Hi , my baby boy is now 19 months. But still he is not chowing his any kind of food. And he has vomiting tendency. what should I do?

Question

Hi , my baby  boy is now 19 months.  But still he is not chowing his any kind of food. And he has vomiting tendency. what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If your 19-month-old boy is not chewing food and has a tendency to vomit, it’s important to address both the feeding and potential underlying issues. Here are some steps you can take:

### Steps to Encourage Chewing:

1. **Introduce Soft Foods:**
   - **Texture:** Start with soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed vegetables, soft fruits, or well-cooked pasta. Gradually introduce slightly firmer textures as he becomes more comfortable.

2. **Use Teething Toys:**
   - **Chewing Practice:** Provide safe teething toys or soft chewable items to encourage mouthing and chewing.

3. **Model Eating:**
   - **Demonstrate:** Eat with him and show how to chew. Children often learn by watching others.

4. **Positive Reinforcement:**
   - **Encourage:** Praise him for trying new textures or foods, even if he’s only able to manage small bites at first.

5. **Make Mealtimes Enjoyable:**
   - **Relaxed Environment:** Create a positive and relaxed mealtime environment. Avoid pressuring him to eat, as this can increase anxiety around food.

6. **Offer a Variety of Foods:**
   - **Different Textures:** Provide a variety of foods with different textures to find what he prefers.

### Addressing Vomiting Tendencies:

1. **Identify Triggers:**
   - **Observation:** Keep track of when vomiting occurs and any possible food or activity triggers.

2. **Small, Frequent Meals:**
   - **Portions:** Offer smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones to reduce the risk of vomiting.

3. **Avoid Overfeeding:**
   - **Moderation:** Ensure he’s not eating too quickly or too much at once, which can lead to discomfort and vomiting.

4. **Consult a Pediatrician:**
   - **Professional Advice:** If vomiting persists or if you’re concerned about his ability to eat and chew, consult your pediatrician. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide tailored advice or refer you to a specialist if needed.

5. **Check for Sensitivities or Allergies:**
   - **Dietary Issues:** Sometimes, vomiting can be related to food sensitivities or allergies. A pediatrician can help assess this.

### Consider Professional Help:

- **Speech or Occupational Therapist:** If there are concerns about his oral motor skills or feeding difficulties, a speech or occupational therapist can provide targeted strategies and exercises.

- **Gastroenterologist:** For persistent vomiting issues, a consultation with a gastroenterologist may be necessary to rule out gastrointestinal issues.

Each child develops eating skills at their own pace, but persistent difficulties with chewing and vomiting warrant further evaluation to ensure there are no underlying health issues.