my baby boy is 7 months 20 days old and he is not accepting any kind of purees. he is taking only milk. what I can do pls help. he is having constipation also as he is not eating anything. he cries alot while passing stool once in 3 days.

Question

Accepted Answer

It's common for some babies to resist eating solid foods initially, especially if they are used to only taking milk. Since your baby is also experiencing constipation and crying while passing stool, here are some steps you can take:

### 1. **Start Slowly with Solids:**
   - **Small Portions:** Begin with very small amounts of puree or mashed foods. Offer just a spoonful or two at a time.
   - **Mild Flavors:** Start with mild-flavored foods like mashed bananas, avocados, or sweet potatoes.
   - **Different Textures:** If purees aren’t appealing to your baby, you might try offering slightly thicker mashed foods or soft finger foods like small pieces of soft fruits (e.g., ripe banana) or steamed vegetables.

### 2. **Ease Constipation:**
   - **Offer Water:** Give small sips of water in between feedings, especially if your baby is formula-fed.
   - **Include Fiber-rich Foods:** Once he accepts some solids, try offering fiber-rich purees like prunes, pears, or peas to help soften his stools.
   - **Tummy Massage:** Gently massage your baby's tummy in a circular motion to help relieve gas and constipation.
   - **Warm Bath:** A warm bath can sometimes help relax your baby’s muscles, making it easier to pass stool.

### 3. **Create a Comfortable Feeding Environment:**
   - **Stay Calm and Patient:** Babies can sense stress. Stay calm and patient during feeding times. Avoid forcing the food.
   - **Offer When Hungry:** Offer solids when your baby is hungry but not overly hungry, as he may be more willing to try something new.
   - **Make Feeding Fun:** Use colorful utensils or make funny sounds while feeding to engage him.

### 4. **Monitor Stool Patterns:**
   - If your baby continues to have difficulty with constipation or has hard stools, speak to your pediatrician. They might recommend a gentle laxative or another treatment to help ease his discomfort.

### 5. **Consult Your Pediatrician:**
   - Since your baby is crying a lot while passing stool and is not eating anything, it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician. They can check if there is an underlying issue causing the constipation and provide specific advice or treatments for your baby's feeding challenges.

It's important to be patient as your baby gets used to solid foods. Gradually, with consistent effort, he should start to accept them.