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Feeding problem
A one-year-old child refuses to eat solid food and spits everything out.
She frequently asks only for breast milk.
Answers (5)
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This is temporary phase which happens in few babies but milk should not replace meals.
Give food in small quantities with scheduled screen free time.Try to include vegetables, Whole fruits in the diet.
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Rejection phase is common among this age group
Offer food at regular timed intervals
No milk or snacks before any main meals
Spitting is sign that indicates she’s full
Create interest by including her in family meals times
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This is very common around 9–15 months of age and is often related to delayed acceptance of textures rather than a lack of appetite. Breastfeeding is still beneficial at 1 year, but it should complement solid foods—not replace them.
Here are the most common reasons:
* Too much breast milk reduces hunger for solids.
* Texture sensitivity—the child isn’t used to chewing lumps or finger foods.
* Normal developmental food neophobia (hesitation to try new foods).
* Less commonly, oral-motor problems, tongue-tie, painful mouth ulcers, reflux, iron deficiency, or developmental disorders.
Next Steps
✅ Offer 3 meals + 2 healthy snacks every day.
✅ Breastfeed after meals, not before, so your child comes to the table hungry.
✅ Let your baby self-feed with soft finger foods (banana, steamed vegetables, idli, soft chapati pieces, paneer, egg).
✅ Introduce one texture at a time and repeat exposure 10–15 times—don’t give up after a few refusals.
✅ Eat together as a family. Babies learn by watching others.
✅ Avoid force-feeding, distractions, or chasing with food.
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Dr. Shebin C E
Pediatrician
10 yrs exp
Kanyakumari
Greetings
Schedule solid meals at least two to three hours after breastfeeding so the child is genuinely hungry.Offer soft, easy-to-hold finger foods rather than purees to encourage self-feeding and texture exploration.Keep mealtimes entirely pressure-free by avoiding force-feeding, which can trigger strong food aversion.Sit down together as a family to model positive eating behaviors and show how to chew.Limit excessive milk intake throughout the day to prevent it from entirely blunting their appetite for solids.
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
This is normal only
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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.