#asktheexpert my baby denies taking food. pls suggest hw to make her eat. any supplements or syrup which makes her hungry??

Question

Accepted Answer

If your baby is refusing to eat, it can be challenging to ensure they get the necessary nutrition. Here are some strategies to help make your baby more willing to eat and to incorporate supplements or syrups if needed:

### 1. **Establish a Routine**

- **Regular Meal Times**: Create a consistent feeding schedule to help your baby develop an appetite.
- **Routine and Environment**: Make mealtime pleasant and relaxed. Avoid distractions like TV or mobile devices during meals.

### 2. **Offer a Variety of Foods**

- **Different Textures and Flavors**: Try offering different textures and flavors to see what your baby prefers. Sometimes, a change in texture or taste can spark interest.
- **Small Portions**: Offer small amounts of food to avoid overwhelming your baby. They might be more willing to try if they don’t feel pressured to eat a large amount.

### 3. **Make Food Fun and Appealing**

- **Creative Presentation**: Present food in a fun and visually appealing way. Use cookie cutters to create interesting shapes or arrange food into colorful patterns.
- **Involve Your Baby**: Let your baby be involved in meal preparation, like stirring or choosing ingredients. This can make them more interested in eating.

### 4. **Use Supplements or Syrups Wisely**

- **Consult Your Pediatrician**: Before starting any supplements or syrups, consult your pediatrician to ensure they are appropriate and safe for your baby’s age and health condition.
- **Nutritional Supplements**: If recommended, you can use appetite stimulants or nutritional supplements that are specifically designed for children. Follow your pediatrician’s dosage and instructions carefully.
- **Mixing with Food**: If the supplement or syrup can be mixed with food, try adding it to something your baby likes, such as yogurt or fruit puree. Ensure the supplement is compatible with the food and doesn’t alter its taste too much.

### 5. **Encourage Self-Feeding**

- **Let Them Explore**: Allow your baby to explore and self-feed with finger foods. This can sometimes lead to more interest in eating.
- **Safe Utensils**: Provide child-friendly utensils that are easy for them to use, even if it means making a bit of a mess.

### 6. **Check for Health Issues**

- **Monitor for Illness**: If your baby is consistently refusing food and showing signs of illness, consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.
- **Teething**: If teething is the issue, offering cool, soothing foods or teething toys might help.

### 7. **Increase Meal Enjoyment**

- **Positive Reinforcement**: Offer praise and encouragement when your baby tries new foods or eats well. Avoid pressuring or forcing them to eat.
- **Patience**: Be patient and continue offering a variety of foods without creating a stressful mealtime environment.

### Conclusion

Encouraging a baby to eat can be challenging, but creating a positive eating environment, offering a variety of foods, and consulting with a pediatrician about supplements or appetite stimulants can help. If your baby’s refusal to eat persists, it’s important to discuss the issue with your pediatrician to identify any potential underlying causes and get personalized advice.