My 14 month old son has started completely rejecting food of any kind, fruits, rice, vegetables, milk, egg, curd .. hides his face or runs away. Please help

Question

Accepted Answer

Check for teething so massage gums of the baby with clean finger as due to pain and irritation in gums the baby refuses to eat abd try increasing his physical activities and

Accepted Answer

It can be quite concerning when a 14-month-old starts rejecting food, but this is not uncommon as toddlers go through phases of food refusal. Here are some strategies to help encourage your son to eat:

1. Create a Routine

Regular Meal Times: Establish a consistent meal and snack schedule. Offer food at the same times each day so your baby knows when to expect it.

No Force-Feeding: Avoid forcing him to eat as this can create a negative association with mealtime. If he refuses, remove the food and try again later.

2. Make Eating Fun

Finger Foods: Let him feed himself with bite-sized pieces of soft foods like fruits, veggies, cheese, or small sandwiches. Toddlers enjoy independence.

Colorful Plates: Present a colorful variety of foods. For example, serve carrots, peas, and strawberries together to make the meal visually appealing.

Food Play: Sometimes letting your child explore food with their hands or offering food in playful shapes (like cutting fruits or sandwiches into fun shapes) can spark interest.

3. Offer Small Portions

Start with small amounts of food to avoid overwhelming him. Toddlers often prefer nibbling on small portions rather than full meals.

4. Healthy Snacks

If he refuses meals, try offering healthy snacks like yogurt, cheese, fruit slices, or whole-grain crackers throughout the day.

5. Eat Together

Family Meals: Let him see the family eating the same foods. Toddlers love to imitate, so if he sees you enjoying the food, he may want to try it too.

6. Limit Distractions

Remove distractions like toys, screens, or books during meals. Focus on mealtime to help him understand that it’s time to eat.

7. Introduce New Foods Slowly

Offer one new food at a time, alongside something familiar. He may need to see a new food multiple times before accepting it.

8. Check Milk Intake

If your son is drinking a lot of milk (more than 16-20 ounces a day), it could be suppressing his appetite for solid foods. Consider reducing milk intake to encourage more interest in food.

9. Consult a Pediatrician

If the issue persists, it’s best to consult a pediatrician to rule out any medical reasons for his food aversion, such as teething discomfort, reflux, or any other underlying condition.

This phase is usually temporary, so try to be patient and persistent. Encouraging a positive, stress-free relationship with food is key at this age.