my baby doesn't want to have fruits ... have tried so many other ways also but nothing worked.. please guide

Question

Accepted Answer

Getting a 9-month-old baby to eat fruits can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to encourage them to enjoy these healthy foods:

Tips to Encourage Fruit Consumption in a 9-Month-Old

1. Make It Fun: Present fruits in an engaging way. Use fun shapes (like stars or hearts) or colorful arrangements to make fruits visually appealing.

2. Texture Variety: Experiment with different textures. Some babies prefer smooth purees, while others might like soft chunks or mashed fruits. You can also try cooked fruits like apples or pears to make them softer and easier to eat.

3. Mix with Other Foods: Combine fruits with foods your baby already enjoys. For example, mix mashed banana with oatmeal or yogurt, or blend fruits into smoothies.

4. Offer Finger Foods: Since your baby is 9 months old, they might enjoy self-feeding. Offer soft, bite-sized pieces of ripe fruits like bananas, pears, or peaches that they can pick up and eat on their own.

5. Serve at Different Times: Offer fruits at various times during the day, not just at mealtimes. Sometimes babies are more willing to try new foods as snacks.

6. Use Dips: If appropriate, provide healthy dips like yogurt to make fruits more enticing. Babies often enjoy dipping their food.

7. Be Patient: It can take several attempts before a baby accepts a new food. Keep offering fruits without pressure, as babies often need multiple exposures to develop a taste for certain foods.

8. Lead by Example: Eat fruits in front of your baby. Children often mimic their parents’ eating habits, so seeing you enjoy fruits may encourage them to try them too.

9. Smoothies: If your baby is resistant to solid fruits, try making smoothies. Blend fruits with breast milk, formula, or yogurt for a nutritious drink that might be more appealing.

Suggestions for Fruits

Banana: Soft and easy to mash.

Avocado: Creamy texture, rich in healthy fats.

Apples: Cook and mash or serve as applesauce.

Pears: Soft and sweet, easy to digest.

Peaches or Nectarines: Soft when ripe, can be mashed or pureed.

Mango: Sweet and creamy when ripe, easy to mash.

Conclusion

It can be frustrating when a baby refuses to eat fruits, but persistence and creativity can help. Keep offering fruits regularly and try to make it a fun and positive experience. If you continue to have concerns about your baby's eating habits or nutrition, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice and support.