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.
We start to worry, thinking that if they don’t eat, they’ll lose weight, won’t be healthy, it’s not normal.
Why won’t baby eat?
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!”
Baby may not want to eat because they’re coming down with a viral illness, such as a sore throat: it hurts when food passes through their windpipe, so they refuse subsequent spoonfuls.
Baby may also be going through a more stressful period than usual: moving, changes in daycare staff or location, vacation destinations…
Teething pain could be the culprit: they’re tired, feverish. Let’s not force them and be patient. (Oh, teething woes).
You may be feeling stressed yourself, and baby can pick up on that: they’re real sponges, these babies!
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 😉
What to do when baby refuses to eat?
First, let’s alleviate any guilt: IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT! (Make sure others understand this too…!)
There’s no magic remedy, and the best thing to do is to make an appointment with the pediatrician. 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.
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.
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!
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!
Try giving cold puree. If baby is sick and has a sore throat, cold can relieve the pain, and smooth, cold puree will be much more appreciated.
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!
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)! Feel free to try them and give me feedback 🙂
Conclusion: If baby refuses to eat:
- Consult baby’s pediatrician for reassurance.
- Do not force baby to eat!
- Be patient… everything will return to normal 😉
- [adinserter block="11"]
Your baby may also like
How to start solid foods for babies? (30-day schedule)
10/19/2016How to dress baby for sleep at night? (Depending on the temperature of the room)
06/13/2017First pear compote recipe for babies (from 4 months)
10/06/2023Is My Baby Ready to Start Solid Foods?
07/19/2023First apple compote recipe for babies (from 4 months)
10/06/2023When and how to start solids for babies?
08/15/2016Introducing Solid Foods: How Much Should Baby Eat Each Day? (Chart)
08/22/2016The Equipment I Use for Preparing Baby Meals
08/20/2016Dairy products for babies: Yogurt, Petit-Suisse, Cheese… What to Give?
09/15/2016Baby food storage : Refrigerator, Freezer, equipment…
12/17/2016