peas), cheese, small pieces of chicken, or toast can be fun for them to eat independently.

4. **Make Mealtime Enjoyable:**
   - Keep mealtimes calm and positive. Avoid pressure or force-feeding, as this can create a negative association with eating.
   - Eat together as a family to model good eating habits. Children often imitate their parents or siblings.

5. **Offer Small Portions:**
   - Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your child. You can always offer more if they finish what's on their plate.
   - Use toddler-sized utensils and plates to encourage self-feeding.

6. **Involve Your Child:**
   - Involve your toddler in meal preparation. Simple tasks like stirring, pouring, or choosing between two food options can increase their interest in eating.
   - Let them explore different foods with their hands, even if it gets messy. Sensory exploration can help build a positive relationship with food.

7. **Be Patient and Persistent:**
   - It can take multiple exposures (sometimes 10-15 times) to a new food before a child accepts it. Keep offering a variety of foods without pressuring them to eat.
   - If your child refuses a food, try again another day in a different form or mixed with a favorite food.

8. **Limit Distractions:**
   - Minimize distractions like toys, television, or electronic devices during mealtimes to help your child focus on eating.

9. **Encourage Self-Feeding:**
   - Allow your child to feed themselves with their hands or a spoon. This gives them a sense of control and can make eating more appealing.
   - Offer foods that are easy to pick up and eat, like soft fruits, small pieces of cooked vegetables, or small pasta.

10. **Stay Calm and Positive:**
   - Stay calm if your child refuses to eat. Avoid making a big issue out of it, as it can create stress around mealtime. Encourage, praise, and stay positive when they try new foods.

### Nutrient-Dense Food Ideas for Toddlers

- **Protein:** Offer small pieces of chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, eggs, beans, or lentils.
- **Dairy:** Yogurt, cheese, and small amounts of milk are good options.
- **Fruits and Vegetables:** Offer soft fruits (bananas, peaches, applesauce) and well-cooked vegetables (carrots, peas, sweet potatoes).
- **Grains:** Offer small pasta, rice, oatmeal, or whole grain bread.
- **Healthy Fats:** Include avocado, cheese, yogurt, or olive oil in their meals.

### When to Consult a Pediatrician

If your child continues to refuse solid foods or if you are concerned about their growth, development, or nutritional intake, consult your pediatrician. They can assess for any underlying issues, provide specific guidance, and ensure your child is growing appropriately. They might also recommend a multivitamin supplement if there are concerns about nutritional deficiencies.

Overall, with patience and persistence, most children will eventually start to eat more solid foods. Making mealtime a positive and stress-free experience is key to encouraging healthy eating habits.