Tips for when your baby won’t eat – how to solve food refusal

Your baby suddenly not wanting to eat can cause both worry and frustration. However, refusal to eat is common and something most parents experience at some point. Here’s some advice on why it happens and how you can help your baby.

Why won’t your baby eat?

Refusing food does not always mean that the baby dislikes the food or is not hungry. Young children often show resistance by playing with their food, throwing it on the floor or simply refusing to open their mouths. This is usually due to factors other than the food itself, such as tiredness, stress or bad timing.

Common reasons why your baby refuses to eat

• Overtiredness: Babies who are too tired have more difficulty focusing and eating calmly.
  
• Timing of the meal: If the baby has recently been breastfed or formula fed, hunger may have been reduced.
  
• Too large portions or too many choices: Overwhelming quantities or options can create stress.
  
• Play and throwing food: Babies explore and learn through play, including at the dinner table.
  

8 tips to get your baby to eat better

1. Avoid overtiredness: Plan the meal when the baby is rested and calm.
   
2. Offer a little food at a time: Put small amounts on the plate to avoid overwhelming emotions.
   
3. Food from your plate: Babies love to mimic their parents, let them taste from your food.
   
4. Divert attention: Talk calmly or sing a song to reduce stress.
   
5. Sit on your lap: The baby may feel safer and more inclined to eat on your lap.
   
6. Balancing breastfeeding and food: Breastfeed or formula feed with some margin before meals.
   
7. Favorite food as a gateway: Combine new food with something the baby already likes.
   
8. Be patient: Be patient, babies’ appetites often go in periods.
   

Picking food – a way to enjoy food

Picking food is an effective way to stimulate food enjoyment and curiosity in your baby. Allowing your baby to explore the colors, textures and flavors of food increases the chances that your baby will be curious and more willing to eat.

How to stay patient when food becomes a struggle

It’s natural to feel frustrated when your baby doesn’t want to eat. Try to see feeding time as a positive time for exploration, rather than a must. Breathe calmly, be present and focus on positive reinforcements rather than the amount of food your baby is eating.

Executive summary

Your baby not wanting to eat is often a passing phase. Understanding why this happens and using smart strategies like picky eating and a calm mealtime environment can make it easier for both you and your baby. Also explore our range of baby spoons.