Anorexia in children is always a challenge for parents. However, there are useful methods you can apply to help your child overcome anorexia and develop healthy eating habits. Below are some suggestions you can refer to.
1. Eat appropriately according to age
The first principle is to feed children age-appropriate foods, this is the basic factor to help children avoid anorexia. Under 6 months old, exclusive breastfeeding is the best choice. From 6 months or more, start weaning with 4 food groups: starch - sugar, protein - meat, shrimp, crab, fish, eggs, fat - oil, fat and foods that provide vitamins and minerals from green vegetables. and fresh fruit.
2. Follow the principles of weaning
- Start with foods similar to breast milk or formula milk with the principle of "sweet - salty": This makes it easier for children to accept, so it also reduces anorexia.
- "Less - More" principle: Gradually increase the amount of food to ensure digestion and provide enough nutrition.
- Principle of "Thinning - Thickening": Cook thin flour before switching to thick flour, helping the weaning process go smoothly.
3. Do not force children to eat too much
Do not use strong measures to force your child to eat because it can make the child afraid of eating, leading to a state of psychological anorexia that is very difficult to cure. Parents can stop feeding their child for 5-7 days, then try again.
4. Allow children to self-regulate their eating
Parents should let their children eat according to their ability, let them choose foods they like, Decide when to eat and how much to eat.
5. Increase activity when your child has anorexia
30 minutes of physical activity a day helps children feel hungry and eat better. Parents can let their children swim, play soccer, ride a bike... For older children, encourage them to participate in cooking activities in the kitchen or teach them to grow vegetables.
6. Maintain a family meal atmosphere with children
Eating with family helps children learn how to eat healthily and develop skills such as holding a spoon and chopsticks... When feeding the baby, there needs to be good interaction with the baby, parents need to be a model for the child to imitate. Create a joyful and comfortable atmosphere during mealtimes to help children grow with brain development.
7. Sit and eat properly
Make sure your child sits and eats properly, with back support to optimize the digestive system.
8. Diverse and eye-catching food
Mix new foods into familiar foods to help children accept new foods more easily and decorate meals to stimulate children's interest. Limit fast foods and increase green vegetables and fruits.
9. Encourage eating with your hands
Encourage children to use their hands to pick up food or feed themselves, stimulating enjoyment in eating. At first, some babies will have difficulty putting food into their mouths. Parents need to monitor and help when necessary so that the baby can gradually perfect the movements.
10. Be patient and change the menu for anorexic children
Be patient when your child refuses, this is the most important factor. Test the menu regularly with many different dishes to create variety. Studies show that it can sometimes take up to 15 introductions for a child to accept a new food.
PT (synthetic)
Increase children's resistance in the cold season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx9vY5e7_tc
See more: https://tintucamthucviet.net/10-sai-lam-can-tranh-khi-cho-be-an-dam/
