#asktheexpert my baby does nt eat well.wht would I do

Question

Accepted Answer

Try to give varieties of food to the child add salt and spices into the food make it flavourful whole some for the child to eat and enjoy what you are giving also start giving multivitamin and iron supplement to boost the appetite of the child by meeting the deficiency in the body

Accepted Answer

If your one-year-old baby isn’t eating well, it can be concerning, but it’s not uncommon at this age. Babies can go through phases where they eat less or become picky. Here are some strategies to help improve their eating habits:

1. Create a Routine

Regular Meal Times: Establish consistent meal and snack times to create a routine.

Avoid Grazing: Limit snacks between meals to ensure she’s hungry at mealtimes.

2. Offer a Variety of Foods

Introduce New Foods Gradually: Offer a mix of familiar and new foods. Include fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.

Small Portions: Serve small amounts to avoid overwhelming her. Offer a variety of textures and colors to make the food more appealing.

3. Encourage Self-Feeding

Finger Foods: Offer soft, easy-to-grasp foods like cooked vegetables, small pieces of fruit, or soft cheese. Allow her to pick up and eat the food herself.

Utensils: Introduce child-friendly utensils and let her try using them, even if it gets messy.

4. Make Meals Fun

Creative Presentation: Arrange food in fun shapes or colors to make it visually appealing.

Involve Her: Let her help with simple tasks like stirring or choosing foods.

5. Be Patient with Picky Eating

Repeated Exposure: It may take several attempts before she accepts a new food. Keep offering it without pressure.

Stay Calm: Avoid making mealtimes stressful. Don’t force her to eat, as this can create negative associations with food.

6. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Praise: Offer encouragement when she tries new foods or eats well.

Avoid Bribing: Instead of using sweets or treats as a reward, praise her for trying new foods.

7. Ensure Hydration

Offer Fluids: Make sure she’s drinking enough water throughout the day. Limit sugary drinks and avoid excessive milk intake, which can decrease appetite for solid foods.

8. Monitor Growth and Health

Track Growth: Ensure she’s growing according to her growth chart. Weight and height percentiles can help monitor if she’s getting enough nutrition.

Health Check: If you notice persistent issues with eating, consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health problems or nutritional deficiencies.

Sample Meal Plan for a One-Year-Old

Breakfast:

Mashed banana or avocado on whole-grain toast

Small scrambled egg or yogurt

Mid-Morning Snack:

Soft fruit slices (e.g., apple, pear) or small pieces of cheese

Lunch:

Cooked vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots) with small pieces of chicken or tofu

A small portion of rice or whole-grain pasta

Afternoon Snack:

A small serving of yogurt with a sprinkle of oats or fruit

Dinner:

Lentil soup or soft-cooked vegetables with a small portion of mashed potatoes

A piece of soft fruit or a small whole-grain muffin

Before Bed:

A small cup of milk or water

When to Seek Help

If your baby continues to refuse food, shows signs of poor growth, or exhibits other concerning symptoms, consult a pediatrician. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues and provide tailored advice.