When your baby won’t eat solids, it can be stressful. Learn why your baby is refusing food and how to get them to eat solid foods with 7 simple steps!
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The spoon hits the floor.
Your baby makes a nasty face.
They might even shudder or gag.
All from a bite, or an attempt to feed your baby solid foods. It’s totally unexpected when babies respond with such disdain for baby food or table food. As parents, we’re often excited about this new milestone and it’s shocking when your baby won’t eat solids.
In real life though, it’s quite common for babies to gag on solids, seem uninterested, and outright refuse food.
While knowing it’s “normal” for babies to not seem interested in solid foods, even though everyone else’s baby seems to be gulping it down by the jar full, it still leaves the question, “How do you get a baby to eat solids?”
Well, I happen to know a thing or two about that. First, because I’ve personally helped a lot of families get their babies eating solids as a pediatric occupational therapist with over a decade of experience, but also because I’ve been there with my own son…
Going through it as a mom was a whole different ball game.
Of course, I knew that it was normal for babies to refuse baby food when it was first introduced, and I also knew that some babies didn’t much prefer baby food, but my Momma heart was worried. The worrying got worse when I watched my son act like he could’ve cared less about the delicious homemade sweet potatoes that I whipped up, as he turned his face away and threw the spoon across the room.
Meal after meal.
Day after day.
And, week after week.
With each passing day that he refused to eat solids, I got more worried, and more frustrated as I’d watch the food I’d prepared literally go down the drain. There came a point when I knew I needed to do more, to put some of my OT skills to use in my home, and that’s what I’m going to share with you here, because I know how stressful it is when your sweet adorable little baby won’t eat solids.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know :
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- Why your baby is refusing solids
- Why they used to eat solids, but don’t anymore
- How to get them to eat solids and table foods
- Ways to get them more help (if you need it)
We have specific guides as well for toddlers that refuse to eat and preschoolers and school aged kids that refuse to eat.
Why Your Baby Won’t Eat Solids
There are a lot of factors that can actually play a role in any baby’s refusal to eat solid food. We’re going to walk through each of them below, but know that the reason your baby isn’t eating solids could be any one or combination of them. With a little detective work, you’ll figure it out!
Also, age has a little do with it, and will help you hone in on what’s going on.
6 or 7 Month Olds That Refuse Solids:
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- Baby isn’t ready yet – 6 months of age is the perfect time to introduce baby to solid foods, but sometimes the baby isn’t ready. Actually, this is really common when the baby is closer to 4 and 5 months old if you’re starting a little earlier, but is still totally normal at 6 months of age.
Babies are still learning how to move their tongue and bring toys to their mouth, which helps them get used to having foreign objects in there. Each baby is unique and yours may just need some practice if they are in this age range.
They also may still be developing good trunk and head control, without it, eating is difficult!
Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for introducing food and make sure your baby is ready for solids. You can also find my guide to Introducing Solids with more details on milestones to look for when 6 months old.
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- A strong tongue thrust reflex – Most babies usually lose this reflex that helps them not choke if something accidentally gets into their mouth around 4-6 months, but it may linger for some.
If you notice that your baby still thrusts their tongue out every time you touch the spoon to their lips, they may need a little more time. It’s really hard for them to eat when they keep shoving their tongue out of their mouth!
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- Doesn’t like the way food feels – Solid food is something so new and unfamiliar to babies, it can take a while for them to get used to the new texture in their mouth. Many babies do in fact get used to the feeling of solids, but some don’t.
Read more about that below under sensory.
8, 9, or 10 Month Olds That Refuse Solids:
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- Sensory – By 8 months of age, most babies are ready from a developmental standpoint, and at this age, it’s definitely time to get the ball rolling, but some babies (like my son) still refuse. One of the most common reasons why older babies still won’t eat solids is because they don’t like the texture.
This boils down to the way their brains are thinking about (or processing) the sensory input they feel (aka the food in their mouth).
This isn’t a bad thing and doesn’t necessarily mean they have any kind of diagnosis, but it does mean we need to take some extra steps to help them tolerate the texture of food better. You can head to sensory issues with food to learn more.
Babies that are sensitive to different textures usually gag immediately at the sight, touch, or taste of food.
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- Coordination – Eating actually requires a lot of muscle coordination from opening the mouth, pulling food off of a spoon, closing the mouth, and effectively swallowing.
