The first year of your baby's life is filled with so many milestones. Introducing solids is one such milestone. Although most babies embrace the transition easily, some tend to be more resistant, making parents worried and frustrated. In case your baby refuses to eat solids, then you are not alone; it is a common challenge. The reasons behind such resistance can guide you in this situation with more confidence and patience.

When should babies start eating solids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends introducing solids between 4 to 6 months of age, depending on developmental readiness. A baby should be able to sit up with support, hold their head steady, and show an interest in food. By 12 months, solids should ideally provide most of their nutrition alongside breast milk or formula. However, every baby develops at their own pace, and some may need more time to adjust.

Reasons Your Baby Is Refusing Solids

If your baby is turning her head around, spitting out the food, or just not interested in what's on the spoon, there could be a valid reason for doing so. Here are some common factors that may be playing a role:

1. They Aren't Ready Yet

Some babies just need more time to develop the coordination required for eating solids. If they push food out with their tongue (tongue thrust reflex), have trouble sitting upright, or don't seem interested, they may not be developmentally ready. Continue offering solids in a relaxed manner and try again in a week or two.

2. Preference for Breast Milk or Formula

Breast milk and formula provide almost all the essential nutrients your baby will require in their first year. Some babies are comforted by the milk they are used to and may not see the point of solid foods yet. Gradually wean milk intake before introducing solids can encourage interest.

3. They're Just Not Interested

Babies have small stomachs and may not always be hungry when offered solids. If they’ve recently had milk or a snack, they might refuse food. Pay attention to hunger cues—such as reaching for food or opening their mouth when offered a spoon—to time meals better.

4. Sensory Overload

Some of the babies could be sensitive to new textures or flavors and take time to be accustomed. Present solids gradually using a range of soft foods including mashed bananas, pureed sweet potatoes, or avocado.

5. Teething or Illness

Teething or illness can also cause a baby to have less appetite. Drooling, chewing on things, and swollen gums may indicate teething. Use cold teething toys at mealtime to alleviate pain. If your baby has a fever, cold, or ear infection, wait until he is better before feeding solids.

6. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Babies may shun foods that have previously caused discomfort. If they develop rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive fussiness after eating, they could have a food allergy or intolerance. Consult your pediatrician if you suspect an allergy.

7. Excessive Gagging

Gagging is normal as babies learn to manage different textures. However, some babies have a sensitive gag reflex, making it difficult to accept solids. Start with smooth purees and gradually introduce more textured foods. If excessive gagging persists, discuss it with your pediatrician.

8. They Want to Feed Themselves

Some babies resist spoon-feeding because they want to explore food on their own. Try baby-led weaning by offering soft, bite-sized pieces of food that they can pick up and eat independently. Letting them be in control during meals can make it more fun for them.

9. They're Tired or Distracted

Overtired babies can't have the energy to eat. Mealtimes should fall when your baby is refreshed and not just woken up. Reducing noise, like watching TV or making too much noise, also helps them focus on eating.

How to Get Your Baby to Eat Solids

If your baby is showing resistance, do not panic. Here are some practical strategies to make the transition smoother:

1. Keep Offering Without Pressure

New foods should be presented several times before a baby will accept them. Offer a variety of healthy options, but don't force the baby to eat.

2. Enjoy Mealtime

Sit together as a family and model good eating habits. Praise your baby when he or she is exploring new foods.

3. Vary the Texture

If your baby does not like purees, try giving him some finger foods. Soft-cooked vegetables or ripe fruits cut into pieces, or soft pasta, are good to encourage self-feeding.

4. Encourage to Hold a Spoon

Make your little one feel that he is responsible for feeding. It may become messy at first, but he shall learn to control and make him more interested in food.

5. Change Feeding Times

Make sure your baby is hungry but not too hungry when introducing solids. A baby who is too full or too cranky may turn down food. Try different feeding schedules to see what works best.

6. Try Different Temperatures

Some babies prefer warm or cold foods. Try warming purees a little or offering chilled fruit to see if it makes a difference.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While it is normal for babies to be a bit resistant at first, there are times when professional guidance is necessary. Talk to your pediatrician if:

• Your baby is 9 months or older and still refuses solids.
• They are not gaining weight appropriately.
• They gag excessively or seem unable to swallow food.
• They show signs of severe food allergies.
• Mealtime battles are causing stress for both you and your baby.

