My baby is 9 months old, exclusively on breastfeed
He is rejecting formula milk or cow milk completely and is not eating much as well. Rejecting food offered to him. What should I do?

Question

My baby is 9 months old, exclusively on breastfeed 
He is rejecting formula milk or cow milk completely and is not eating much as well. Rejecting food offered to him. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

It's common for some babies around 9 months to go through phases where they are picky eaters or show a preference for breast milk over formula or cow's milk. At this stage, your baby is likely developing preferences, and the transition from breast milk to solid foods and other types of milk can be challenging.

Here are some things you can try to encourage your baby to eat or drink:

1. Keep Offering Formula or Cow Milk:

It’s important to keep offering the formula or cow’s milk regularly even if your baby refuses it. Sometimes, babies may take some time to get used to new tastes or textures. You can try offering it at different temperatures (warm or cool) and in a sippy cup or bottle with a different nipple type.

2. Introduce Milk in Small Amounts:

Instead of offering a full bottle or cup of milk, try offering small amounts during the day in between meals. You can mix the milk with some breast milk to make it more familiar and gradually decrease the breast milk ratio.

3. Focus on Solids:

Since your baby is rejecting formula or cow milk, ensure he is getting enough nutrition from solid foods. At this age, babies should be eating a variety of solid foods, such as:

Mashed vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin)

Fruits (banana, apple, pear, avocado)

Soft cereals or porridge made with oats or rice

Soft, cooked meat (chicken, fish) or lentils

Cheese (small pieces of cheese or cottage cheese)

You can offer food in small pieces or finger foods, as babies at this age often enjoy feeding themselves.

4. Be Patient and Persistent:

It's normal for babies to go through phases of refusing certain foods or milk. Keep offering a variety of options and try to remain calm, as babies can often sense frustration. It may take a while before they accept new foods or milk.

5. Make Mealtime Fun:

Encourage your baby to explore food with different textures, colors, and shapes. You can make mealtime more engaging by offering finger foods, using fun plates or cups, or making a game out of feeding.

6. Avoid Force-Feeding:

Try not to force feed your baby. If they refuse, it's best to stop and try again later. Pressuring them can create negative associations with food.

7. Maintain Consistency:

Babies need consistency to develop a routine. Offer food and milk regularly, and try to keep a consistent mealtime schedule.

8. Look for Signs of Illness:

Sometimes, refusal to eat or drink can be linked to teething, mild illness, or discomfort. Keep an eye on other symptoms like fever, irritability, or changes in bowel movements, and consult your pediatrician if you notice any signs of illness or discomfort.

9. Breastfeeding as a Source of Nutrition:

If your baby is still breastfeeding frequently, that’s perfectly fine. At 9 months, breast milk continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and hydration. It’s normal for some babies to continue to prefer breastfeeding over formula or cow’s milk at this stage.

10. Consult Your Pediatrician:

If your baby continues to reject milk or food and isn’t gaining weight or showing signs of growth, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. Your pediatrician may also provide guidance on introducing other milk options or foods in a way that suits your baby.

Summary:

Keep offering formula, cow's milk, and solids regularly.

Introduce solids gradually in fun and manageable ways.

Be patient and offer a variety of tastes and textures.

If the issue persists, consider consulting your pediatrician to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.

At this stage, many babies continue to get most of their nutrition from breast milk, so as long as your baby is growing and developing normally, there's no need to worry excessively.

My baby is 9 months old, exclusively on breastfeed He is rejecting formula milk or cow milk completely and is not eating much as well. Rejecting food offered to him. What should I do?