POOJA KOTHARIExpecting Mom due in 1 month3 months agoA. A 16-month-old refusing food can be tricky, but it’s quite common as toddlers grow more independent and sometimes picky. Here are some gentle tips to encourage her to eat better:
🍽️ Tips to Encourage Eating at 16 Months
Offer small, frequent meals:
Instead of 3 big meals, try giving 5–6 small meals or snacks throughout the day.
Keep it simple and familiar:
Offer foods she already likes mixed with new tastes slowly.
Make food fun:
Use colorful plates, fun shapes, or arrange food in smiley faces to attract her attention.
Avoid distractions:
Turn off TV, tablets, and phones during meal time so she focuses on eating.
Be patient and calm:
Don’t force-feed or show frustration—it can create negative associations.
Offer a variety:
Mix textures (soft, crunchy), colors, and flavors. Sometimes toddlers refuse food if it’s always the same.
Encourage self-feeding:
Give her finger foods or small spoons so she feels involved.
Limit milk before meals:
Sometimes toddlers fill up on milk and lose appetite for solid food. Try limiting milk 1 hour before meal time.
🥦 Foods to Try Soft cooked veggies (carrots, peas, potatoes) Mashed fruits (banana, apple, pear) Soft cooked grains (rice, oats) Small pieces of soft cheese, scrambled eggs Daliya, khichdi, upma with veggies mixed in When to Check with Doctor If she refuses food for more than a week If she is losing weight or not growing properly If she seems very lethargic or sick
Would you like me to suggest some easy recipes or a meal plan for your baby? Also, do share if she has any allergies or dislikes!
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