Ms. Mary Silva
Specializing in feeding and nutrition.
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 Ask Mary Silva
Infant Refusing to Eat Jarred Baby Food | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Ms. Silva,
I have an eight-month-old son who no longer likes to eat jarred baby food. Until recently, he enjoyed eating the different vegetables, fruits, and dinners. Now I have to force the food in his mouth. I've tried serving warm and cold foods, changing the types of foods I feed him, and feeding him at different times, but none of these attempts have been successful. Do you have any suggestions on what to try next?— Joy in Jacksonville, FL | | | ANSWER |
August 17, 2001 | | | Dear Joy,
It's common for babies to interrupt their usual feeding pattern for a short time. When babies stop eating solid foods they often make up for it by drinking more breast milk or formula. It sounds as if you've made some very good efforts to get your baby eating again. However, forcing food into a baby's mouth often backfires as the infant becomes more adamant in his refusal. Creating a pleasant atmosphere at feeding time is an important factor when trying to get a child to eat well.
You might try making sure your baby is hungry at mealtime. That is, allow approximately three hours between feedings and avoid giving formula before offering the food. Also some babies are more willing to accept soft-cooked (without sugar or salt) table foods than the puree-jarred food.
If your baby doesn't eat for a prolonged period of time or isn't drinking more breast milk or formula you should consult your pediatrician.
Good Luck!— by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. |
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