We take this for granted and don’t even think about it, but for some babies, it just isn’t coming natural.
Babies that are having difficulty with coordination, or oral motor skills (find exercises with that link,) usually gag when trying to swallow or after getting the food into their mouth.
Or, the food may fall out frequently, and babies won’t eat solids because they just don’t know how. When they don’t know how to eat, it isn’t that fun, and there isn’t a lot of interest.
If gagging is something you’re concerned about or is happening often, read more in guide on baby gagging.
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- Food allergies – Believe it or not, sometimes babies will avoid certain types of foods because they’ve associated an upset tummy with the yogurt or cheese for example. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s something to consider, especially when it’s very specific allergenic food.
The most common types of food allergens are dairy, egg, soy, wheat, tree nut, peanut, fish, and shellfish. Severe eczema is another indicator that food allergies might be present.
Sometimes, signs become more obvious when cow’s milk is introduced.
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- Not into baby food – While this is probably the least likely reason your baby is refusing solids, it is possible.
If you’ve consistently offered baby food or infant cereal with no interest from your baby and you don’t see any of the sensory or coordination signs we talked about above, then you might just might want to move on to table and finger foods.
One way to do that is using a Baby Led Weaning approach, before you do that though read my BLW pros and cons.
Why Baby Won’t Eat Solids Anymore (They Used to?)
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- Some teething babies won’t eat – While it’s not as common, some babies start off eating baby food and then suddenly stop. A frequent cause of this is teething, and some babies teethe for a very. long. time. If your baby’s teeth are swollen, red, and seem to hurt, then this is likely the cause.
Try putting some teething gel on their gums 15-20 minutes before a meal. If you see an improvement, this is likely the culprit. Here’s a natural teething gel I like, but check with your doctor first.
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- Going through a phase – Babies may get a little bug or slight cold that we aren’t even aware of or have some negative experience with food that seemed too minor to us as the parent, but makes them leery of eating.
If it’s the latter, some sensory sensitivities can develop if a baby goes for a while without eating any food. If this is the case for your baby, you’ll want to follow the steps below and focus on not pressuring your baby to eat. It’s really important that mealtimes are a positive experience.
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- They’ve outgrown baby food – If your baby is later in their 7th month or older, they may just be sick of solid baby food and ready for the real deal table and finger foods. That may mean it’s time to change up baby’s diet!
I know that seems scary and makes some parents nervous. Don’t worry though, if you think this is why your baby suddenly won’t eat solids anymore, then head to how to transition to table foods.
How to Get Your Baby to Eat Solids
1. The absolute first thing I do with a baby not eating solids is to put a scoop of baby food or some other pureed food like yogurt onto the tray of their high chair.
I know, the mess. It’s soooo important for babies to get messy though! If you’re skeptical, you’ve got to read: Why Babies Should Get Messy Eating. It will totally change your perspective and give you the inspiration to embrace the mess.
2. Encourage your baby to touch the food, but don’t force. Be silly and keep it light. Demonstrate.
If they refuse, try and try again. In fact, at every single meal, put a dollop of that food on their tray or even in a bowl that they can play with and touch. If they won’t touch after a few attempts, offer a spoon for them to stick into the food too.
This is one of my favorite beginner spoons that makes it really easy for baby to get some food onto it.
3. Once your child touches the solid food, you’re on your way! Allow them to touch, spread, and put it all over the tray and themselves. This is wonderful for their sensory processing and will make a huge difference in helping them get used to the texture of solids.
If they get upset once they’ve touched the food, or that they are now all messy, be very calm and reassuring.
Have a wet washcloth ready and quickly wipe them down. And, if this is how they respond, it’s a sign that you need to practice playing with these foods a lot! The more they touch and interact with the food, the closer they’ll be to eating it.
4. When baby has the food on their hand and they’re at least tolerating it, show them how to take their hand to their mouth, so they can taste it. You may need to demonstrate if baby won’t let you guide their hand.
Repeat this several times. After they eat from their hands several times, offer them some solid foods from a spoon.
5. You can also give them a large whole raw carrot or celery stalk at meals. I mean the whole darn thing. The point isn’t for them eat it (and if they can get pieces of it off, take it away), but for them to put it into their mouth.
When they do this, it helps desensitize their gag reflex and they get to practice biting, chewing, and moving their tongue around. It’s amazingly powerful and can make a big impact in a baby accepting solid foods. Make sure you demonstrate and keep offering at every meal.
