my baby play more with food bt doesn't eat... I have treied different dishes bt he rejects to eat it as it tastes new to him...not getting wt to do? please help

Question

Accepted Answer

Namaste Mom,

Currently the toddler diet should consists of all family foods now, though the consistency need to be soft as per his teeth development,
You could give him food from your plate

Accepted Answer

It can be frustrating when a baby plays with food but refuses to eat, and this is a common challenge many parents face. Here are some strategies you can try to help encourage your baby to eat and enjoy mealtime:

1. Make Mealtime Fun and Relaxed:

Keep mealtimes relaxed and pressure-free. If your baby feels stressed or forced to eat, they may resist more. Make mealtime an enjoyable experience by creating a positive, happy atmosphere.

2. Encourage Self-Feeding:

Allow your baby to explore food through touch and play. While it may seem like they are just playing, this is how babies learn about food textures and tastes. Encourage finger foods that are easy to pick up, like small, soft pieces of fruits, vegetables, or bread.

3. Lead by Example:

Babies learn by watching their parents. Sit together as a family during meals and let your baby see you enjoying the same food. They may feel more encouraged to try it if they see others eating it.

4. Offer Familiar Foods with New Ones:

If your baby is rejecting new foods, try serving them alongside familiar foods they already enjoy. This might make them more comfortable trying something new.

5. Small Portions and Repeated Exposure:

Offer very small portions of new foods at first. Babies may need multiple exposures (up to 10-15 times) to new foods before they accept them. Don't be discouraged if they reject it at first—keep offering it periodically without pressure.

6. Try Different Textures and Flavors:

Some babies prefer smooth textures, while others like chunkier or finger foods. Experiment with different textures (purees, mashed, chopped) and flavors to see what your baby prefers. Also, avoid too much salt or sugar.

7. Set a Mealtime Routine:

Create a consistent schedule for meals and snacks. Babies do better with structure, and having regular mealtimes can help establish a routine where they know when it’s time to eat.

8. Limit Snacks and Milk Between Meals:

If your baby fills up on snacks or drinks too much milk between meals, they may not be hungry during mealtime. Try to limit snacks and ensure they are hungry but not overly so at meal times.

9. Be Patient and Avoid Pressure:

Some babies take longer to develop an interest in eating. Avoid pressuring or bribing your baby to eat. Instead, offer the food and let them decide how much they want to eat. Over time, they may become more interested.

10. Use a Variety of Colors and Shapes:

Make the food visually appealing by using a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. You can even cut them into fun shapes or arrange them in patterns to make the food more attractive to your baby.

11. Praise and Positive Reinforcement:

When your baby does eat, even a small bite, offer praise and encouragement. Positive reinforcement helps create a connection between eating and feeling good.

12. Consider Consulting a Pediatrician:

If your baby consistently refuses to eat or has difficulty gaining weight, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician. They can assess if there are any underlying issues like feeding aversions or sensitivities.

By giving your baby time to explore and experiment with food in a low-pressure way, they are more likely to become curious and open to trying new things.