Is a Baby’s Small Appetite a Sign of Picky Eating?

Question

Is a baby’s small appetite considered picky eating? Should a baby with malnutrition, weighing only 18 pounds, also be concerned about picky eating issues? What was the past treatment situation?

Answer

A small appetite in babies may not be a sign of picky eating but could be an indication of malnutrition. Here are some recommended measures: establish regular meal times, avoid distractions during meals; provide an appropriate amount of food and encourage the child to try various types of food; use positive language and demonstration to encourage the child to approach foods they dislike. At the same time, parents should avoid overpressure to prevent children from using food as a tool to manipulate parents.