6. Be consistent and patient. I can’t stress this enough, even though it’s often easier said than done! Have regular meals and follow the above steps 1-3 times a day for every meal. You can find sample schedules for babies ages 6 – 7 months, 8 – 10 months, and 11 -14 months if you’d like a guideline to follow.
7. Focus on meals being positive experiences for the baby, even if they aren’t eating anything. As parents, we can bring a lot of stress with us to meals, which can be hard to hide. But, this is definitely a “fake it til you make it” kind of situation.
Take a deep breath, put on a happy face, and work on the above steps. Going into the meal with no expectations of them eating anything will also help keep your frustration level down.
I highly recommend grabbing a seat in my free online workshop to help learn more…
In it, you’ll learn 5 Easy changes parents can make to help babies and toddlers eat table food well! It’s an eye opener and will help you take steps to give them the best start with eating table foods well (even if it already isn’t going well):
Strategies to Use Outside of Meals for Baby’s Refusing Solids
There are a few really powerful strategies you can use away from the highchair that will directly impact your baby eating solids during meals. Might seem strange, but if you suspect your baby is refusing because of sensory or coordination difficulties, doing these activities can be total game changers:
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- Brush their teeth – If you haven’t started yet, brush their teeth, and when you do, make sure you’re getting all over their gums and the sides, as well as the top of their tongue.
It only takes a few seconds, but it helps to both desensitize their mouth and improve coordination because the tongue gets practice moving in different directions. If your baby doesn’t like it, take it slow, and try often.
The more often you brush, the bigger the effect. Try for one to three times a day, and consider a vibrating toothbrush (yes, even for babies) for more powerful input in their mouth.
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- Play in sensory bins – That may be a new term to you or you might be wondering what the heck that has to do with eating, but playing in different textures is super powerful and helps the sensory system understand different textures better.
This correlates directly to eating. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a kiddo that plays in sensory bins frequently, suddenly start eating more foods (my son included). Head to Sensory Bin Ideas to learn how to set one up.
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- Chew on toys – So many babies that won’t eat solids never put toys or teethers in their mouth, which is really easy to overlook. If this is your baby, pull out a bunch of different teethers and have them around the house.
Demonstrate. Dip them in food or juice. Play with them in the bath. The more often they get teethers and toys into their mouths, the more it will help improve the coordination their mouth muscles need to eat and desensitize their gag reflex and sensory system.
I really love this teether because it gets in the back of the mouth and this one vibrates (all my friends get it from me at their baby shower).
Help for the Baby Not Eating Food
I’m not just talking about solid baby food or purees. You may have a baby that won’t eat any type of food, like puffs, cut up fruit, or toast. They’re getting older and older. You’re getting worried.
Following the above steps will be incredibly important for your babies too, especially the strategies for outside of a meal. But, you’ll also want to use the steps I outline in getting your baby to eat table foods.
That’s a whole different animal all within itself, and there are some targeting tips that can make all the difference in your baby eating food.
You’ll want to focus on small pieces, and by 9 months of life be attempting table or finger foods.
While I don’t want you to worry, I know it’s tempting to keep waiting it out, and unfortunately, some doctors advise this quite often. This often does not help your baby to learn to eat wide variety of foods.
Babies instinctively learn to chew between roughly 8 and 11 months of age, when they move past that, it can be much harder for them to accept foods. It’s not impossible, and the same steps apply for older children, but it’s much better to be proactive then taking a “wait and see” approach.
Puffs, lil cheese curls, and baby mum mum’s are all great for baby’s first foods.
When to Get More Help for a Baby Not Eating Solids
If your baby doesn’t like solid baby food and won’t accept any table foods of finger foods by 9 months old, it’s a good idea to get an evaluation either from the free early intervention program in your state or from a feeding therapist.
You can also read more about typical feeding milestones for babies just to have a reference point. As I said earlier, all babies develop at a different pace and needing a little more help is very common.
Get My Free Printable: Learn to Eat Table Foods Cheat Sheet
There seem to be more questions than answers when you’re under the daily stress of your baby or toddler not eating table foods. Not to mention all of the well-intentioned bad advice that’s often given. Let’s clear that up.
I’ve created a free 4 page guide that clearly lists the steps to teach your baby or toddler to eat table or finger foods, plus a FAQ guide for parents to ease their worries when their babies won’t eat!
