What to Do When Your Baby Refuses Solids
Updated 7 October 2026
First, it's usually not a crisis
A baby who turns their head, clamps their mouth shut, or throws food on the floor is extremely common, and rarely means something is wrong. Most refusal is temporary and resolves within days to a couple of weeks.
Common, ordinary reasons
- Teething — sore gums can make eating uncomfortable for a few days.
- A cold or feeling unwell — appetite often dips when a baby isn't 100%.
- A new texture or flavour — first reactions to something new are often exaggerated and settle with repeated, low-pressure exposure.
- Simply not hungry — milk feeds may still be covering most of their needs, especially in the early weeks of weaning.
- Wanting control — especially from around 9 months, babies start asserting preferences; this is a normal developmental stage, not defiance.
What tends to help
- Keep mealtimes low-pressure. Offer food without commentary or pressure to finish; let them decide how much to eat.
- Repeat, don't abandon. A food refused once (or five times) can still become a favourite — it often takes many exposures before a new food is accepted.
- Eat together when you can. Babies often eat better when they see you eating the same food.
- Keep offering a variety, even alongside foods you know they like, so refusal of one thing doesn't shrink their overall range.
- Watch, don't hover. Constant close watching or encouragement can sometimes increase resistance — a more relaxed presence tends to help.
When it's worth checking in
Ongoing refusal is usually developmental, not medical — but talk to your health visitor if refusal is severe or prolonged (several weeks), if your baby seems to be losing weight or not gaining as expected, or if refusal is limited to almost all textures or an entire food group. They can rule out anything else going on and give guidance specific to your baby.
