My 10-month-old won't eat formula/breast milk. What should I do?

Formula or breast milk refusal is very common in 10-month-olds and usually temporary. The most common reasons at this age include:

1. Normal part of the transition to solids: As babies experience varied tastes and textures between 8-10 months, some lose interest in familiar formula. This isn't a problem — it's developmental.

2. Teething: Sore gums can make sucking uncomfortable. Your baby may be refusing because of pain, not lack of hunger.

3. Distraction: A 10-month-old is fascinated by the world; they may want to look around instead of feeding.

General tips:

• Never force feed — pressure makes refusal worse.
• Try different temperatures (room temperature vs. slightly warm).
• Feed in a quiet, dim room to minimize distractions.
• Check how much solid food they're eating before bottles/breast — too much solid food leaves no room.
• Try a different bottle nipple/flow speed.

When to contact the doctor:

• No feeding for more than 6 hours
• 8+ hours without a wet diaper (dehydration sign)
• Fever, fussiness, or vomiting alongside refusal
• Weight stops increasing or baby loses weight

This phase usually resolves on its own within 1-3 weeks. If your baby seems generally happy, plays normally, and is still gaining weight, there's likely no cause for panic.