More on My Baby Won’t Eat Solids
How to Teach Your Baby to Self-Feed
How to Teach Your Baby to Drink from a Straw
The Best Mealtime Utensils and Tools for Babies
Click here to Pin This! (You’ll have as a quick reference)
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 19 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
Hi there, my 10.5 month old used to eat purees well but in trying to transition to table foods it has been a downward spiral. Initially she was interested in eating but now refuses at most meals, won’t really feed herself at all and doesn’t have much interest, is now averse to things she used to really like, and rocks/yells/arches her back quickly after being in the high chair. Would taking a break from solids for a week be helpful at all and then starting from scratch be useful?
Hi Mira,
I would continue to offer but take some of the pressure off. Have you taken our free table foods workshop? This may offer some help!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
have a 10 month great grand daughter with high palate, has been tube feed formula because she has trouble sucking, but the doctor wants her off tube feeding and eating solid foods. She is not interested, gags, throws spoon on floor or take her hands and dumps it over side of high chair
Hi Alma,
Do you live in the states? If so, she would qualify for early intervention feeding services to help address this. If not, can you request feeding therapy through your pediatrician if they are requesting this change? They should be able to make a referral, and since she is so young she has lots of time to work on this. As much as you can, get things in her mouth to build oral motor skills. You can find ideas here.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
I have a son 3 years old who refused all solid food since November 2023 he just eat porridge and yogurt im worrying as he is starting hus early nursery school
Hi Khadar,
Try this post to see if it helps him transition.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
I am working with o.t. for my daughters eating solid skills. She gags every time we try smashed fruit or vegetables. She even knows when we hid it in her yogurt or purees. We are seeing the therapist 2x a month and just increased to 4x. Do you have any suggestions for food play?
Hi Cait,
I’m glad to hear you are working with OT. Check out this post and the links within to see if it helps. It goes over some of the components of working toward solids. Check it out if you haven’t already.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hello
Great article – thank you!
I have a 9 month old baby who i have been trying to wean since she was 6 months.
She doesn’t seem interested in food (any type, puree, finger foods, anything!). Wont open her mouth, pushes the spoon away and if i put food on her tray she often picks it up but never puts it near her mouth.
On the few occasions i have managed to get anything past her lips, even a tiny amount; she gags repeatedly and has vomited a couple of times.
She also wont accept calpol from a syringe which she was fine with at 4 months old. 🤦🏻♀️
Help!
Hi Stacie,
If you haven’t already, start with our free workshop on table foods. It is a good starting point and we can absolutely point you in the right direction for more resources once you start there!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
This is a great article that provides practical advice and simple steps for parents who are struggling with their baby not eating solids. It’s reassuring to know that there are solutions available, and it’s helpful to have a step-by-step guide on how to approach this issue.
Thanks for reading and the positive feedback!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
My 2 year old dtr will not eat texture foods and as of today, she is refusing to eat her puffs or drink her smoothies. She does drink 2 bottles of milk daily and barely finishes 8 oz of her juice.
Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Ann,
Have you checked out our free webinar on transitioning to table foods? It’s a great place to start in this area if you haven’t yet. Let me know if you want any other resources once you’ve checked that out!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hi – My son is 9month old, from starting when I bring a spoon he turns his face away, I place the food on his mouth to taste and decide, he licks and if he like he eats otherwise a big NO. He eats only couple of spoons. He like to eat grapes or any fruits that are cut infront of him, he opens his mouth for all type of finger foods, but eats very less 2 or 3 bites and ask me to lift feom his chair. Our family eats rice daily but he doesn’t like the cooked rice texture. Lately he stopped eating solids completely, no signs of teething too. I’m frustrated. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated on how I can get back to.eating solids.
Hi Nancey,
This can be quite frustrating, but at his age, there is a lot of hope for progress! If you haven’t taken our free baby/toddler table food course, I highly recommend starting there. At his age, appetite fluctuation isn’t a huge concern quite yet, but it is important to continue to offer solids so that he starts to tolerate a range of textures, flavors, etc.
I hope this helps!
