#asktheexpert my baby ignores to eat food what to do ??

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy9 months ago

A. It can be concerning when your baby refuses to eat, but this is not uncommon, especially as they grow and develop their preferences. Here are a few things you can try to encourage your baby to eat: 1. Create a Routine: Establish regular meal and snack times. A consistent schedule can help your baby understand when it’s time to eat. 2. Be Patient: Sometimes babies go through phases of reduced appetite, especially if they are teething or going through a growth spurt. If your baby isn’t eating one day, try not to force them and try again later. 3. Offer a Variety of Foods: Babies can get bored with the same food, so try offering a variety of tastes and textures. If your baby is at the stage of solids, offer mashed vegetables, fruits, and soft foods in different combinations to find out what they prefer. 4. Make Mealtime Fun: Sometimes babies are more interested in food if it looks fun or interesting. You can try shaping foods into fun shapes or offering finger foods that they can feed themselves. 5. Limit Distractions: Make mealtime calm and focused. Try to eliminate distractions like toys or screens during meals. 6. Model Eating: Babies often imitate what they see. Eating together as a family and showing excitement about food can encourage your baby to try eating as well. 7. Check for Teething or Illness: If your baby is teething or has any discomfort (like an ear infection), it can affect their appetite. In such cases, providing teething toys or consulting with a doctor may help. 8. Avoid Force-feeding: Trying to force your baby to eat can create negative associations with mealtime. Offer food, but don’t pressure them to eat. If your baby’s refusal to eat continues over a prolonged period or if there are other signs like weight loss, dehydration, or lethargy, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.