My 8 month old eats very less but has fruits well also she is teething

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Accepted Answer

It's not uncommon for babies around 8 months old to have varying appetites, especially if they are teething. Here are some steps you can take to encourage better eating habits and ensure she gets the necessary nutrients:

### Encouraging Better Eating Habits:

1. **Offer Small, Frequent Meals**: Instead of three large meals, try offering smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This can be less overwhelming and more manageable for her.

2. **Variety of Textures and Flavors**: Introduce a variety of foods with different textures and flavors to keep her interested. Purees, soft finger foods, and small pieces of cooked vegetables can be good options.

3. **Mix Fruits with Other Foods**: Since she enjoys fruits, try mixing them with other foods. For example, add fruit purees to yogurt or cereals, or blend them into smoothies with vegetables.

4. **Teething-Friendly Foods**: Offer foods that can soothe her gums while providing nutrition, such as chilled cucumber sticks, soft banana pieces, or teething biscuits.

5. **Be Patient and Positive**: Meal times should be stress-free. Encourage her gently, praise her when she tries new foods, and avoid pressuring her to eat more than she wants.

### Nutrient-Rich Foods for an 8-Month-Old:

- **Fruits and Vegetables**: Continue offering a variety of fruits and introduce more vegetables. Cooked and mashed or pureed vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and avocados are good options.
- **Proteins**: Offer soft, easy-to-eat proteins such as well-cooked and mashed beans, lentils, tofu, scrambled eggs, or finely shredded chicken or fish.
- **Grains**: Include iron-fortified cereals, oatmeal, or small pieces of soft bread or pasta.
- **Dairy**: If she tolerates dairy, offer small amounts of yogurt or cheese.

### Managing Teething Discomfort:

- **Teething Toys**: Provide teething toys or rings that she can chew on to help relieve discomfort.
- **Cold Foods**: Chilled fruits like cucumber sticks, or frozen fruit in a mesh feeder, can soothe her gums.

### Hydration:

Ensure she is well-hydrated. Offer small sips of water between meals, especially if she’s consuming less solid food.

### Monitor Her Growth:

- **Regular Check-Ups**: Keep up with her regular pediatric check-ups to monitor her growth and development. The pediatrician can provide specific advice tailored to her needs.
- **Growth Charts**: Track her growth using growth charts to ensure she’s meeting her milestones.

### When to Seek Professional Advice:

- **Consistent Low Appetite**: If her low appetite persists and she’s not gaining weight appropriately, consult her pediatrician.
- **Nutritional Concerns**: If you’re concerned about her nutrition, a pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist can offer guidance and suggest appropriate supplements if necessary.

Remember that it’s normal for babies to have fluctuating appetites, and teething can temporarily affect their desire to eat. With patience and a variety of healthy options, most babies will eventually find their eating rhythm.