Dealing Picky Eatings In Babies: Here Is How To encourage Healthy Eating

Picky eating in babies gets frustrating experience for parents. When a child is in a growing stage, their eating habits and appetite often changes and slows down. Preferences for their own food choice developed in. One day they might love curd, and the next day they would refuse to touch it. This phase is a normal part of growth and development, but it often leaves parents wondering that is their child getting proper nourishment and nutrition.

If your child is not eating certain foods, you are not alone in this mealtime struggles, around 20 to 50 percent of children are considered to be picky eaters. Parents need to be very careful when providing their kids with food, try making them eat healthy, give them nutritious filled food choices. And the key is to keep patience and do not feel pressurised. With time, variety, and a little bit of fusion or creativity babies usually improve.

Signs Your Baby Is a Picky Eater

• The child will turn away their head when the spoon comes near them, avoiding taking a bite altogether.
• They use their hands to refuse eating by pushing the food away. It is one of the signs that show either your baby is a picky eater and is not interested in having that food, or they are full.
• Children who are picky eaters often refuse to eat food by keeping their mouth closed and their unwillingness to open it, even if it is their favourite food.
• Sometimes the child shows tantrum. They might try the food and take a bite, but later on will spit it out if they dislike the taste or its texture.
• Discomfort, disinterest, or disliking can be signals, when the child cries, whines, or get restless when eating.
• During the time of teething or when the child is feeling unwell can also be the reason your child is refusing to eat certain foods.
• Picky eating in babies is sometimes seen when the child is in need of time to adjust to solid foods.
• When the child’s digestive system is still developing, it can also affect how much and what babies are willing to consume.
• Occasionally refusing to eat food is not concerning, if the child is developing well and is gaining weight.

If challenges in feeding persist for too long, talking and consulting to paediatricians is needed to rule out the cornering issues.

Picky Eating in Babies: Tips and Strategies for Managing It

Picking eating in babies is a very common challenge faced by parents, but it is not necessary to make every mealtime stressful. When growing up, babies develop certain taste buds and according to that they have preferences in certain food items. Textures, and sometimes even the way they are being served. But don’t worry, with little bit of encouragement and few creative strategies, you can help your child enjoy more varied diet.

Few tips parents need to adhere to:

• No force-feeding: Do not force your baby to eat, it can make them associate eating with stress. If they are turning away and showing signs of being full, back off then and there.
• Provide your child with different textures: Some babies might like to have soft, mashed meals, while other might like food in which they need to bite. Always experiment with new food and see what is working for you and your child.
• Healthy options: Avoid giving your baby junk food, in a pressure to make them eat. Keep food filled with nutritions and with time they will develop taste buds accordingly.
• Avoid distraction: Create a proper eating environment by setting up a table. Teach them table manners and turn off the TV, and keep the toys away.
• Short meals: To keep up with the interest, aim for only 20 to 30 minutes of meal time.
• Mealtime means family time: Make a habit of having time together with family, it encourages babies to develop healthy habits and encourages them to eat.
• Exploring of food: It is important for babies to explore what they are consuming, so allow them to smell, touch, and play with the food.
• Keep calm: Getting adapted to new eating habits takes time for babies, so give them time and let them accept something unfamiliar for them at their own pace.
• Introducing varieties: Expand their plate by introducing new types of food like pasta, pizzas, and salads.
• Involvement: Take their help in picking vegetables or string of food.

Always remember, picky eating in babies is sometimes just a phase that with time will pass. So be relaxed and stay positive. Be vigilant about providing your baby with more choices that are healthy.

Meal Ideas for Picky Eating Toddlers and Babies

Ideas for breakfast:

• Cereals with less sugar
• Fruits like banana, apple, or papaya
• Eggs and bread
• Porridge

Ideas for lunch:

• Curry food
• Vegetable pasta
• Baked beans
• Scrambled eggs

Ideas for dinner:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice with curry
• Rice with peas
• Vegetable rice
• Curry and breads

Ideas for snacks:

• Fruits
• Cheese
• Sprouts
• Flavoured yogurts

Final Verdict: What Blogger Has to Say About It?

Don’t worry if your baby is turning their nose up at green vegetables today. Babies are food explorers when they are in their growing stage, sometimes they need different food choices and dozens of dishes before taking the first bite. Your job is to keep the vibe light, offer good food and show them you also like and enjoy eating that food. So, keep trying and trying and one day finally you will succeed.