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Baby is resisting too much yo take food
Hi Doctor,
My baby is 16 months old, suddenly since last 10-15 days she is resting a lot to eat any solid food which she was eating lately . We need to struggle a lot to feed her. What can be done ? It's becoming really difficult for us to feed her each and every meal like this. Please suggest something
Answers (3)
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Hello
At this age, it is very common for toddlers to:
Show reduced appetite due to slowed growth rate
Become fussy or selective with food
Be distracted by new skills (walking, playing, exploring)
Be teething, mildly ill, or recently vaccinated
Appetite naturally drops after 1 year — this is normal.If the child is active, gaining weight steadily, passing urine and stools normally — there’s no need to worry. Forcing food often makes it worse.
Next Steps
Stick to routine: Offer 3 meals + 2 healthy snacks at fixed times.
Limit milk: Excess milk (>400–500ml/day) reduces hunger for solids.
Offer variety: Include colorful foods, different textures, finger foods.
Avoid distractions: No screens during meals. Encourage self-feeding.
Don’t force-feed: Let the child decide how much to eat. Offer again after a gap if refused.
Eat together: Toddlers copy parents — eat meals together as a family.
Avoid: Junk foods, snacks, juices between meals, Constant grazing (small bites all day without proper meals)
Health Tips
Red flags:
Weight loss or not gaining weight over 2–3 months
Persistent refusal of feeds
Signs of nutritional deficiency (pallor, lethargy, developmental delay)
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Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
This is an age where teeth are erupting. Is she irritable and ate the gums swollen? Then can give a dose of paracetamol twice a day for 2-3 days
Also avoid force feeding. Try finger foods - slice of banana, apple, carrot, cucumber, melon etc or simple potato wedges. May find some company for the child to eat together.
Children at the age like to play a bit too with food eg - slice a piece of watermelon and let the child have a bite of his own. Give him independence and at least 2 choices in food at a time from a similar food group eg paneer pakora or a chicken nugget. Can give roti in favourite shapes. There can be no end to creativity when the tiny tot is getting cheeky!
Can give a B complex syrup for a week
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.