As a new parent, one of the biggest challenges you may face is ensuring that your baby is eating enough, especially during those first few months of life when they are solely relying on breast milk or formula.

As your baby grows and begins to eat solid foods, it can be tricky to entice them to try new things and eat enough to support their developing bodies. If you are struggling with a picky eater or simply want to ensure that your baby is receiving proper nutrition, here are seven proven methods to improve your baby’s appetite.

1. Allow Your Baby to Self-Feed

Babies are naturally curious and love to explore their environment, including the food they are given. Allowing your baby to self-feed not only promotes independence but also encourages them to try new foods and textures.

You can start this process by offering small pieces of soft food, such as banana or cooked sweet potato, that your baby can easily pick up and bring to their mouth. As your baby becomes more proficient at self-feeding, you can introduce more complex and textured foods.

2. Establish a Routine

Babies thrive on routine and structure, and establishing a set feeding schedule can help regulate their appetite and create a positive feeding experience.

Offering meals and snacks at the same time each day can also reduce the likelihood of your baby becoming overly hungry or too full, leading to better appetite regulation. Consider keeping a feeding journal to track your baby’s feeding patterns and adjust their schedule as needed.

3. Offer a Variety of Foods

Introducing your baby to a variety of foods early on can help them develop a taste for different flavors and textures. Try offering a mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins in different forms, such as pureed, mashed, or in finger food form.

Don’t be discouraged if your baby rejects a new food at first; it may take several attempts before they accept it.

4. Avoid Distractions

Feeding your baby in a calm and quiet environment can help them stay focused on their food and avoid distractions that may decrease their appetite.

Turn off the TV and minimize other activities during meal times to create a relaxing feeding environment.

5. Make Meal Times Fun

Meal times should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Try making silly faces or singing fun songs to engage your baby and create a positive association with food.

You can also introduce colorful plates or utensils to make meal times more visually appealing.

6. Don’t Force Your Baby to Eat

Forcing your baby to eat or finish their plate can create negative associations with food and lead to disordered eating habits later in life. Allow your baby to choose how much or little they want to eat and respect their fullness cues.

Similarly, don’t offer rewards or punishments based on how much your baby eats.