Question

Hello, what should I do if my baby, who is one and a half years old, doesn’t want to eat?

Answer

There are many reasons why a baby might not want to eat. Lack of calcium and zinc, improper feeding, and climate influence are common causes. It’s important to pay attention and avoid letting the baby go for long periods without eating due to physical discomfort. If the baby shows symptoms of loss of appetite, bloating, or vomiting, it’s necessary to adjust the diet and encourage the baby to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables while reducing the intake of greasy, hard-to-digest foods. It’s also essential to help the baby break the habit of eating alone or having a preference for certain foods. Additionally, to stimulate the baby’s appetite, you can try the following methods:

  1. Offer a variety of food choices, including fruits, meats, and grains with different colors and textures.
  2. Set fixed meal times and maintain regularity to help the baby develop a habit of eating.
  3. Ensure that the baby is in a quiet and comfortable environment during meals, avoiding distractions and stress.
  4. Try to eat with the baby to provide social and learning opportunities. Imitating adult eating habits can also stimulate their appetite.
  5. Avoid over-reliance on milk formula and snacks to prevent affecting the baby’s appetite for regular meals.
  6. Before meals, you can offer the baby a small appetizer like fruit or a small snack to stimulate their appetite.
  7. If the baby still refuses to eat, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor or pediatric nutritionist promptly to understand the specific situation of your baby and receive proper guidance. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you. If the problem persists, please seek professional assistance as soon as possible.