Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Feeding a baby can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting. Things can be even tougher when your little one is a fussy eater. The problem is more common than you think as WebMD reports 20-50% of babies being picky eaters. They become cranky at mealtimes and spit out food, making it a daily struggle for parents.
Many new moms feel overwhelmed or become distressed during feeding times. They worry about the health and growth of their infant. If you are one of them, you probably know the pain of the process. However, experienced mothers have shared valuable insights that can help overcome these feeding challenges.
In this article, we will share a few proven secrets that can make feeding a fussy infant more manageable.
#1: Learn to Recognize Hunger Cues
Babies are sometimes not able to express themselves, particularly when they don’t speak. Healthline notes that parents must be vigilant about the signs indicating that the baby is hungry. Even a newborn knows how to signal hunger, so you must learn to recognize the cues from the start.
Watch for hand-to-mouth movements as the infant will bring their hands to their mouths or suck on their fists. Lip-smacking and restlessness are other hunger cues that even fussy babies give. The best piece of advice is to take advantage of the time when they want to eat. Try to feed your baby as soon as you notice these signs.
At times, you may want to wait a bit because you think that a hungrier baby will not throw tantrums. However, things may not work as hunger can lead to increased fussiness and stress for both of you.
What should I do if my baby refuses to eat?
Do not panic if your baby refuses to eat, and avoid forcing them to do it. There are chances that your infant may not be hungry at that time. Monitor their feeding times and ensure proper intervals between meals. Keep an eye on hunger cues and try feeding them when they actually want to eat.
#2: Create a Calm Feeding Environment
According to Healthy Eating Research, a calm feeding environment is essential when dealing with an infant. You can do it by interacting warmly with your baby and ensuring that there are no distractions. Avoid smartphones even if they seem to ease the process because they can eventually worsen the issue.
A peaceful atmosphere can impact your baby’s willingness to feed. Moms recommend dimming the lights to create a soothing environment. Gentle background noise can calm your little one during feeding times. Also, ensure a proper comfortable position in a feeding chair so that the baby feels secure.
#3: Offer What They Like
Picky eaters are generally clear about the food they like. You cannot force them to eat anything else. Understanding your baby’s preferences can make a difference in their willingness to eat. However, you also need to choose food options that provide optimal nourishment and health benefits.
Experiment with home-cooked meals and in-store products. You can play with flavors and textures to see what the little one likes. When buying baby food from stores, dig deep to research the brands and products. Not all brands and products can be trusted. The recent toxic baby food lawsuit is a reason to worry for parents.
TorHoerman Law names leading brands like Gerber (formerly owned by Nestle), Hain (Earth’s Best Organic), Beech-Nut, and Nurture Inc. (Happy Family Organics and HappyBABY as defendants. These brands are facing litigation due to the use of toxic heavy metals as ingredients in their products.
When should I introduce solid food for my baby?
Most pediatricians recommend introducing solid foods around six months of age. This is the time when babies show readiness signs such as showing interest in food and sitting up with support. Always consult with your pediatrician before starting solids as they will decide whether the transition aligns with your baby’s developmental needs.
#4: Maintain a Food Diary
Your baby’s preferences may change with time, making feeding a bigger struggle for parents of picky eaters. Instead of taking a set-and-forget approach, you will have to monitor your infant’s reactions to different foods.
The best way to do it is by maintaining a meal diary. Track which foods your baby enjoys to identify favorites and avoid foods that lead to fussiness. You can even create a cookbook with recipes personalized according to the child’s likes and dislikes.
The Bump has a list of recipes that 8-10-month-old babies may enjoy. These include salads, purees, mashes, scrambles, and baked items made with easily available ingredients at home. You can experiment with them and mix up different dishes to find a perfect meal plan for your picky eater.
Remember to be patient with new foods. You want to offer what they like, but it may take several attempts before a baby accepts a new taste. Keep offering without pressure and be ready to accept their preference.
Is home-cooked food better than store-bought baby food?
Home-cooked foods are regarded as healthier than store-bought products as they are low in sodium and sugar. Moreover, you need not worry about toxic ingredients as long as you use organic produce to cook for your baby. You also have more room for experimentation with home-cooked meals.
Raising a picky eater is not easy as you always seem to struggle with feeding your little one. However, these secrets can help you ensure happy mealtimes and a healthy baby. Most importantly, be calm and patient because stress and forced feeding will only compound your problems.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
