My baby is 1.5 year old active and doing well.But he is taking solid meals as chapati sabhji or rice only once a day.He rely more water consumption and fruits.He is having cow milk twice a day 200ml .Please help to stimulate his hunger.

Question

My baby is 1.5 year old active and doing well.But he is  taking solid meals as chapati sabhji or rice only once a day.He rely more water consumption and fruits.He is having cow milk twice a day 200ml .Please help to stimulate his hunger.

Accepted Answer

Encouraging a healthy appetite in a 1-year-old requires creating a positive mealtime environment and offering a variety of nutritious foods. Here are some strategies to stimulate your 1-year-6-month-old baby's appetite:

### 1. Offer a Variety of Foods:
- Provide a wide range of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. Offering different flavors, textures, and colors can make mealtime more appealing and encourage exploration.

### 2. Stick to a Routine:
- Establish regular meal and snack times to help regulate your baby's appetite. Consistency can help your baby anticipate meals and snacks, making them more likely to eat when it's time to eat.

### 3. Serve Small, Frequent Meals:
- Offer small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to prevent your baby from getting too hungry between feedings. This can help maintain their energy levels and prevent them from becoming overly hungry, which can lead to picky eating.

### 4. Create a Positive Mealtime Environment:
- Make mealtimes enjoyable and relaxed by eating together as a family and providing positive reinforcement for healthy eating behaviors. Avoid pressuring or forcing your baby to eat, as this can create negative associations with food.

### 5. Offer Finger Foods and Self-Feeding Opportunities:
- Encourage your baby to feed themselves by offering age-appropriate finger foods and utensils. Allowing your baby to explore and interact with their food can increase their interest and independence at mealtime.

### 6. Be Creative with Presentation:
- Make meals visually appealing by arranging food in fun shapes or serving meals in colorful dishes. Incorporating a variety of textures and flavors can keep things interesting for your baby and stimulate their appetite.

### 7. Limit Distractions:
- Minimize distractions during mealtime by turning off the TV and removing toys or electronic devices from the table. This allows your baby to focus on eating and helps them tune in to their hunger cues.

### 8. Lead by Example:
- Be a positive role model by eating a variety of healthy foods yourself and demonstrating good eating habits. Your baby is more likely to try new foods and enjoy mealtime when they see you enjoying the same foods.

### 9. Offer Water between Meals:
- Encourage your baby to drink water between meals to stay hydrated. Limiting excessive juice or milk consumption can help prevent them from filling up on liquids and losing their appetite for solid foods.

### 10. Consult with a Pediatrician:
- If you have concerns about your baby's appetite or eating habits, consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance and recommendations. They can assess your baby's growth and development and provide tailored advice to address any concerns.

### Summary:
Stimulating your 1-year-6-month-old baby's appetite involves offering a variety of nutritious foods, establishing a consistent mealtime routine, creating a positive mealtime environment, and allowing your baby to explore and interact with their food. By following these strategies and consulting with your pediatrician as needed, you can help promote healthy eating habits and ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need for growth and development.