Loss of Appetite in Kids – Possible reasons why your child is not eating and Remedies

Last updated: January 2026

Quick Answer

Is it normal for a 7-12 month old baby to refuse food? YES - this is one of the most common concerns parents have, and often completely normal!

Between 7-12 months, babies are going through massive developmental changes - learning to crawl, stand, and explore the world. Food becomes less interesting than everything else happening around them. Add teething pain, growth pattern changes, and the natural decrease in appetite after the rapid first 6 months, and you have a recipe for meal-time battles. Take a breath, mama - most of the time, this phase passes on its own.

Why Babies 7-12 Months Stop Eating

Normal Reasons (Usually Nothing to Worry About):

• Teething (Dant Nikalna)
• Sore, swollen gums make chewing painful
• Baby may prefer cold foods or liquids
• Usually temporary - lasts a few days per tooth
• Developmental Distractions
• Learning to crawl, stand, or walk is more exciting than food
• Baby wants to explore, not sit and eat
• Attention span is very short at this age
• Growth Slowdown
• After rapid growth in first 6 months, growth naturally slows
• Baby needs fewer calories per kg of body weight
• This is completely normal!
• Preference Development
• Baby is developing taste preferences
• May reject new textures or flavors
• Food neophobia (fear of new foods) is starting
• Independence
• Baby wants to feed themselves
• Rejecting spoon-feeding is common
• Wants control over what goes in mouth

Medical Reasons (May Need Attention):

• Throat Infection (Gala Kharab) - Painful swallowing
• Constipation (Kabz) - Pet dard reduces appetite
• Viral Infections - Common cold, fever
• Ear Infection - Pain while swallowing
• Mouth Ulcers - Painful eating
• Intestinal Worms - Common in Indian children
• Anemia (Low Iron) - Causes fatigue and poor appetite

Signs to Watch For

Normal Appetite Patterns (7-12 Months):

• Some days eating more, some days less
• Refusing certain foods but accepting others
• Getting distracted during meals
• Wanting to play with food
• Preferring finger foods over purees

Warning Signs That Need Attention:

• Not eating properly for more than 1-2 weeks
• Weight loss or no weight gain for a month
• Refusing even favorite foods and breast milk/formula
• Fever, vomiting, or loose motions along with poor appetite
• Seems weak, tired, or less playful than usual
• Pale skin (could indicate anemia)
• Severe pet dard (stomach pain)
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing

Home Remedies to Encourage Eating (7-12 Months)

Feeding Strategies That Work:

• Offer Foods When Baby is Truly Hungry
• Don’t give milk 1-2 hours before solid meals
• Morning and early evening often work best
• A slightly hungry baby is more willing to try food
• Let Baby Lead (Baby-Led Weaning)
• Offer soft finger foods baby can pick up
• Let them explore and play with food
• Messy eating is learning!
• Small Portions, Multiple Times
• 5-6 small meals instead of 3 big ones
• Less overwhelming for baby
• Offer variety throughout the day
• Make It Fun and Colorful
• Different colored foods on plate
• Fun shapes and sizes
• Let baby see you eating the same food
• Reduce Distractions
• No TV or phones during meals
• Quiet, calm feeding environment
• Family meals together when possible

Indian Foods That Often Work:

Food	Why It Works	How to Give
Khichdi	Soft, easy to digest	With ghee, mashed well
Ragi Porridge	Sweet, smooth	With mashed banana
Suji Halwa	Sweet, familiar taste	Small portions, with ghee
Mashed Dal-Chawal	Familiar Indian taste	Well-cooked, mashed
Curd/Dahi	Cool, soothing	Especially during teething
Banana	Sweet, soft	Mashed or as finger food
Sweet Potato	Naturally sweet	Mashed or as soft sticks

Traditional Appetite Boosters:

• Hing (Asafoetida)
• Add tiny pinch to khichdi or dal
• Helps with gas and digestion
• Improves appetite
• Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
• Add to roti or paratha
• Ajwain water after meals
• Great for digestion
• Saunf (Fennel) Water
• Boil, cool, and give 1-2 teaspoons
• Helps with gas and appetite
• Safe from 6 months
• Jeera (Cumin) Water
• Add to dal or give separately
• Aids digestion
• Improves appetite