Introducing solids is an exciting but sometimes challenging milestone. If your baby refuses solids, be patient and keep offering new textures and flavors in a stress-free manner. Most babies eventually come around with time, practice, and a little encouragement. Trust your baby’s cues, maintain a positive approach, and seek help if needed. With persistence, your baby will soon be enjoying a diverse diet filled with nutritious foods.

Debby Ryan Pregnant: Former Disney star and actress Debby Ryan announced her first child with drummer of 21 Pilots, Josh Dun. The announcement was posted on Sunday, where she and her husband shared that they are expecting their first child, with a collection of photos captioned "dun&dun +one".

Ryan 32, got married to Dun, 37 in 2019.

Having Kids Later In Life

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), US states that after age 30, a woman's fertility decreases every year. The number and quality of her eggs goes down until she reaches menopause. So, now the question arise, why are women planning their pregnancy later in life?

A 2019 Guardian report states that the number of pregnancies among women aged 30 and above in England and Wales has surpassed the number among women in their 20s for the first time since records began. The Guardian quoted Natika H Halil, the then chief executive of the sexual health charity FPA, who said that women waiting longer to have children could be due to many reasons, but not limited to, including: "higher costs of living, fewer young people able to afford mortgages, or perhaps feeling less pressure or desire to start a family”.

Another 2024 report by TIME showed that the bird rate among US women in their early 30s was higher than the rate among in their late 20s. The reasons could be financial and child care concerns, waiting longer to get married or find a partner, and prioritizing education, career or leisure time during young adulthood. TIME quoted Aurélie Athan, a clinical psychologist who researches the psychology of motherhood and reproductive identity at Columbia University's Teachers College, who described this phenomenon as "pregnancy pause". "They’re really taking time to say, ‘Do I want to do this?'" Athan said.

Read: Here's What New Mothers In Their 30s Should Pay Attention To

A more recent 2025 report by NBC stated that the most recent data show that most births now occur to women ages 30 to 34, while a decade ago it was 25 to 29. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which tallies all known births in the US reported from 1990 to 2023, the fertility rate for women ages 35 to 39 increased by 71%. Experts point out the reasons include: volving social expectations and values; changes in technology and dating behavior; the economic burden of child rearing; and increasing college enrollment among women.

How Can You Plan Your Pregnancy After 30?

Quit Habits: If you are a smoker, or consume alcohol, this is a good time to leave it.

Reduce Stress: While pregnancy for some can bring stress, try to find activities that help you release it.

Healthy Weight: Ensure that your weight is right, reduce your waist to bring it to a healthy range for a healthy pregnancy.

Food Habits: Stop eating junk and start eating more whole grains.

Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can impact negatively on the child. You do not have to do HIIT, however, regular easy workouts can make both the pregnancy and delivery easy.

Read More: Women Are Now Waiting More Before Becoming A Mother, Age Trend Shows Motherhood From 2016 to 2023

Dr Michelle Y Owens, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and a practicing maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, writes for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that "the longer your eggs have been around, the more likely they are to produce a pregnancy with a chromosome problem that can lead to a condition like Down syndrome. The risk goes up significantly after 35."

However, she says, there is a good news. Now, we have tools to detect and respond to pregnancy complications early.

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in many different ways. Not only do women experiences changes in their hormonal balance, but they also find that things like pelvic pain urine leakage etc., may become permanent as well.

It is also not new information how a mother’s body prioritizes the health of the baby, over its own sustenance, however, does that mean this could cause the mother’s health to suffer permanently?

A few studies have suggested that women who breastfeed often lose their bone density, causing them issues like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and brittle, is a big health concern, especially for women after menopause. Doctors and researchers have long wondered if pregnancy and breastfeeding could play a role in this later in life.

The main idea is that during pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman's body needs a lot of calcium for the baby. This high demand, along with low estrogen levels, might affect the mother's bone health.

Does Breastmilk Draw Nutrient From Women’s Bones?

According to National Institute of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases during both pregnancy and breastfeeding, a mother's body needs a lot of calcium to help her baby grow. Some of this calcium comes from the mother's bones, which naturally causes a temporary decrease in her bone density. This is a normal part of pregnancy and breastfeeding and usually happens most during the third trimester and while she is nursing.

