Why is my baby (toddler) not eating?

This is one of the questions I ask often when my son starts to take solid food. I believe no mothers can sit comfortably or even sleep when their children are not eating anything when they are supposed to eat, just like adults do.

Mothers, take heart, observe your child and you'll know why s/he is not eating. Below are some reasons I get through observing my son and through reading books.

1) The child is not feeling well
Just like us, when babies are not feeling well, they will not eat, especially when they have SORE THROAT. And we won't know whether our babies have sore throat till they started to have cough or fever.

Suggestion: I usually give my baby honey when he is having sore throat. But be very careful with honey. Some honey might not be suitable for little ones. So, it is best to get a doctor's advise to treat the toddler's sore throat. Otherwise, you can try boiling Lo Hon Ko drinks to soothe his throat and lung.

2) Toddler is not hungry
If he is not hungry, it is obvious that he will not eat.
Suggestion: Do not give snack when the meal time is near. Have a clear timetable for the child. eg. 9am -breakfast, 12pm - lunch, 3pm - snack, 6pm - dinner, 9pm - light snack.

3) The food is not delicious
Trust me, babies know what is delicious and what is not. It's obvious that they won't eat something which taste weird. My son will usually take the first mouth and if he thinks it is not delicious, he will spit out the food and refuse to eat further.

Suggestion: What you think is delicious, the baby will think the same way. So, as parents, we have to start taking some healthy yet delicious food. Set a good example and the child will do the same. My mom takes raw vege - cucumber and tomatoes and so, my son follows suit.

4) The food's colour is not attractive
Children like colours!
Suggestion: Add some colours in the food - tomato (red), carrot (orange), cucumber (green), etc.

5) The child wants to play
When they are at the midst of playing, the child will refuse to eat because they don't want to be distracted.

6) Parents' eating habit
If parents are not eating the same food, baby will refuse to eat that too. My son prefers to eat the SAME FOOD at the SAME TABLE and SAME TIME WITH US. Some food like pork ribs, which I think is not suitable for him, he wanted to try! After he tried it, either he likes it or he spits it out. Whatever it is, he is satisfied that he tried and will continue to eat his meal.

Suggestion: Cook healthy food - steamed fish, boiled broccoli, carrot, steamed potato

Finally, listen to the child. If the child is hungry and well, s/he will definitely eat. Don't force her/him to eat lest the child has a bad eating experience. You can always make up the missed meal with some light snack later on - an egg, an apple, a cracker or two, etc.

Pray well and leave the rest to God...

NOTE: You may follow the links below to some healthy drinks:

Phlegm dissolver

Lo hon ko

Mashed potato and carrot balls