By Jo Lenz, Registered Dietitian (HCPC registered), in conversation with Mulu, founder of V&Me · Published July 2026
Stick with the stage and routine you have got to, keep the pressure low, and know that eating usually returns to normal within a few days of your baby perking up. It is very common for illness and teething to affect eating, and very tempting to go back to smoother textures just to get something in, but stepping back a stage is usually a backward step that delays everything. That is registered dietitian Jo Lenz's advice, from her conversation with V&Me founder Mulu, who admits she felt exactly that temptation with her own boys.
Why do babies stop eating when unwell or teething?
It is very common. When babies are unwell, or coming down with something, or picking up bugs after starting nursery or childcare, it very often affects their eating. They might want more milk, or just refuse food. Teething does the same because they are uncomfortable. Jo is clear this is normal, and that it is very difficult for parents in those stages, because often you just want them to eat something.
Should I go back to purées until they are better?
Jo's advice is no. Stick with the stage that you have got to and the routine that you have. She has seen parents stop food altogether and go back to completely giving milk because it feels like nothing is working, and often it is just a backward step that delays everything. Instead, keep offering at your baby's current stage in a low pressure way, and stay responsive to their hunger and fullness cues. You are not pushing anything. If they refuse, there is a reason behind it, teething or feeling unwell, and hopefully within a few days of perking up things return to normal.
One practical adaptation Jo does suggest for teething: some of the vegetable finger foods, especially cool ones, can feel better and cooling on sore gums. Adapting foods like that is different from retreating a stage.
Free texture progression guide download
A simple guide designed by Jo Lenz, ready to be printed and stuck to the fridge.
How long is it reasonable to wait?
Mulu's own rule was three to four days of poor eating before worrying, and Jo recognised that pattern: usually children bounce back after that sort of time. While you wait, the reassurance is in the basics: if they are still having plenty of wet nappies and opening their bowels fine, they are managing, and remember that babies are quite good at managing their own appetites as long as you keep offering regular meals with nice spacing between them.
When should I seek medical advice?
Young children can go downhill quite quickly, so trust your intuition, especially as a first time parent, and know there is no silly question. Get advice if you are worried about dehydration, which can happen quickly in little ones: lots of vomiting or diarrhoea, not drinking well, or fewer wet nappies are all signs to get support. And if you are just not sure, getting reassurance from a doctor is always reasonable. Jo's wider point applies here too: do not continue helplessly, run it past someone.
The bigger picture
A few bad days do not undo texture progression. What undoes it is staying stepped back after the illness passes, because the comfort of foods you know your baby will eat has a habit of extending itself, and delay beyond around 9 to 10 months is the thing to avoid. The full month by month path is here, and when your baby is back on form, our fresh meals arrive daily across London from our Battersea kitchen at exactly the stage they left off. See our texture options.
FAQs
Q: Is it normal for my baby to stop eating when teething or ill?
A: Yes, very. Babies often want more milk or refuse food when unwell or teething, and eating usually returns to normal within a few days of perking up.
Q: Should I go back to smooth food while my baby is unwell?
A: No. Stick with the stage and routine you have reached, keep pressure low, and stay responsive to hunger and fullness cues. Stepping back usually just delays progress.
Q: How long should I wait before worrying about poor eating?
A: Children usually bounce back within three to four days. Seek advice sooner if there are signs of dehydration: vomiting or diarrhoea, not drinking, or fewer wet nappies.
Q: What foods help a teething baby?
A: Cool vegetable finger foods can feel soothing on sore gums. Adapting foods this way is fine and different from going back a texture stage.
This article is based on a recorded conversation between Jo Lenz, registered dietitian, and Mulu, founder of V&Me. It is general guidance, not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are worried that your baby is particularly unwell, or unsure, speak to your GP or health visitor.
Jo Lenz is a registered dietitian with 19 years of experience, including 13 years in the NHS, and has worked with V&Me since it began. V&Me cooks fresh baby and toddler meals every morning in its Battersea kitchen and delivers across London.
