LO swatting during meals?

srh08.05.06

E used to be a really good eater with solids - she was the kind who would open her mouth and be upset if you took too long to give her the next spoonful.  For the past month, she doesn't seem to want solids anymore.  She will be in her high chair and swat at us, trying to push the spoon away.  And I don't think it's a game to her, because she gets this really mean look on her face like she is angry! 

I've tried holding her hand down, but that makes her more mad.  I've tried feeding her a bottle first, but that also doesn't make a difference.  She will happily eat her puffs (which for some reason she still can't figure out how to feed herself), but not her jar food - I've tried every variety of food and it's not as if she just has one she doesn't like.  Also, we've tried a few finger foods and she wasn't into that either.  The frustrating part is she used to be a good eater   I thought it was a phase, but now that a month has passed, I don't know what to do.

Any suggestions?  Thanks!

AlishaMay

One of my girls just started doing this.  I talked to my mom about it and she said that all 4 of us kids started that when we wanted to start feeding ourselves - even if we weren't totally ready to handle it.  She suggested giving Nanette a spoon to hold on to while I feed her.  This has worked like magic!  She will even sometimes try to dip her spoon into the bowl of pureed food that I'm feeding her, and suck it off her spoon.  I guess this is how it starts - but either way, my good eater is back - but only when she has her own spoon

kaitley44

My DS has started doing this too. I don't know what to do either. I think I will try pp suggestion and give him a spoon and see if that makes a difference.

srh08.05.06

Thank you so much for your reply - I will try giving her a spoon at her next meal and see how it goes!

joliemariée

My two started doing this when they wanted to eat "people food" I know you mentioned she is pushing away finger food, but try something with more flavor perhaps - mine wanted "flavor" & texture. They wouldn't and still won't take anything on a spoon now that isn't "real food", or anything mushy at all. They do like holding a spoon and trying to feed with it though, it is a mess but it helps.

For them, It  has to be chewable, real food. It started at about 10mths and I didn't really "catch on" at first until it became full blown hysterics at mealtimes. Now they have upped the ante to wanting really flavorful things only - guacomole, garlic hummus on pita, spaghetti & meatballs, anything spicy, etc.. they are little gourmets and it is EXHAUSTING! LOL I  miss jar-food!!

PS:  I started with toast w/babyfood veggie spread on it, waffles with babyfood fruit spread on it, etc... to use up my baby food.  My pedi had given us the timeline of off all baby food by 1 year, which we certainly were.

HTH

AlishaMay

HTH ladies - good luck!  I'd be interested to hear if it helps your lo's out too since they are a bit older than mine.

SouthSeasBride

similar to pp, I give DS something to hold and he's all about eating then!