#asktheexpert My son is very fussy about food for quite sometime I've tried different kind of food but he doesn't want to eat he spits out everything I have reverted to mash his food back to pasty consistentsy as it's easier to make him swallow that too with the tv on its been going on for 2 3 months before he eats everything

A. It sounds like your son is having difficulty with food, which can be quite common at certain stages of development, especially around the age when they begin transitioning to solids. Since you’ve already tried different foods and reverted to smashing it back to a pasty consistency, here are a few suggestions to help encourage his eating habits: 1. Consistency and Patience: Try small portions: Serve smaller amounts of food to avoid overwhelming him. Sometimes, children refuse food if they see too much on their plate. Consistency is key: Keep offering a variety of foods at each meal, even if he rejects them at first. It can take several attempts before a child accepts a new food. Avoid force-feeding: If he resists eating, avoid forcing food into his mouth, as this can create negative associations with mealtime. 2. Incorporate Fun into Meals: Make food fun: Sometimes, kids are more interested in eating if the food is shaped in fun ways, or if you allow them to engage with their food (like picking up soft, finger-friendly foods). Food play: Let him touch and play with food. It can make him more comfortable with the idea of eating. Even if he doesn’t eat much at first, this can help build a positive relationship with food. 3. Offer Finger Foods: If you haven’t tried it already, finger foods could be more appealing. Offer small pieces of soft fruit, steamed vegetables, cheese, or crackers. It might be easier for him to feed himself, and he may enjoy the independence. Soft fruits like banana, steamed carrot or sweet potato pieces, or small pieces of pancake could be good options. 4. Routine and Environment: Try to establish a regular mealtime routine where he sits at the table with you and the family. Children often eat better when they see others eating. Ensure that mealtime is a positive experience—keep distractions to a minimum (like TV or toys) so he can focus on eating. 5. Incorporate Nutrient-Rich Foods: You can try mixing foods that he likes with some new ones. For instance, mix mashed vegetables with mashed potatoes or mix a favorite fruit with yogurt. Smoothies are a great way to add nutritious foods like spinach, kale, avocado, and berries in a form that might be easier for him to accept. Use a fun straw or cup to make it more appealing. 6. Monitor Growth and Hydration: If your son is still growing well and maintaining a healthy weight, occasional food resistance might not be a major concern. However, ensure he stays hydrated and gets nutrients from other sources if he’s rejecting solid foods. 7. Check for Medical Concerns: If this food refusal is persistent, and he’s not showing interest in food at all, it could be worth discussing with your pediatrician. In some cases, there could be an underlying issue like teething, digestive discomfort, or even oral motor difficulties that might be affecting his ability to eat. 8. Teething and Discomfort: Teething might be contributing to his food resistance. If he’s teething, his gums could be sore, and this might cause him to reject foods that are too hard or textured. In such cases, offering cooler foods or softer, smoother textures may help soothe him. If the food rejection persists and affects his overall growth, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician or a pediatric dietitian for further advice or evaluation. They might be able to identify any specific causes or recommend strategies for improving his eating habits.