A–Z Glossary

Food refusal

Food refusal is when a baby declines offered food, often temporarily because of unfamiliarity, discomfort, appetite, or feeding readiness.

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Baby refuses solid food what to do

Baby refuses solid food what to do

Why a baby may refuse solid food Refusal does not automatically mean that something is wrong. Solids are a developmental transition from a familiar, liquid feeding pattern to a complex sensory and motor task. A baby must coordinate posture, lip closure, tongue movement, chewing or mashing, and swallowing while also processing unfamiliar tastes and textures. […]

Repeated Food Exposure After Baby Refuses a Food

Repeated Food Exposure After Baby Refuses a Food

A refusal is information, not a final decision Infant food acceptance is influenced by more than flavor. Babies are learning how to manage new oral sensations, coordinate chewing or gum-based mashing, move food through the mouth, and swallow. A food that seems simple to an adult may be difficult because it is fibrous, sticky, grainy, […]