POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy11 months agoA. If your one-year-old is refusing to eat solid food and drink milk, here are some strategies to encourage better eating habits:
1. Variety of Foods: Offer a variety of foods with different textures, colors, and flavors. Sometimes, presentation can make a difference.
2. Modeling Behavior: Eat together as a family. Children often mimic the eating habits of adults, so seeing you enjoy food can encourage them to try it.
3. Finger Foods: Offer small, manageable pieces of soft foods that your baby can pick up and explore, such as cooked vegetables, fruits, or soft bread.
4. Routine: Establish a consistent meal schedule. Babies thrive on routine, so try to serve meals and snacks at the same times each day.
5. Minimize Distractions: Turn off screens and create a calm eating environment to help your baby focus on food.
6. Incorporate Favorites: If your child has any preferred foods, incorporate them into meals or use them to entice them to try other foods.
7. Avoid Force-Feeding: Pressuring your baby to eat can create negative associations with food. Instead, encourage them gently and offer choices.
8. Check Milk Intake: If your baby is refusing milk, consider alternative sources of calcium, like yogurt or cheese, if they are being introduced.
9. Consult a Pediatrician: If your baby continues to refuse food and milk, or if you're concerned about their growth and nutrition, consult a pediatrician or a nutritionist for personalized advice and possible evaluations.
It's normal for toddlers to have fluctuating appetites, but persistence and patience are key.
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