Son is 11.5 months and still gags on solids

Re: Son is 11.5 months and still gags on solids

• Boonhilde member

  January 2014

  Sorry. Kind of a repeat post. How do I delete it?

  
  
  

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• Brissett member

  January 2014

  I feel your pain. Same problem here!

  

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• nanabanana06

  January 2014

  Gagging is normal. Babies gag in order to learn how to chew and swallow. Just leave him be and keep offering foods. He'll never learn if you feed him yourself.
  

  

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• BigPoppa22 member

  January 2014 edited January 2014

  DS is 9.5 months and in the same boat.  He also has difficulty with his bottle, takes 3 gulps then turns head away, unless we totally distract him (we walk him around the apartment while feeding, let him grab the refrigerator magnets, blinds strings, bang on the doors, etc.)  He had been drinking about 31 ounces per day (actually 23 oz but 27 calorie formula) and 2 jars of puree.  We only tried finger foods every 2 weeks since every time he takes a few bites of anything textured, he gags and spits up.

  
  

  We went to a speech pathologist last week who said we are actually doing pretty well.  Our "engaged distraction" during the bottle feeding is actually what they would have suggested doing.  As far as the textured solids and finger foods, she gave some advice that maybe you will find helpful.  First, she asked us to add a 3rd puree meal, and said we could even drop one bottle in lieu of it (because adding a morning yogurt is around the same calories as one bottle).  Second, she stressed to INCREASE the practice with finger foods and textures.  We had tried Ella's puffs, mum-mums, Cheerios, etc.  While in the office, she gave LO straight up natural "puffed rice" and he did very well with it.  Might be a great starter finger food for you.  She said to try it every day now so he gets used to the texture and confidence grows.  Third, and finally, a bit more about confidence.  Your baby can read your face like a book.  If she eats some puffs and starts to gag, and you have a look of worry or horror on your face because you expect her to puke, it is going to reinforce that reaction.  She said when LO starts to gag, give her positive reinforcement - cheering, clapping hands, "yayyy!", and LO will build more confidence.  I put that to work this weekend and it actually helped immensely.  Whether it was from positive reinforcement or merely distraction, it helped.  LO had puffed rice on Saturday and Sunday without throwing up (though he did throw up an entire jar of puree later) and also some bits of croissant.

  
  

  Hope that helps, even a little!

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• cbelle1231 member

  January 2014

  We had a similar start, but I just kept giving him more to try . Lots to pick up himself and also model for him. You pick up and chew too. I would say watch mommy and eat a puff and chew.

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