The "milk rejection phase" is a term many mothers use to explain why their babies suddenly refuse to eat milk. The so-called milk rejection phase usually occurs after a baby is three months old. At this point, babies may not be as focused on breastfeeding as before and tend to eat while playing. The slightest disturbance can completely divert their attention. Additionally, parents often pay close attention to the amount of milk their babies consume. If the baby eats less than usual, parents often assume that the baby has entered the milk rejection phase. One of the most common responses by parents is to immediately introduce supplementary foods to their babies. But is this the right approach? Is the so-called "milk rejection phase" really a phase of rejecting milk?
1. It’s not true milk rejection, but rather a lack of focus on eating.
Babies grow and develop rapidly. In the beginning, when their vision and hearing are not particularly sharp, babies may focus more on eating and sleeping. However, as their development progresses, their vision and hearing make significant advances. At the same time, the rapid development of their brains makes them more interested in the outside world. With clearer hearing and the ability to see more and farther, the world outside becomes increasingly rich and colorful, making it easy for babies to shift their attention away from eating and sleeping. With more things to attract their interest, babies no longer focus on eating as they used to.
Parents need not worry that their babies will go hungry because of this behavior. Although babies are full of curiosity and unwilling to focus on eating, when they are truly hungry, they will choose to eat their fill before doing other things. If a baby is not focused on eating, it simply means they do not feel that hungry. When feeding their babies, parents can pay attention to the surrounding environment. For example, taking the baby to a quiet place to eat can reduce distractions during feeding.
2. Introducing supplementary foods should not affect the baby’s milk intake.
Generally, supplementary foods should not be introduced until after six months of age, and not immediately upon noticing the so-called milk rejection phase. Moreover, supplementary foods should not be given in large quantities, as this could reduce the baby’s interest in milk. Until one year old, breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition for babies, with supplementary foods serving as an important supplement. The reason supplementary foods are introduced after six months is that a baby’s nutritional needs become increasingly diverse, and the iron content in milk may no longer meet the body’s demands, potentially leading to anemia. Thus, supplementary foods become necessary for additional nutrients.
Between six months and one year, a baby’s stomach is about the size of an orange, and eating even a small amount of food can make them feel full. If parents feed supplementary foods first and then try to give milk, the baby’s stomach may not have enough room for the milk. Also, some babies may temporarily lose interest in milk as they find supplementary foods intriguing when they first encounter them.
Parents should pay attention to the amount of supplementary foods they give their babies and ensure that supplementary feeding and milk intake are spaced apart. It is not advisable to feed more supplementary foods just because the baby refuses milk; both should be given, but milk should still remain the baby’s primary source of nutrition!
It is important to note that sometimes babies may temporarily refuse milk due to physical discomfort, so parents should differentiate whether the refusal is due to a pathological reason. If an issue is identified, timely medical attention is necessary. Once the baby recovers, they will love drinking milk again.
