Picky eaters

Some babies will, despite all your culinary efforts, focus on just two or three foods at a time, seemingly defying all laws of nutritional balance that everyone always emphasises the importance of. Don’t worry though, because this is very common and I find that one can actually never evaluate the balance of a baby’s diet over the course of anything less than three or four weeks, let alone a day. Babies often do this and then change to completely different foods for another phase. There is probably an excellent physiological reason. If baby is in good health, don’t worry! Remember that a baby’s or young child’s tummy is rather small (about the size of his clenched fist). His appetite might be smaller than you would expect.

What should I do if my baby refuses to eat?

If your baby simply clamps those jaws tightly shut, you might despair of ever getting any food past her lips.

• The most important thing is to take the heat off her for a few weeks and never make an issue about food. Chances are you have introduced food too soon and she is building up negative connotations. When you start again, adopt a totally different approach of simply making food available. Leave pieces of fruit in little bowls and make sure she has access at mealtimes, but do not set out to feed her.
• If she is thriving, her eyes sparkle and she is generally a well child, you have a clear indication that she is still in good nick and not necessarily in need of more or different nutrition. Many babies only start becoming really interested in food closer to a year to the horror of moms, clinic sisters and doctors alike. Sometimes a healthy dose of common sense must prevail though, so if you can see that your baby is just fine, do not force the issue.
• If your baby is not thriving, supplementation on the advice of your doctor would be essential. There are also two tissue salt remedies that are excellent for babies and small children who seem not to thrive. These are Calc phos and Silicea – give one tablet of each, crushed and dissolved in a teaspoon of water, thrice daily.

Starting solids: How much should my baby eat?
 

solids, baby, weaning, first foods, fussy eaters