Hello Dr. My daughter is 10months old. She is not eating outside food since last five days..

Question

Accepted Answer

If your 10-month-old daughter is refusing to eat outside food for the past 5 days, it could be due to several reasons. Here are some potential causes and suggestions for how to handle it:

1. Teething:

At 10 months, many babies go through teething, which can make eating uncomfortable. The sore gums may cause her to reject certain foods.

What you can do:

Offer soft, cool foods that are gentle on the gums, like chilled fruit purees or mashed vegetables.

Teething rings or cool washcloths can also help soothe sore gums.

Try offering her food at different temperatures to see if she prefers it warm, room temperature, or cold.

2. Illness or Discomfort:

If she is feeling unwell (like having a cold, ear infection, or digestive upset), she may lose her appetite.

Sometimes, mild fever, cough, or digestive discomfort can also lead to temporary food aversion.

What you can do:

Monitor for any other signs of illness (fever, runny nose, irritability, or diarrhea).

Offer her more fluids like water, breast milk, or formula to keep her hydrated.

If she continues to refuse food or shows other signs of illness, it might be a good idea to consult a pediatrician.

3. Food Preferences or Texture Sensitivity:

At this age, babies can become picky eaters or may have preferences for certain textures or tastes. She may not like the texture or flavor of the outside food being offered.

What you can do:

Try offering her familiar foods she likes or foods with different textures (like soft finger foods, smooth purees, or small pieces of cooked vegetables).

Be patient and avoid pressuring her. It's common for babies to have phases of refusing food.

4. Transitioning to Solid Foods:

As babies grow, they can sometimes have phases of rejecting solid foods, especially if they are still getting most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula.

What you can do:

Continue offering solids in small amounts. You can try mixing some of her favorite foods with new foods to encourage eating.

If she is still eating well during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it's not a major concern, but make sure she's still getting enough nutrients.

5. Changes in Routine or Environment:

Any changes in routine, environment, or caregivers can sometimes affect a baby's eating habits.

What you can do:

Try to keep her feeding environment calm and familiar. Offer food in a quiet, relaxed space without distractions.

6. Overfeeding Snacks or Fluids:

If she's consuming a lot of fluids or snacks throughout the day, she may not feel hungry enough for meals.

What you can do:

Ensure she is not filling up on too many liquids or snacks before mealtime. Try to create a consistent feeding schedule.

What to Do Next:

Be Patient: It's normal for babies to go through phases of food refusal. Continue offering a variety of healthy foods and try different methods of serving.

Consult a Pediatrician: If the food refusal continues for more than a week or if you notice any other signs of illness or concern (like weight loss, dehydration, or irritability), it would be best to check with her doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues.

Let me know if you notice any other symptoms or need further advice!