POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy7 months agoA. If your 15-month-old baby is refusing all types of food, it can be due to teething, a phase of picky eating, lack of hunger, or digestive discomfort. Here are some practical tips to encourage eating:
1. Identify the Cause
✔ Teething Pain? – Offer cold foods like yogurt, fruit puree, or teething biscuits.
✔ Disinterest in Food? – Try new textures, flavors, and self-feeding options.
✔ Stomach Discomfort? – Ensure good digestion with probiotics like curd.
✔ Filling Up on Milk? – Reduce breastmilk/formula before meals to increase appetite.
2. Best Foods for a Picky Eater
✅ Energy-Dense Foods: Banana, avocado, ghee in meals, mashed potatoes.
✅ Finger Foods: Soft fruits, paneer cubes, cheese sticks, dosa strips.
✅ Smoothies & Milkshakes: Blend banana, dry fruit powder, and milk.
✅ Soft & Easy-to-Eat Meals: Ragi porridge, dal khichdi, suji upma.
✅ Nut Powder in Food: Add almonds or cashew powder to porridge or milk.
✅ Homemade Popsicles: Freeze fruit puree or curd for teething relief.
3. Feeding Strategies
✔ Offer food in different forms (mashed, pureed, cut into small pieces).
✔ Encourage Self-Feeding – Let the baby explore food with hands.
✔ Create a Distraction-Free Eating Space – No screens, focus on eating.
✔ Give Small Portions – Large amounts can feel overwhelming.
✔ Follow a Meal Schedule – 3 meals + 2 snacks at fixed times.
✔ Make Mealtime Fun – Colorful plates, different textures, and interactive feeding.
4. What to Avoid?
❌ Force-feeding – Creates a negative association with food.
❌ Too much liquid before meals – Reduces appetite.
❌ Junk or sugary snacks – Reduces hunger for healthy food.
If your baby is active and growing well, occasional food refusal is normal. However, if weight gain is very slow or the baby seems weak, consult a doctor for evaluation.
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