What is the most appropriate recommendation for a 12-month-old with food refusal?

For a 12-month-old experiencing food refusal, providing healthy foods and choosing to end meals if the child refuses is the most appropriate recommendation. This approach aligns with promoting a positive relationship with food and healthy eating habits. By consistently offering nutritious options without pressuring the child, you help foster a sense of autonomy and allow the child to listen to their hunger cues.

Ending meals if the child does not eat reinforces the idea that food is available at designated times but is not mandatory. This can help reduce mealtime battles and anxiety around eating, encouraging the child to self-regulate their appetite over time.

Additionally, it avoids the pitfalls of offering sugary snacks as incentives, which can contribute to unhealthy eating patterns and poor nutrition. Encouraging a child to eat more until satisfied may lead to overeating and discomfort. Switching to a fully liquid diet does not address the need for the child to learn to eat solid foods, which is crucial at this developmental stage. Therefore, offering healthy foods and choosing to end meals if the child refuses is the most suitable strategy for supporting normal development and healthy eating habits.