Feeding Strategies for an 11-Month-Old Refusing Food
If an 11‑month‑old baby refuses to eat, it is important not to turn this refusal into a standoff. According to recommendations presented in one of the sources, if the baby shows no appetite, the feeding process should not be forced – food should be offered on a predetermined schedule, not only when the little one decides he is hungry. In particular, it is emphasized that “if the child has refused food, then he should be fed not when he wishes to be, but when the mother has time for feeding… and if there is food but no appetite, then the child should not be forced” (source: link txt).Furthermore, attention should be paid to which specific foods the child rejects. If, for example, the child repeatedly refuses the same dish, it makes sense to try offering a substitute or altering the method of presentation – sometimes the child’s reaction indicates that the chosen form of feeding is not suitable for him (source: link txt).Thus, when an 11‑month‑old child refuses food, it is recommended to:1. Establish a clear feeding schedule, offering food at set times even if the child does not exhibit a strong hunger.2. Avoid forcing the feeding process – force only worsens the child’s attitude toward eating.3. Analyze which specific foods are being rejected, and if the refusal occurs repeatedly, try similar alternatives that are adapted to the child’s taste preferences or physiological characteristics.This approach helps avoid pedagogical problems and assists in developing the child’s proper attitude toward eating, which is especially important in early childhood.Supporting citation(s):"In short, many factors affect the modern child, each of which can influence the appetite... If a child refuses food, then he should receive food not when he wants to, but when the mother has time for feeding. And if there is food but no appetite, one should not force the child." (source: link txt)"Often, when parents begin feeding a child, they notice that he refuses certain foods… After several attempts, one must conclude: this food should not be given to the child. Replace it with another product or offer it in another form." (source: link txt)