It can take a while for babies to get used to a new taste or texture, but if parents are worried that their baby is becoming a fussy eater, you can suggest they give the following tips a go:

• Eat the same meals and foods as a family that you want the baby to eat – seeing the family enjoy the food may encourage the baby to do the same 
• Give small portions and praise the baby for eating, even if they only manage a little 
• If the baby rejects the food, don’t force them to eat it. Take the food away without comment and try to stay calm, even if it’s very frustrating
• Don’t leave meals until the baby is too hungry or tired to eat
• The baby may be a slow eater, so be patient 
• Don’t give too many snacks between meals. Limit them to a milk drink and some fruit slices or a small cracker with a slice of cheese, for example 
• It’s best not to use food as a reward, especially for eating vegetables. Your child may start to think of sweets as nice and vegetables as nasty 
• Children sometimes get thirst and hunger mixed up. They might say they’re thirsty when really they’re hungry and vice versa
• Make mealtimes enjoyable, fun and social, and not just about eating 
• If the parent knows other children of the same age who are good eaters, ask them round for tea. A good example can work well 
• Sometimes a child will eat for someone else, such as a grandparent, without any fuss 
• Children’s tastes change. One day, they’ll hate something, but a month later, they may well love it. 

It’s best not to use food as a reward, especially for eating vegetables

When to refer to the pharmacist

The following customers should be referred to the pharmacist for a more in depth consultation about their baby’s nutrition:

• Parents with babies younger than six months who are thinking about weaning
• Parents who are having problems when trying to wean their baby
• Parents whose babies are having feeding problems (e.g. their baby is not gaining weight, is refusing milk or food, or has any unusual symptoms)
• Parents who think their baby may be allergic to certain foods • Parents who want their baby to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

N.B. If parents mention any symptoms or behaviour in a baby that seem unusual or start alarm bells ringing, refer them to the pharmacist or GP.