When your baby refuses to eat, it can be very stressful and worrying for parents. However, there are some common reasons why babies go through phases of food refusal, and understanding these reasons can help you get your baby back on track with eating. In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of food refusal in babies and tips to overcome them.
Why Babies Refuse Food
There are a variety of reasons why babies may start refusing foods they previously ate without issue. Here are some of the most common causes:
Growth Spurts
Babies go through growth spurts where they need extra calories and nutrition. During these spurts, they may eat more than usual or seem hungrier. However, sometimes a growth spurt can also cause decreased appetite for a day or two. Their bodies are working hard on development, which can temporarily suppress appetite. This is normal and appetite will likely bounce back quickly.
Teething
Teething pain can make eating uncomfortable for babies. Swollen gums and new teeth popping through are painful! Babies may refuse foods, especially hard foods, while teething discomfort is present. Offering softer foods that don’t require much chewing can help during teething periods.
Illness
When babies are sick with a cold, ear infection, or other illness, appetite can decrease. Their bodies are working hard to fight off infection, which can temporarily suppress hunger signals. Appetite usually returns to normal once illness passes. Don’t force food if your baby is ill and has no appetite.
Medications
If your baby is taking any medications, a side effect may be decreased appetite. Check with your pediatrician if you notice appetite changes after starting a new medication. They may recommend adjusting dosage or switching medications if needed.
Oral Motor Delay
Some babies have an oral motor delay, meaning the muscles and coordination needed for eating solid foods are underdeveloped. These babies often prefer smooth purees and resist foods with more texture. Working with a pediatric feeding therapist can help overcome these delays.
Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, is when the frenulum (tissue connecting tongue to floor of mouth) is too tight. This can restrict tongue movement needed for eating. Getting the tongue-tie corrected by a pediatric dentist or ENT can help baby eat normally.
Reflux
Babies with reflux often experience pain and discomfort when eating. Food intake may trigger their reflux symptoms. Your pediatrician can help diagnose and treat reflux if it’s suspected as an appetite suppressant.
Food Allergies
Allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients may cause babies to refuse foods. This is the body’s way of avoiding an irritant. Common food allergens include cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, and shellfish. An allergy test can identify the culprit.
Distraction
Babies are easily distractible, especially as they become more mobile and eager to explore their surroundings. They may be more interested in playing than focused on eating. Minimizing distractions and making mealtimes engaging can sustain attention.
Too Much Snacking
If babies are still hungry for meals after frequent snacking, it can diminish their appetite. Limit snacks to 1-2 between meals so they come to meals with healthy hunger.
Tips to Get Your Baby Eating Again
If your baby is refusing foods due to one of the reasons above, there are strategies you can try to overcome the food refusal and disinterest:
- Don’t force feed. Forcing food when your baby is uninterested sets up a negative association with eating. This can worsen food refusals.
- Offer smaller portions. Babies are often easily overwhelmed by large amounts of food. Start with just a few bites and let them request more.
- Try different food temperatures. Some babies prefer warm foods, while others like cold items. Switch it up to see if temperature affects interest.
- Focus on one food at a time. Combining many foods can be confusing. Stick to just one item, like sweet potato, to establish liking.
- Make a game out of eating. Using a “choo choo train” motion or “flying airplanes” into their mouth can make eating more playful.
- Minimize distractions. Feed in a quiet, low-stimulation space without toys, TV, or other disruptions.
- Change up textures. If refusing certain textures, try a different one. Alternate mashed foods with finger foods.
- Be patient and relaxed. Babies pick up on parental stress at mealtimes. Stay calm and make it a positive experience.
- Consult your pediatrician. If refusal lasts more than a few days or causes weight issues, seek medical guidance.
- See a feeding therapist. For long-term feeding difficulties, a specialist can assess oral motor skills and give feeding therapy.
With time and consistency, your baby’s appetite will likely bounce back once the phase has passed. Reach out for support if food refusal becomes an ongoing battle or impacts growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Refusal in Babies
Here are answers to some common questions parents have about babies refusing food:
At what age do babies start refusing foods?
Food refusal often emerges between 4-8 months as babies transition to solid foods. This phase is common as they explore new tastes and textures. Refusal may pop up again with major milestones like crawling, walking, and teething which can temporarily disrupt eating habits.
How long can a baby go without eating solids?
Healthy babies won’t intentionally starve themselves. However, consult your pediatrician if baby refuses solids for more than 2-3 days, refuses most feedings in a day, or if refusal causes obvious weight loss. Breastmilk or formula are still important nutrition sources.
What should I do if my baby refuses a bottle?
Sudden bottle refusal warrants an urgent pediatrician visit, especially in formula-fed babies who rely on bottles for nutrition. Possible causes include illness, teething pain, improper nipple flow, overfeeding, or preferring the breast. Don’t force bottles if baby is physically resisting.
Can I mix breastmilk/formula into solid foods?
You can try adding a splash of breastmilk or formula into pureed solid foods to encourage eating. The familiar taste may entice baby to accept spoon-feeding. Don’t over-dilute purees, as baby still needs sufficient solid food for growth and development.
Is my baby allergic if they refuse certain foods?
Possibly, but not always. Consult your pediatrician if baby repeatedly refuses specific foods, especially common allergens like cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, soy or nuts. An allergy test can diagnose true food allergies. Refusals could also indicate just texture or taste preferences.
What should I do if my baby refuses most foods?
Significant food variety refusal warrants an evaluation by your pediatrician. Bloodwork may identify deficiencies resulting from extremely picky eating, while feeding therapy can help expand accepted foods. Underlying issues like reflux, allergies, or oral motor delays may need treatment.
Can I add spices or sugar so my baby eats?
Avoid adding sugar or salt to entice eating, as this reinforces preference for unhealthy flavors. Using small amounts of spices like cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg is fine and may enhance palatability. Beware of choking hazards with whole spices.
How can I get my breastfed baby to take a bottle?
When introducing a bottle, try having someone other than mom do the feeding, offer different bottle nipple types, use milk at room temp, minimize distractions, and practice when baby is calm yet hungry. Don’t force. Combining breast and bottle early helps prevent outright refusal.
Is it normal for babies to refuse new foods?
Yes, it’s completely normal for babies to initially refuse new foods, especially more textured items as they wean off smooth purees. Offer new foods for 10-15 taste exposures before deciding baby doesn’t like it yet. Model enjoying the food yourself. Go slow with introductions.
Patience, persistence and consistency are key when overcoming baby food refusals! Stay positive and involve your pediatrician if concerns arise. With time, your baby will likely accept a healthy variety of foods.
In summary, common reasons for food refusal in babies include growth spurts, teething pain, illness, medications, oral motor delays, reflux, allergies, distractions, and over snacking. Strategies like minimizing portions, making eating playful and getting medical advice can help get your baby eating again. With consistent exposure to new foods and patience through phases of pickiness, your baby will eventually learn to enjoy a diversity of healthy, nutritious foods.