While a temporary decrease in bone density is normal during pregnancy and breastfeeding, your bone density usually returns to normal after you give birth and during or after you stop breastfeeding.

However, in very rare cases, some pregnant or nursing women might develop osteoporosis. This can lead to fractures, especially in the spine, that can happen without much stress or injury.

Does Breastfeeding Increase Risk of Osteoporosis?

Many studies have looked into this issue, but there is still no clear answer. Some research suggests a link, while other studies don't. Because there's no agreement among experts, a 2024 study was done to get a better understanding. Researchers reviewed all the available information on osteoporosis, pregnancy, and breastfeeding to see what the facts currently show.

However, what researchers found was much different than they anticipated. Researchers at UC San Francisco and UC Davis solved the mystery of how breastfeeding women's bones stay strong even when calcium is taken from them to make milk. They discovered a new hormone called Maternal Brain Hormone (MBH), also known as CCN3, that makes bones stronger and denser. This finding, published in Nature, could one day help people with broken bones and diseases like osteoporosis.

Could This Research Lead To Better Bone Health Care?

The researchers found that when they gave MBH to young and old mice, both male and female, their bones became much stronger. In some very old female mice that had no estrogen (which normally helps build bones), the hormone was able to more than double their bone mass.

To see if MBH could help with healing, the scientists created a special gel patch that slowly released the hormone onto a broken bone. In older mice, whose bones normally don't heal well, the patch helped new bone form and heal the fracture. This successful outcome has never been seen before with other treatments. The researchers are excited about the potential of MBH to help people with various bone conditions, including:

• Women after menopause who are at high risk for osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weak and break easily.
• Breast cancer survivors who lose bone mass from their treatment.
• Elite female athletes.
• Older men who have suffered a hip fracture.

How Much Calcium Do Women Need?

The amount of calcium a woman needs each day doesn't change when she is pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ages 14-18: 1,300 mg per day.

Ages 19 and older: 1,000 mg per day.

Getting more calcium than these recommended amounts from food or supplements won't stop the temporary bone loss that happens during this time. For this reason, extra calcium doesn't have a big impact on how much bone a woman loses. If you're pregnant or nursing and are thinking about taking a calcium supplement, you should always talk to your doctor first.

Inner Child’ is Health and Me's new mental health series where we deep dive into lesser-known aspects of child psychology and how it shapes you as you grow up. Often unheard, mistaken, and misunderstood, in this series we talk about the children’s perspective and their mental health, something different than you might have read in your parenting books. After all, parenting is not just about teaching but also unlearning.

Teachers and parents have, for many years, branded some children as "too emotional" or "too sensitive." Behind these words, there is usually a good intention hiding a misunderstanding these children are not broken or overreacting. They have nervous systems that are designed to feel more deeply, more intensely and more tenaciously than other children.

What this actually is, is that sensitivity in children is not as much about weakness as it is about difference. Grasping that difference is important to creating emotionally healthy, resilient, and confident kids.

Why Sensitivity Isn't a Flaw?

High sensitivity is an old phenomenon. Psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron originally described the "Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP) in the 1990s, explaining that about 15–20% of the population is more sensitive to sensory input, feelings, and surroundings. Kids who meet this criterion view the world with a intensity that at times overwhelms them—but it also provides them with special strengths.

Sensitive children sense subtleties that most others do not. They can sense the tension in a room before anyone says a word, catch the smallest change in a friend's mood, or be deeply touched by music, art, or literature. The catch is that they also take on more stress, criticism, and conflict, causing adults to write them off as dramatic or breakable.

But studies indicate that this more intensive processing is not a deficiency. Instead, sensitive children tend to exhibit greater empathy, creativity, and sensitivity. Their ability to "feel big" is a double-edged sword: painful at times, but equally beautifully enriching.

Neurological research indicates that sensitive children might have variations in brain response patterns. Functional MRI scans of extremely sensitive individuals demonstrate more activation of areas associated with awareness, empathy, and emotional control.

Simply put, when most children experience sadness, happiness, or fright, the emotional reaction goes away fairly quickly. Sensitive children, on the other hand, experience the same emotion through several layers—cognitive, sensory, and empathetic. This means it's a longer, more powerful emotional experience.

