my 20 m baby not eating his meal properly.how to manage

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It can be challenging when a 20-month-old baby is not eating their meals properly. Here are some tips to help manage this situation:

1. **Offer Nutritious Options:** Provide a variety of nutritious foods at regular intervals throughout the day. Include foods from all food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy).

2. **Follow a Routine:** Establish a mealtime routine with predictable meal and snack times. This helps create structure and encourages appetite.

3. **Serve Small Portions:** Offer small portions to avoid overwhelming the child. They can always ask for more if they're still hungry.

4. **Create a Positive Environment:** Make mealtimes enjoyable and relaxed. Sit together as a family and avoid distractions like screens or toys.

5. **Encourage Independence:** Allow your child to self-feed as much as possible, even if it gets messy. This promotes independence and may increase interest in eating.

6. **Be Patient and Persistent:** It's common for toddlers to be picky eaters. Offer foods repeatedly, even if they've been rejected before. It can take multiple exposures for a child to accept a new food.

7. **Avoid Pressure:** Avoid pressuring or forcing your child to eat. This can lead to negative associations with food. Instead, offer encouragement and praise when they try new foods or eat well.

8. **Ensure Adequate Hydration:** Offer water throughout the day to keep your child hydrated, as sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger.

9. **Monitor Growth:** If your child is growing normally, gaining weight, and meeting developmental milestones, their eating habits may not be a cause for concern.

10. **Consult a Pediatrician:** If you're concerned about your child's eating habits or if they're not gaining weight appropriately, consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and rule out any underlying issues.

By creating a positive mealtime environment and offering nutritious options, you can help encourage healthy eating habits in your 20-month-old child.