{"id":3027,"date":"2017-04-26T17:37:36","date_gmt":"2017-04-26T15:37:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cookingformybaby.com\/en\/?p=3027"},"modified":"2023-07-10T15:00:11","modified_gmt":"2023-07-10T13:00:11","slug":"my-baby-refuses-to-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookingformybaby.com\/en\/my-baby-refuses-to-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"My baby refuses to eat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Baby was eating so well, we were so proud! A true foodie, devouring all the purees and compotes we offered. And then one day… almost overnight… nothing: baby won’t eat! Only accepting a few spoonfuls of puree (if even that). We spend time in the kitchen, thinking they’ll love it, but no, nothing works: baby refuses to eat, categorically rejecting all their little jars.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We start to worry, thinking that if they don’t eat, they’ll lose weight, won’t be healthy, it’s not normal.<\/p>\n

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Why won’t baby eat?<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

There can be several causes. First, let’s try to put ourselves in their shoes and ask ourselves, “Don’t I sometimes have periods when I’m less hungry?” The answer in 95% of cases is “YES!”<\/p>\n

Baby may not want to eat because they’re coming down with a viral illness<\/strong>, such as a sore throat: it hurts when food passes through their windpipe, so they refuse subsequent spoonfuls.<\/p>\n

Baby may also be going through a more stressful period than usual<\/strong>: moving, changes in daycare staff or location, vacation destinations…<\/p>\n

Teething pain<\/strong> could be the culprit: they’re tired<\/strong>, feverish. Let’s not force them and be patient. (Oh, teething woes).<\/p>\n

You may be feeling stressed yourself<\/strong>, and baby can pick up on that: they’re real sponges, these babies!<\/p>\n

If this period lasts for an extended period (several weeks or even months…), it could be food neophobia. Don’t panic when reading these words! Click here to learn more 😉<\/p>\n

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What to do when baby refuses to eat?<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

First, let’s alleviate any guilt: IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT!<\/strong> (Make sure others understand this too…!)<\/p>\n

There’s no magic remedy, and the best thing to do is to make an appointment with the pediatrician<\/strong>. They can help identify the cause and, most importantly, reassure you that it’s not serious and that everything will return to normal with time.<\/p>\n

In these situations, we often try all sorts of strategies. And the first one: acting silly to distract baby and make them swallow their puree as if nothing is wrong. Mmmm… Why not. But above all: do not force baby to eat when they refuse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

At best, they’ll spit out what’s in their mouth, at worst, they’ll swallow and eventually vomit it all up, making matters worse!<\/p>\n

Know that almost all parents encounter this situation at least once. And then, one day, baby starts eating normally again, as if by magic, and everything falls back into place!<\/p>\n

Try giving cold puree<\/strong>. If baby is sick and has a sore throat, cold can relieve the pain, and smooth, cold puree will be much more appreciated.<\/p>\n

It could also be that baby is ready for the next step: transitioning to solid pieces! They’re tired of their purees and let you know. You can always test it out and add some texture to their little jars!<\/p>\n

PS: There are two recipes that babies really enjoy in situations like this… it’s the turkey blanquette recipe for babies (From 6 months) and the miracle soup (From 6 months)<\/a>! Feel free to try them and give me feedback 🙂<\/p>\n

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Conclusion:<\/strong><\/span> If baby refuses to eat:<\/p>\n

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  1. Consult baby’s pediatrician for reassurance.<\/li>\n
  2. Do not force baby to eat!<\/li>\n
  3. Be patient… everything will return to normal 😉<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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