Parents tend to misunderstand this as exaggeration. What's actually occurring is not an exaggeration—it's amplification. Their internal world is cranked up a few degrees, so the same emotional incident registers differently.

How Sensitivity Appears in Childhood?

All children show sensitivity in their unique way, but there are some common patterns that psychologists and pediatricians observe in highly sensitive children:

Deep emotional responses: Crying, laughter, or irritation that appear out of proportion to the context.

Profund empathy: Consoling friends, fretting about others, or even getting distressed at news reports or animal cruelty.

Overwhelmed in bustling settings: Busy classrooms, loud birthday parties, or disruption to routine can cause meltdowns.

Perfectionism and self-criticism: Sensitive children can be perfectionists, setting high expectations for themselves and crushing themselves when they fail.

Rich inner lives: They usually adore telling stories, daydreaming, or role-playing, channelling feelings through creative expression.

What adults perceive as "too much" is actually a system that has yet to master regulating or expressing its depth.

What Is The Cost of Mislabeling Sensitive Kids?

When adults dismiss a child’s emotions with phrases like “Don’t be so dramatic” or “You’re too sensitive,” they unintentionally send a message: your feelings aren’t valid. Over time, this can teach children to suppress or distrust their emotions, leading to anxiety, self-doubt, or difficulties in relationships.

Worse still, some kids start to internalize shame. They may think there's something wrong with them because they care too much, cry a lot, or require more recovery time after stressful situations.

Psychologists caution that this criticism of themselves can extend into adulthood, manifesting as people-pleasing behaviors, burnout, or difficulty setting boundaries.

Reframing Sensitivity as Strength

The major turn is to redefine sensitivity as an asset--not a shortcoming. Research indicates that sensitive children who are raised in nurturing environments end up flourishing more than their less-sensitive counterparts. They do exceptionally well in empathy-related professions, are highly creative, and tend to have excellent emotional intelligence.

This is known as differential susceptibility: sensitive children are more influenced by their environments, both good and bad. That means that criticism can cut them deeply, but praise and understanding can enable them to blossom way above the norm.

How Parents Can Support a Sensitive Child?

Raising or teaching a sensitive child needs patience and redefining expectations. Some things supported by developmental psychology are:

1. Validate, Don't Dismiss

Instead of telling a child they’re overreacting, acknowledge what they’re feeling: “I see you’re really upset. Let’s take a moment together.” This doesn’t mean indulging every emotional swing, but showing their emotions have value.

2. Teach Emotional Regulation

Sensitive kids need tools to navigate their depth. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, or even physical activity can help them move through overwhelming feelings in healthier ways.

3. Create Safe Recovery Spaces

Quiet time following school, reading nooks, or soothing bedtime rituals provide sensitive children with a space to unwind from overstimulation.

4. Support Their Strengths

Emphasizing creativity, empathy, or critical thinking helps sensitive children realize their sensitivity is an asset rather than a weakness.

5. Model Healthy Emotional Expression

Kids learn from what they see. Parents who express their own emotions openly and calmly are teaching children that feeling deeply is ordinary and navigable.

How a sensitive child is treated during early years determines their adult life fundamentally. Those who are nourished end up being empathetic leaders, artists, caregivers, or innovators. Those who are shamed end up being adults with anxiety, depression, or identity issues.

Therapists working with highly sensitive adults often trace the roots of their struggles back to childhood experiences where emotions were invalidated. The “inner child” work many undergo in therapy is essentially about reconnecting with that sensitive child, acknowledging their feelings, and offering the validation they never received.

Calling sensitive children "too emotional" isn't just missing the point—it can do lasting damage. It's an era when mental health issues are increasingly on the rise globally, and recognizing the complexity of emotions is more necessary than ever.

Rather than trying to teach children to toughen up, we need to teach them to find their way through their emotional worlds with confidence. Sensitivity is not something to be fixed it's a kind of intelligence to be cultivated.

Each child feels emotions differently, but for highly sensitive children, they feel them in high definition. They don't need to be "fixed"; they need to be guided, supported, and validated. When we shift away from belittling them as "too emotional" and towards valuing their depth, we open the door for them to become compassionate, innovative, and resilient adults.