my little baby age 13 month . my baby is not eating.

Question

my little baby age 13 month  . my baby  is not eating.

Accepted Answer

It's common for toddlers to go through phases where they are picky or disinterested in food. Here are a few suggestions to help encourage your 13-month-old baby to eat:

1. Create a Routine

Establish a regular mealtime routine with 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day. Try to offer food at the same time every day, so your baby gets used to eating at those times.

2. Offer a Variety of Foods

Offer a wide variety of foods with different textures, colors, and tastes. Sometimes babies refuse food simply because they’re tired of eating the same thing. Try fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins (like eggs, chicken, or beans), and dairy (like cheese or yogurt).

3. Make Meals Fun

You can make food more appealing by cutting it into fun shapes or serving it with a little dip. Toddlers like to play with their food, so this can help.

4. Don't Force

Forcing a baby to eat can create negative associations with food. Instead, encourage eating by offering food without pressure, and let your baby explore the food at their own pace.

5. Offer Small, Frequent Meals

Toddlers often have small appetites, so offer smaller, more frequent meals or snacks instead of large meals that might overwhelm them.

6. Stay Calm and Patient

If your baby refuses food, don’t worry too much. They might eat better the next time. Keep offering a variety of nutritious foods without pressuring them.

7. Limit Snacks

Sometimes, toddlers will fill up on snacks and refuse meals. Try limiting snacks, especially sugary or salty ones, so that your baby is hungry at mealtime.

8. Consider Teething

If your baby is teething, they might be in discomfort and not feel like eating. Offer soft, cool foods that are easier to chew, such as mashed bananas, applesauce, or yogurt.

9. Check for Illness

If your baby’s appetite loss persists, consider checking with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.

Example Foods to Offer:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with mashed fruit or scrambled eggs with a side of toast

Lunch: Soft cooked vegetables, lentil soup, or cheese sandwich

Dinner: Small pieces of chicken, rice, or pasta with a veggie on the side

Snacks: Cheese sticks, fruit slices, yogurt, or crackers

If your baby continues to have trouble eating, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician for further advice.