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Food refuses
My 8.5month old baby refuses every food and she is under weight (6.3kg at 7month) already tried several flavours, textures, methods. I am totally frustrated and facing ppd. If she is very hungry, she will take max 4-5 very small spoons, but thats it. I'm not able to take it. Please help me doctors what should I do. Tell me a process to feed her.
Answers (7)
At this age, complementary foods should complement—not replace—milk feeds.
Feeding plan
* Breast milk: continue on demand, usually around 5–6 feeds/day depending on the baby’s pattern.
* Formula-fed: continue usual formula; don’t dilute it.
* Complementary food: offer 3 meals/day, gradually increasing quantity according to appetite.
* Start with energy- and nutrient-dense foods:
* Khichdi with dal + vegetables + 1 tsp ghee/oil
* Mashed rice/dal
* Suji/oats porridge prepared with milk/formula as appropriate
* Mashed banana, avocado, or other soft fruits
* Well-cooked egg, if already introduced
* Curd/yogurt
* Nut paste such as smooth peanut paste, in a safe age-appropriate form if no contraindication
* Offer small portions first, then increase. Avoid force-feeding.
* Give water in small amounts with meals.
Try to reduce feeding pressure. Another trusted caregiver can help with complementary feeding while the mother receives treatment/support. If breastfeeding has reduced, expressed breast milk can be offered when appropriate.
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What is her current weight? She s on the lower side at 7 month but having a series of weight recordings from birth could be more helpful. You would started solids from a month or so and this confusion and stress is common initially,You definitely can take help from your family members and do not stress much. A few changes babies will start gaining weight unless there are some underlying problems.
You continue breast feeding but milk should not replace meals. Do not worry about quantity , if she is having 3-4 tablespoons at one meal is also fine do not force feed. Give frequent feeds. Add mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkins, fruits like bananas, pears, apples,steamed carrots, with ghee in food , rice and dal with no added sugar and salt will help. Have scheduled mealtime away from distractions.
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I need to ask few more questions before answering your query.
Early consultations can prevent complications.
Kindly contact me on whatsapp chat
(84960595 six five)
Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), FELLOWSHIP IN NEONATOLOGY ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
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Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
Visit physically to nearby pediatrician
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Dr. Shebin C E
Pediatrician
10 yrs exp
Kanyakumari
Greetings
Potential underlying reasons for persistent refusal and growth plateauing include developmental readiness delays, oral motor difficulties, or sensory food aversions.
General management strategies focus on removing mealtime pressure, transitioning from purees to soft finger foods, and keeping feeding sessions limited to 15 minutes.
Three distinct intervention options include pacing meals 30 to 60 minutes after milk feeds, allowing sensory food exploration with hands, and consulting a pediatric dietitian or speech therapist.
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Ankita Gahlot
Obstetrician
12 yrs exp
Bangalore
Feeling this frustrated and mentioning PPD is important, please don't sit with it alone. Postpartum depression is real and treatable, and reaching out for support helps both you and your baby.
Next Steps
For your baby's food refusal and low weight, please see a pediatrician who can check her growth chart and suggest a feeding plan suited to her.
Health Tips
Please also talk to your own doctor about how you're feeling. Forcing feeds when you're this stretched thin rarely helps either of you.
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