#asktheexperts baby boy not eating food

Question

Accepted Answer

Hello mom you may just offer a  few tsps initially for them would be good, so also add in some flavours to it as well, offer from varied food groups

Accepted Answer

It's common for six-month-old babies to be hesitant or refuse to eat solid foods when first introduced. Here are some strategies to encourage your baby to start eating solid foods:

### Tips for Introducing Solids:
1. **Start Small:**
   - Begin with small amounts of food. A teaspoon or two is enough to start with, gradually increasing as your baby gets used to eating.

2. **Timing:**
   - Offer solids when your baby is not overly hungry or tired. Mid-morning or after a nap can be good times to try.

3. **Consistency:**
   - Start with smooth, thin purees and gradually move to thicker textures as your baby gets accustomed to eating.

4. **Variety:**
   - Offer a variety of foods to find what your baby likes. Common first foods include:
     - Pureed fruits like banana, apple, or pear
     - Pureed vegetables like carrot, sweet potato, or peas
     - Iron-fortified single-grain cereals mixed with breast milk or formula

5. **Patience:**
   - It can take several tries for a baby to accept a new food. Keep offering the same food multiple times, even if it's initially rejected.

6. **Modeling:**
   - Let your baby watch you eat. Babies learn by observing, so eating together can encourage them to try foods.

7. **Distractions:**
   - Minimize distractions during mealtimes. Turn off the TV and put away toys to help your baby focus on eating.

8. **Positive Reinforcement:**
   - Praise your baby for trying new foods, and make mealtime a positive, stress-free experience.

### Signs Your Baby Might Not Be Ready:
- **Tongue-Thrust Reflex:** If your baby pushes food out of their mouth with their tongue, they might not be ready for solids.
- **Lack of Interest:** If your baby shows no interest in food or turns their head away, it might be worth waiting a week or two before trying again.

### When to Consult a Pediatrician:
If your baby consistently refuses to eat solids or you have concerns about their nutrition and growth, consult your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and ensure there are no underlying issues affecting your baby's ability to eat.

### Sample Feeding Schedule:
Here's a basic feeding schedule to give you an idea of how to incorporate solids alongside breast milk or formula:

- **Morning:**
  - Breast milk or formula
  - Small serving of iron-fortified cereal mixed with breast milk or formula

- **Mid-Morning:**
  - Breast milk or formula

- **Lunch:**
  - Breast milk or formula
  - Pureed vegetable or fruit

- **Afternoon:**
  - Breast milk or formula

- **Dinner:**
  - Breast milk or formula
  - Pureed vegetable or fruit

- **Evening:**
  - Breast milk or formula

Remember that breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition for your baby at six months old. Solids are complementary and help introduce new tastes and textures.

If you have persistent concerns about your baby's eating habits or nutritional intake, your pediatrician can offer personalized advice and support.