my baby is 1 year 2 months old. he doesn't eat anything. what should I do?

Question

my baby is 1 year 2 months old. he doesn't eat anything.  what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If your one-year-old is not eating well, it can be concerning. Here are some steps you can take to encourage better eating habits:

### **1. Ensure a Healthy Appetite:**

- **Regular Meals:** Establish a consistent schedule for meals and snacks. This helps create a routine and sets expectations for eating times.
- **Avoid Grazing:** Limit snacks between meals to avoid spoiling his appetite for main meals.

### **2. Offer a Variety of Foods:**

- **Different Textures and Flavors:** Provide a range of textures and flavors to make meals more appealing. Include fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
- **Small Portions:** Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming him. He can always ask for more if he's still hungry.

### **3. Make Mealtimes Enjoyable:**

- **Positive Environment:** Create a calm and pleasant eating environment. Avoid distractions like TV or toys during meals.
- **Family Meals:** Eat together as a family when possible. Children often mimic the eating habits of those around them.

### **4. Encourage Self-Feeding:**

- **Finger Foods:** Offer finger foods or allow him to feed himself. This can increase his interest in eating.
- **Safe Utensils:** Provide child-friendly utensils to help him learn to eat on his own.

### **5. Be Patient and Persistent:**

- **No Pressure:** Avoid pressuring him to eat. This can create negative associations with mealtimes.
- **Try Again:** It may take multiple exposures to new foods before he accepts them. Continue offering new foods alongside familiar ones.

### **6. Monitor for Health Issues:**

- **Check for Illness:** If he’s not eating and shows signs of illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea), consult your pediatrician.
- **Growth and Development:** Ensure he’s growing and developing normally. Your pediatrician can assess if there are any underlying concerns.

### **7. Create a Balanced Diet:**

- **Nutrient-Dense Foods:** Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Options include fortified cereals, pureed or finely chopped vegetables, fruits, and protein sources like lentils and small pieces of soft-cooked meat.

### **8. Encourage Exploration:**

- **Involvement:** Let him explore and interact with food. Sometimes touching and playing with food can increase interest in eating it.

### **9. Avoid Filling Up on Milk:**

- **Balanced Intake:** Ensure he’s not drinking too much milk, which can reduce his appetite for solid foods. Follow the recommended guidelines for milk intake.

If these strategies do not help and his eating problems persist, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.