My child 2 year 5 months completed, past one week he refusing all food. Only water and milk with 1/2 tsp jaggery intake. Daily Empty stomach Iron syrup given. What to do? How to increase appetite? Kindly give me suggestions?

Question

My child 2 year 5 months completed, past one week he refusing all food. Only water and milk with 1/2 tsp jaggery  intake. Daily Empty stomach Iron syrup given. What to do? How to increase appetite? Kindly give me suggestions?

Accepted Answer

It can be concerning when a toddler suddenly refuses food, especially if it persists for a week or more. Here are some tips to help increase your child's appetite and encourage them to eat:

### 1. **Offer Small, Frequent Meals**:
   - Instead of large meals, offer smaller portions of nutritious foods throughout the day. Toddlers may prefer to eat smaller amounts more frequently.

### 2. **Create a Positive Mealtime Environment**:
   - Make mealtimes enjoyable and relaxed. Sit together as a family and avoid distractions like TV or devices. Offer praise and encouragement for trying new foods.

### 3. **Serve Nutrient-Dense Foods**:
   - Offer a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish, beans), and dairy products.

### 4. **Be Patient with Preferences**:
   - Toddlers may go through phases where they prefer certain foods over others. Offer a variety of foods and respect their preferences while encouraging them to try new things.

### 5. **Limit Milk Intake**:
   - While milk is important, excessive consumption can fill up your child's stomach and reduce their appetite for solid foods. Limit milk to around 16-24 ounces per day.

### 6. **Stay Consistent with Meal and Snack Times**:
   - Establish regular meal and snack times to help regulate your child's appetite and ensure they get enough opportunities to eat throughout the day.

### 7. **Offer Finger Foods**:
   - Allow your child to explore and feed themselves with finger foods. This can encourage independence and make mealtime more engaging.

### 8. **Include Iron-Rich Foods**:
   - Iron syrup is important for your child's development, but also include natural sources of iron in their diet such as lean meats, beans, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables.

### 9. **Consult Your Pediatrician**:
   - If your child's appetite does not improve or if there are other concerning symptoms (such as weight loss, lethargy), consult your pediatrician. They can assess for any underlying issues and provide further guidance.

### 10. **Be Patient and Supportive**:
   - It's common for toddlers to have periods of picky eating. Stay patient, offer a variety of healthy foods, and continue to offer meals in a positive and supportive manner.

By following these tips and maintaining a positive approach to mealtimes, you can help encourage your child to eat and ensure they receive adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development.