Introducing Solids? See 5 Feeding Problems Baby May Have & What to Do

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While some mums are lucky to have babies who eat whatever is offered without any fuss once solids are introduced, most mums experience a couple of challenges getting their babies to eat. Find common feeding problems you may encounter during baby’s transition to eating solids and what to do.

1. Rejecting New Foods. The best way to resolve this is to spot what baby likes and offer new food in a similar form. For instance, if baby really likes pureed apples, try offering another fruit or vegetable in pureed form as well in a small portion. Note that you should introduce one new food per time. If baby still rejects, wait for a few days and try again. You may also try adding a fresh ingredient to his favourite puree and see if he accepts it.

2. Tongue-thrust reflex. If baby always thrusts his tongue and pushes every feed out, try feeding him more slowly or feed less portion per time. You should always loosen his diaper and let him seat upright, perhaps in his high chair, after eating.

Another good tip is to reduce the consistency of baby’s food by adding some breast milk or formula. Doing this will also make the taste more familiar and pleasant to baby.

3. Refusing to feed. If baby turns his head or simply shuts his mouth, resist the urge to force-feed. Your baby may refuse to eat because he is still full, tired, distracted or ill. Give baby some time and offer the food again. However, if baby is not ill, it happens constantly and you’re worried baby is not getting enough food, talk to his paediatrician for advice.

4. Food Allergies and intolerances. Some babies are unable to tolerate certain foods or ingredients and their body may react in a variety of ways to let you know. This is why you should introduce one new food per time and watch out for sudden symptoms such has a rash, diarrhea and vomiting.

In addition, if baby always has gas pain or experiences bloating after eating a particular food, his system probably cannot tolerate it. Discuss these problems with his doctor for appropriate remedies.

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5. Constipation. With a new diet, your baby may have more bowel movements or painful stools. You can try reducing his intake of foods such as bananas, rice cereal and potatoes and adding fruits and vegetables which are rich in fibre. Get more tips to ease baby’s constipation here.

Overall, resist the temptation to feed baby what the rest of the family is eating, even if he yearns for it as baby’s digestive system may not be able to tolerate some of the ingredients used to prepare the meal.

In addition, it may take up to 15 times before baby accepts a new food. So, give baby ample time to get used to the new tastes and textures, introducing them one at a time while looking out for possible allergies.