It is not always easy to feed a baby or toddler. If the child cries while feeding or spits out the purée again and again, many parents are worried. Feeding is no longer relaxed for you and your child, but very stressful. Many children find it difficult to adjust to something new (e.g. if they are used to the bottle or breast and suddenly have to eat purée as well).

Usually, these problems disappear over time as the child gets used to the new food. Sometimes, however, feeding problems are more persistent and become more stressful for you and your child.

A persistent feeding problem means:

• Your child eats less than appropriate for his or her age.
• Your child avoids food.
• Your child eats only a few specific things or refuses age-appropriate food.
• Your child retains food in his or her mouth without swallowing it or pukes out food.
• Your child only eats when he or she is half asleep or distracted (e.g. watching TV, playing).
• Feeding has been difficult for you and your child for a long time (at least 1 month).
• The feeding situation stresses your child and his or her development, you as a parent or the relationship between you and your child.

No matter how old your baby is, you can always seek professional help if you are worried or if the situation becomes too difficult for you. In the Emergency & Help section you will find a list of suitable contact points for professional help in your area, and for acute crisis situations you can find an emergency plan with emergency contacts.