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate care if:

• Baby is losing weight rapidly

• Signs of dehydration (dry lips, no tears, less wet diapers)

• High fever that won’t come down

• Blood in vomit or potty

• Severe weakness or lethargy

• Not taking breast milk/formula at all Schedule an appointment if:

• Appetite loss continues more than 1-2 weeks

• Baby is not gaining weight as expected

• You suspect worms (distended belly, itching)

• Baby looks pale (possible anemia)

• Appetite loss after starting new medication

• Recurring stomach problems or loose motion

Treatment Options

What doctors typically recommend:

• For Worms:
• Deworming medication (safe from 1 year, or earlier if needed)
• Usually a single dose
• Repeat every 6 months
• For Anemia:
• Iron drops or syrup
• Iron-rich foods (jaggery, ragi, pomegranate)
• Vitamin C to help absorption
• For Constipation (Kabz):
• Fiber-rich foods (papaya, prunes)
• More water
• Stool softeners if needed
• For Infections:
• Appropriate treatment for infection
• Appetite usually returns after recovery
• Multivitamins:
• Sometimes prescribed to boost overall nutrition
• Zinc supplements may help appetite

What’s Normal Eating at 7-12 Months?

Age	Breast Milk/Formula	Solids	Eating Pattern
7-8 months	4-5 feeds/day	2-3 meals	Learning textures, may refuse new foods
9-10 months	3-4 feeds/day	3 meals + 1-2 snacks	More interested in finger foods
11-12 months	3-4 feeds/day	3 meals + 2 snacks	Starting to eat family food, very distracted

Remember: Breast milk or formula is still the primary nutrition source until 1 year. Solids are for practice and supplementation.

Prevention Tips

• Don’t Force Feed - Creates negative association with food
• Establish Routine - Same meal times daily
• Limit Milk - 500-600ml formula or 4-5 breastfeeds; more fills tummy
• No Snacking Just Before Meals - Save appetite for main meals
• Stay Calm - Your stress transfers to baby
• Be Patient - May need to offer new food 10-15 times before acceptance

Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra explains: ‘Every baby’s poop schedule is different. Some go 7 times a day, some once a week - both can be normal.‘

FAQs

Q: My 8-month-old was eating well but suddenly stopped - is this normal?

A: Very normal! This often happens around 8-9 months when babies become more mobile and interested in exploring. It can also coincide with teething. Keep offering food without pressure, ensure adequate breast milk/formula, and if baby is otherwise happy and active, don’t worry.

Q: Should I give appetite syrup to my baby?

A: Appetite syrups are generally not recommended for babies under 1 year. First rule out medical causes, fix feeding routines, and ensure baby isn’t filling up on milk. If appetite loss persists, consult your pediatrician.

Q: My baby only wants breast milk and refuses all solids - what should I do?

A: This is common between 7-9 months. Start by reducing one breastfeed and offering solids when baby is slightly hungry. Try different textures - some babies prefer finger foods over purees. Be patient - it can take time.

Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough nutrition?

A: Check these signs:

• Gaining weight appropriately (check with doctor)
• Active and playful
• 6+ wet diapers daily
• Sleeping normally
• Meeting developmental milestones If these are okay, baby is likely getting enough.

Q: Can teething cause complete loss of appetite?

A: Teething can definitely reduce appetite for a few days. Baby may prefer cold foods (chilled cucumber, cold curd) and liquids over solid foods. This is temporary. If it lasts more than a week or baby has fever, consult your doctor.

Q: My baby gags and spits out food - is this why they’re not eating?

A: Gagging is normal and protective - it prevents choking. However, some babies develop an aversion to textures. Try smoother textures, then gradually increase. If baby gags on everything or seems to have pain while swallowing, see your doctor.

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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. For personalized advice about your baby’s appetite, consult with Babynama’s pediatric experts on WhatsApp.

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