Ds still doesn't like solids

AC_DC · September 2011

I know, I know, it's only been a few months but ds still hates to eat solids and it's been a few LONG months. We've tried different flavors, different brands, different consistencies, different times of day, eating different places (highchair, bumbo), different spoons, feeding him hungry, full, somewhere in between...you get the picture. We're doing everything we can think of, including giving him time off and not even trying the solids, and I'm out of ideas. He rarely opens his mouth for a spoon and when he does it's just open the tiniest amount and he pushes the spoon out with his tongue. I'd be thankful for more ideas, or just someone who understands, or someone who will tell me that this won't last forever...that feeding him won't always be a battle. He DOES like to eat crackers, graham crackers, puffs, cheerios. Should I just give him tiny bites of whatever we're eating for dinner? Talked to the pedi about it (who we usually love) and she said "well, eating is a part of life so it's just something he's going to have to get used to." Great! Thanks for the advice. Not. Someone tell me this is ok, normal even.

Titts McGeee · September 2011

So he will eat solids, just not purees? Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but if not, just skip the purees and give him small pieces of what you're having.

AC_DC · September 2011

lol yes you are right. I was using "solids" to refer to everything that's not milk. Might sound dumb but my concern there is that the won't get enough to his mouth to get enough nutrition and I know he isn't getting much from crackers.

monkey_pants · September 2011

I have a few thoughts:

1. Maybe he wants to do it himself. Have you tried putting the food on the spoon and setting it down in front of him for him to try to feed himself?

2. Maybe give BLW a shot if you're game. You can give him pieces of foods that you're eating, or sometimes I make things just for DD since DH and I aren't always eating our meals at her mealtimes. Basically, the foods should be about the size of your forefinger. Even if LO doesn't have teeth, they should still be able to bite and chew (we've been doing BLW for about 6 wks and DD just cut her first tooth today). Stuff I started with: roasted carrots, zucchini, eggplant, homemade hummus on pieces of bread, cantaloupe, etc. The possibility of choking is a deterrent for many people, and most babies do gag a lot when they start eating this way, but gagging is different from choking as it's a defense mechanism to prevent choking. There's LOTS more info about BLW out there if you're interested.

3. If you either don't want to try BLW or it doesn't help your situation, your DS's nutrition isn't compromised as before 1 breastmilk or formula provides everything they need. If doing BLW, it definitely takes some time before they start ingesting enough food to make a difference, but BM or formula is still what's giving them essential calories and nutrients.

Hope this helps and doesn't sound too preachy

AC_DC · September 2011

Thank you so, so much! That does help! And it does NOT sound preachy at all!

I love that idea!

smallysmallz04 · September 2011

I agree with everyone else. Your LO doesn't have to eat soilds for nutrients, it's just for practice swallowing. If your LO doesn't like purees try more finger foods. Finger foods are practice for chewing and self feeding. This is the main goal. I've been giving DS more finger foods so that he can get used to self feeding. Have you tried making the purees your self? You could give him mashed up banana just to try and see. If he doesn't like them mashed, you can try to give him a whole banana inside a Mesh Feeder (Munkin makes one). Those are just a couple ideas that I have HTH

Swan21 · September 2011

DD refuses to eat purees. I saw a different pedi at the pffice then we usually do and I told him when I try to give them to her she looks at me like I';m insulting her. His answer, "I don't blame her." He said to justt give her whatever we are eating. Tear it up small and let her have what she wants.

MeganKay · September 2011

I agree with the other posts. Forget the purees. My only other piece of advice is to try feeding him with a fork that is for toddlers. My son will only eat by feeding himself or by me feeding him with a fork.