08/01/2025
Infant and Young Child Feeding
Worried mum (WM): Hello, my one-year-old child's weight has been constant for a couple of months. I have tried everything, but he is a picky eater. What should I do?
Me: I understand your worries. How has he been feeding? Tell me, in general, the food he eats, the quantities, and the number of times per day.
WM: I give him the usual baby foods. I mostly give him mashed potatoes and green bananas. He barely finishes three spoons per feed and does not feed much, so I give him twice a day. He loves breastfeeding and prefers his bottle (cow's milk) to other meals.
Me: First, it is good to understand that the baby is just a little human. Just like how you can't feed on one particular food repeatedly, the baby could also get bored when he is just given one specific food, in your case, mashed potatoes and green bananas.
1.It is advisable to try a variety of meals and cook them in pleasant ways. Ensure nice tastes in his meals by frying them, adding flavor by cooking with items like tomatoes, coriander/dhania, and onions, and trying new foods with different cooking styles. For instance, you can introduce food items like rice, ugali, and pasta besides the usual starches (potatoes and green bananas).
2.Ensure you add a protein source, such as beans, lentils, and green grams, beef, chicken, liver, and a vitamin source, like green vegetables. Make the food colorful and pleasing to the eye by adding carrots and tomatoes.
3.In addition, add the number of feeds per day. If the baby feeds three spoons, ensure that he gets them frequently. He could feed small frequent feeds to increase his quantities. You can start by measuring his foods to ensure he completes the recommended 2-3 cups (250mls) of well-balanced meals (starch such as rice, proteins like beans, and vitamins like spinach). Measuring will help you assess the amount the baby can finish daily, which you can increase during the following day.
The baby will gradually love and long for his meals since he'll get a variety of fried, colorful, and tasty foods. Try to give him more solid foods and let his drinks be his snacks. For instance, you can ensure that his breakfast, lunch, and dinner are solid foods, while in between the meals, he can have a bottle of milk, fruit/fruit juice, yogurt, or porridge as snacks.
4.Moreover, the most crucial tip is patience when feeding your child. Take your time, and do not be in a hurry. Let his feeding time be enjoyable instead of forceful eating. You can make fun and walk around as he feeds. Remember, every bite counts.
5.Generally, check the variety, frequency, adequacy, balance, and responsive/active feeding (patience). All these will contribute to a gradual weight gain.
WM: Thank you for the insightful tips. I can't wait to try them and achieve the desired weight for my child.
Me: You're welcome. I can't wait to hear positive feedback after trying these tips. Happy feeding!
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