What to do when a baby is not eating?

Dr.Meena , 2 mins read

What to do when a baby is not eating?
This behaviour is common among toddlers because they have sensitive taste buds and are just learning to taste. This problem can be easily solved with some tricks and a little encouragement. You can also take the help of a paediatrician at Aakash Healthcare.

What to do?
It’s natural for parents to worry when their kids are not eating or not eating enough. But in such situations, instead of worrying or forcefully feeding them, stay calm to handle the situation and adopt the following techniques:

Create a routine: Make an eating timetable for your kid. Offering meals and snacks regularly will establish a predictable eating schedule.

Be patient: Don’t forcefully feed your baby. Respect their hunger cues and feed them accordingly. Remember it may take time for your baby to adjust to new foods, so be patient and continue offering nutritious options.

Offer variety: Expose your child to different tastes and textures by introducing a wide range of healthy foods.

Make mealtimes fun: This is an interesting way to make your child eat. Use colourful plates, create a positive atmosphere at home, and entertain them while feeding.

Check for illness or discomfort: Your child may refuse to feed if he/she is ill or experiencing tooth discomfort. If this is the reason, talk to your doctor for help.

Offer smaller, more frequent meals: There are times when babies don’t eat enough. So, in such cases, offer them small portions of food throughout the day.

Limit distractions: Doing this will make your task much easier. Minimise distractions like toys, TV or mobile phones during meals. This will help your baby to focus on eating.

Offer favourite foods: Try to know what your baby likes and what not. Offer them foods they like comprised of essential elements that can fulfil the developing needs of your child.

Encourage self-feeding: As your baby grows, encourage them to self-feed with finger foods or small utensils to foster independence and interest in eating.

Keep a food diary: Keep track of what your baby eats and their feeding patterns. This will provide you with insights on what should be done to bridge the gap. Also, it will help the healthcare professional to understand the situation better.

Tips for trying new foods:
1. Start small: Start with small portions of new foods alongside familiar favourites to make them less intimidating.

2. Lead by example: Children are more likely to learn from their parents. So, if you enjoy new foods around them, they will also get curious about them.

3. Be persistent: Remember that it takes multiple exposures before a child is willing to try a new food. So, be consistent.

If you're concerned about your baby's eating habits or weight, consult with a paediatrician or a registered dietitian for personalised guidance.