My baby doesn't like sweet food

Divya - posted on 03/17/2010

Thanks a lot!
Yes I'll definitely try to get her to eat and give less milk.
All your suggestions are really helpful. I have already started trying some of these. Hope in a couple of weeks I'll return to post my success story on this thread.

Ilona - posted on 03/08/2010

so dont offer milk there is plenty of fresh juice that can be watered down!! good NO SWEET FOOD hats a bonus offer grapes as a reward for things or banana . try scrambled egg . and why would you put SALT and or pepper on a babys food??? not good never is. sorry if it sounds harsh but you should never add salt to anything they eat!!!

Kathy - posted on 03/08/2010

I would be inclined to OMIT all extra flavourings such as salt, pepper, sugar etc. Most foods have all that's required and kids don't need any more. I always tried to avoid commercial foods, as you never know what's in it!

Courtney - posted on 03/07/2010

Well, kids palates change all the time. My daughter ate eggs at that age, but won't eat them now and she's 3! She also LOVES all veggies and fruits, but HATES french fries...what kid HATES fries!! She also used to love cheese and now won't touch it! She also never drank milk, but now she can't get enough! Just keep trying things and she will eventually start eating more. Also, do you offer her one thing and if she doesn't like it give her what ever she does like? I have noticed with picky eaters, the parents are kinda like short order cooks...they given into their child for fear that their child will starve! When my little one wouldn't drink milk, I would give her juice because I didn't want her to dehydrate, but her doctor told me that scratch the juice, only offer milk and when she is thirsty enough, she will drink WHATEVER I put in front of her. The same is said with food...put an egg out for her. If she doesn't want it, let her go play, but when she comes back hungry, give her that egg again. Keep doing this until she realizes you aren't her personal chef! She needs to eat what you make for her. Hope I helped.

Emilie - posted on 03/07/2010

try custards that u buy from the shop, start on egg custards then work your way to the sweeter ones like vanilla custard eventually try her on yoghurts and things like that even cheese sticks are a good option i found with our daughter.. :)

Brandy - posted on 03/07/2010

Salt causes excessive thirst so cutting down the salt will be a tremendous step. I agree with Amy about pretending to salt her food! It works for mine as well! Look on the nutritional information on the foods you buy and if the sodium levels are high, try finding an alternative for that item! It's hard for some things, but really after so long, you'll get used to it and know what is high in sodium and what's not. You shouldn't eliminate sodium because our bodies need it to survive, but too much can cause serious problems later too, so just cut down. Also, find a children cook book! They are neat and filled with fun foods to make your kids! Get creative with the food coloring! The more colorful and neat looking their food it, the more they will want to eat! Cookie cutters for her sandwiches are an awesome idea as well! Good luck to you!

~Brandy

Iridescent - posted on 03/07/2010

We have a huge problem with this with our little ones. They would drink and drink and not eat. They still do. So fluids are offered throughout the day, and no drinks are allowed at meals except as a sip and removed from the table for a dry food. After they are done eating a reasonable amount, they get their drink. Between meals, they get water, unlimited. They are drinking more fluid now than they ever have before, and eating well, and finally really gaining weight like they need to.

The salt craving can be a big problem; unless she has a need for extra salt, avoid it. We trick our kids by using a salt shaker if they're about to have a temper tantrum, with the lid in the closed position. That makes them happy. Situation over. The majority of food already has a LOT of salt in it, and starting that habit now is setting them up for a lifetime of problems later. The only exceptions to this are when there is a medical reason for a high salt diet.

Katherine - posted on 03/07/2010

Yes, giving her choices is very important!

Amanda - posted on 03/07/2010

If you salt her food, gradually cut back, so she gets used to blander food. Kids may need to try a food @ ten times before they will accept it. Try offering a variety( a little bit of several different foods) at her meals. Also you can try mixing food she likes with new food. Try offering less milk or watering it down.

Nicky - posted on 03/07/2010

Hi Divya,

Firstly I think not liking sweet food is a bonus. The longer you delay them developing a sweet tooth the better they are in the long run.



Second, she fills up with milk because you let her. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh but it's true. The biggest issue we have with parents and the feeding habits of small children is that the parent is (justifiably) very concerned when their child 'won't eat' and will usually capitulate quickly just to get their little one to 'eat something'. But let me assure you that small children will not starve themselves and will eat eventually (although you may feel like it is taking FOREVER).



How to deal with this issue.

First; reduce the amount of milk she is drinking. She doesn't need it and as you are already aware it is filling her up so she can affod to be picky with her other foods.

Second; Offer her a range of foods at each meal, some you know she likes and one or two (at most) that she doesn't like or hasn't yet tried.

Set a time limit of how long you will give her to eat (20 minutes is usually more than long enough) and remove any food not consumed by then. This way you are teaching her that she has to eat when the food is there otherwise she misses out.

Keep offering the new foods. it usually takes between 10 and 20 offerings before a child will start to eat a new food on a regular basis. If you don't offer it again after the first refusal you are not giving them the opportunity to have a go (and you will run out of things to offer pretty quickly).

Most importantly DON"T offer anything else in between designated meals. Morning & afternoon tea are ok as they form part of a healthy eating routine but DO NOT let her graze or snack or give her juice, milk etc as this will give her the opportunity to fill herself up.



It is tricky and does take some effort but as I said they won't allow themselves to starve and as long as she is drinking water etc she will be fine.