Why doesn't a one-and-a-half-year-old baby like eating hard foods, and what should be done?

Sep 10, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Oral ulcers are generally caused by factors such as genetics, diet, and decreased immunity. They can damage the oral mucosa, causing pain and discomfort, which may lead a one-and-a-half-year-old baby to reject hard foods. Symptoms may include bad breath, fever, and others. Patients can use medications such as oral ulcer powder, Bingbor powder, and ibuprofen tablets under the guidance of a doctor.

Generally, a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler's dislike of hard foods may be caused by factors such as teething stage, taste preferences, swallowing difficulties, oral ulcers, or indigestion. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Teething Stage

A one-and-a-half-year-old toddler may be in the stage of primary tooth development. Since teeth have not fully erupted or chewing ability is limited, the child may prefer soft foods. As the baby's teeth gradually grow, foods with moderate texture can be introduced step by step to help develop chewing skills.

2. Taste Preferences

The taste and tactile senses of a 1.5-year-old toddler are progressively developing. The child may begin to form preferences for certain food textures. Hard foods may provide an unfamiliar chewing experience, leading to temporary rejection. Introducing a variety of foods and gradually guiding the toddler can help them accept different food textures over time.

3. Swallowing Difficulties

Swallowing difficulties may result from abnormal neuromuscular development or structural abnormalities in the oral cavity, making it difficult for the toddler to swallow hard foods and increasing the risk of choking or breathing discomfort. Therefore, a 1.5-year-old may avoid eating hard foods. Symptoms may include frequent coughing, rapid breathing, or food regurgitation. Under medical supervision, medications such as Xiaor Wei Bao Pian (Pediatric Stomach Pills) or Xiao'er Jianpi Wan (Pediatric Spleen-Strengthening Pills) may be used for treatment.

4. Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers are usually caused by genetic factors, diet, or decreased immunity. These ulcers can damage the oral mucosa, causing pain and discomfort, which leads the toddler to reject hard foods. Symptoms may include bad breath, fever, and others. Under a doctor’s guidance, treatments such as oral ulcer powder, Bingpeng Powder, or ibuprofen tablets may be used.

5. Indigestion

Indigestion is often caused by impaired gastric motility. Hard foods require stronger chewing and increased digestive secretions for breakdown, which the immature digestive system of a 1.5-year-old may not handle effectively, resulting in avoidance of hard foods. Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Pian (Digestive Health Tablets), Hawthorn Pills, or Zhishi Daozhi Pills.

When facing a toddler's reluctance to eat hard foods, parents should guide them gradually to accept firmer textures, ensuring balanced nutrition.

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Should I stop my one-and-a-half-year-old from sucking their hand while falling asleep?

A one-and-a-half-year-old child should stop the habit of sucking their hands while falling asleep. Hands come into contact with many objects and can carry numerous bacteria and viruses. Prolonged hand-sucking may introduce these germs into the mouth, leading to various infectious diseases such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, and glossitis, which are harmful to overall health. It may also negatively affect dental development.