Mealtimes with babies and toddlers can sometimes feel like a battle. One day they love a particular food, and the next, they refuse even a bite. If you’re wondering “Why won’t my baby eat?”, you’re not alone! Food refusal is one of the most common concerns parents have when introducing solids or transitioning to toddler meals.

The good news? In most cases, it’s completely normal. Let’s explore why babies refuse food and what you can do to encourage healthy eating habits—without the stress.

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Why Is My Baby Refusing to Eat? Common Causes

1. Natural Appetite Fluctuations

Babies and toddlers have small stomachs and changing appetites. Growth spurts, teething, and developmental leaps can all affect their hunger levels. If your little one refuses food one day but eats well the next, it’s likely just a phase.

2. Texture & Taste Preferences

Just like adults, babies have their own likes and dislikes. Some prefer smooth purées, while others love chunky textures. Others may find certain flavors too strong. Instead of forcing food, try experimenting with different textures, herbs, and spices to make meals more appealing.

3. Distractions & Independence

As babies grow, they become more interested in their surroundings. If your little one is more focused on playing than eating, try reducing distractions at mealtimes. Some babies also assert independence by refusing food, preferring to self-feed instead.

4. Teething, Illness, or Fatigue

If your baby has a sore mouth from teething, a cold, or is overtired, they may temporarily reject food. In these cases, offer cool, soft foods like yogurt or mashed avocado and let them eat at their own pace.

5. Too Much Milk or Snacks

If your baby is filling up on milk or snacks, they may not be hungry at mealtimes. Try adjusting their milk intake(especially before solid meals) and limiting snacks to encourage healthy hunger cues.

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Solutions: How to Encourage Your Baby to Eat

1. Offer a Variety of Flavours & Textures

One of the best ways to prevent picky eating is to expose your baby to a wide range of foods early on. At SARI, we focus on diverse, flavourful meals that introduce babies to real herbs, spices, and ingredients—not just bland purées.

➡️ Try: Our All-In Bundle with 8 different meals and finger food options, designed to expand little taste buds!

2. Make Mealtimes Fun & Stress-Free

Forcing or pressuring babies to eat can lead to negative associations with food. Instead:
✔ Let them explore food with their hands
✔ Offer small portions and let them ask for more
✔ Keep mealtimes relaxed—no battles or bribing

3. Encourage Self-Feeding

If your baby refuses spoon-feeding, try finger foods or pre-loaded spoons. Soft, easy-to-pick-up foods like our Bolognaise with Marrow, Chimichurri Meatballs or Greek Chicken Meatballs allow them to practice independence while still getting nutrients from real food.

4. Add Simple Boosters for Extra Nutrition

If your baby refuses certain foods, you can boost their meals with simple additions:

• Add Greek yogurt or cheese for extra calcium
• Stir in mashed avocado for healthy fats
• Serve with soft fruit like banana or steamed pear for added sweetness

At SARI, our meals are thoughtfully designed to provide almost everything your baby needs, so you don’t have to worry about gaps in their nutrition.

➡️ Need an easy solution? Try our Salmon Risotto for brain-boosting Omega-3s or Lamb Pilaf for an iron-rich meal.

5. Be Patient & Keep Offering

It can take 10-15 exposures before a baby accepts a new food. If they refuse something today, try again in a few days without pressure. Consistency is key!

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SARI: Making Mealtimes Easier for Parents

We know mealtimes can be stressful, which is why we created nutrient-rich, dietitian-approved meals that take the guesswork out of feeding.

With over 50 plant-based ingredients across our menu and a variety of textures and flavours, we help ensure your little one gets the nutrition they need—while making mealtimes easier for you.

➡️ Explore our full menu here and take the stress out of feeding time!