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Thank you for all this amazing information. My child was diagnosed with lip/tongue tie so he had surgery before 3 months of age. Breastfeeding was painful and nearly impossible until surgery. We started purée foods at 6 months and at first he refused a little bit but will end up eating. He just turned 11 months, we started table foods 2 weeks ago and he completely refuses to eat any. I had already exposed him to broccoli and cauliflower florets and other fruits like banana, mango, avocado at 8 months old and I noticed he wouldn’t bring them to his mouth. I decided to give him a break, but now with table food he will look at it with disgust and throw it in the floor. Everything I place in the tray he will throw in the floor. I bought plates with suction and he gets really frustrated trying to take it off from the tray. I give him a baby silicone fork and spoon (he prefers the fork) he will just play with the food using the fork or his hands. He never liked teethers – we have tons, never used! and I try to brush his teeth with the finger brush and he refuses to open his mouth. (He will only take certain things to his mouth like an empty Extra gum plastic container – ???) Should I get him a kid’s vibrating toothbrush? Not sure if this is important but he refused bottle until I discovered the only nipples he will take are the disposable Enfamil brown ones you get at the hospital. I feel defeated offering food every day and watch it get wasted. The Pediatrician told me to brush his teeth and hold breastfeeding if he refuses table food but it just breaks my heart to withhold breastfeeding him when all he wants is that after an entire day in daycare. He also refuses table food at daycare and will just eat purée. What can I do? 🙁
Hello, thank you for reaching out! A vibrating toothbrush could really help. It sounds like an oral aversion may be one of the issues going on. Have you read this article on it? Let us know if it helps.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
My 13 month old is interested in most foods but for months now I watch him put everything in his mouth, chew it and then spit it out. He will suck juice out out of fruit, and spit out. He will chew carrots, chicken, broccoli… literally everything !!!! And then spit out and swallow nothing! I don’t understand ! Have you seen this before ? Help!
Hi Beth! Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like he may have some difficulty chewing/swallowing, or maybe some sensory sensitivities, which may be causing him to spit out his food. We have a blog post with more info and tips— check it out here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello, my son is 16 months old and he refuses to try almost any non purees in a jar. He will eat his Gerber puffs, Gerber baby oatmeal, yogurt, and frozen pancakes. I’ve tried upgrading to regular oatmeal but he doesn’t like the bigger lumps in them. Every meal I try and offer him new foods like finger foods. He just throws them Everytime and won’t even let you try and put in in his mouth. He just wants his jars and milk and I’m starting to worry he’s not getting enough food and nutrition. I’ve brought up the issue several times to his Dr and to his WIC worker and the only advice I get is to just keep trying. I’ve tried so many things for months now and it’s not improving.
Hi Klee,
This can feel very stressful. I want to ask first, have you taken our free workshop on starting table foods? You may find it helpful! Please start here and we are happy to continue to help!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hello. I have a 8 month baby. She used to eat properly in her 6 month mainly purees. But since last month she is refusing food. She eats 2-3 spoons textured food then stops. If i dip the food in water and feed she accepts it. She keeps wanting me to dip food in water and feed her. If i add more water to her food she wont take it also until she see the food is dipped in water.She asks more water and eats less or sometime wont eat at all only drinks water during meal..
Hi Rubeena! Is she teething, by any chance? Sometimes teething can cause changes with their eating! Keep practicing with solids and different textures, but don’t force or pressure. Try offering smaller/softer pieces, which may be easier for her to eat right now. You can also try taking a break from solids for a few days and then try offering them again to see if that helps!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello! My 8 month old started purées at 5 months old and he was doing very well with 1-2 meals/day in addition to breastfeeding. Now he won’t eat any purées and he only wants to nurse. I’ve offered his favorites like sweet potatoes and bananas and also offered new things and he continues to decline. I’m starting to believe that maybe I’m nursing him too often and he’s not hungry. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out! Sometimes babies go through phases like this! Is he teething, by any chance? Teething can definitely affect eating solids. Try rubbing his gums with a cold wash cloth or offer cold teethers prior to serving solids and see if this helps relieve some discomfort and makes him want to actually eat! Has he tried any solid textures yet? It could also be that he is bored with purées and may have more success eating textured table foods. If not, try taking a break for about a week, then try offering solids again!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi there, my 16 month old was a great eater, but essentially stopped eating chewable solids a month ago and has gone back to purées. it started when he had a bout of gastro and continues while teething, but the problem isn’t improving and he seems to have developed a habit. Any help is much appreciated!
Hi Sophie! Thanks for reaching out! Teething and getting sick can definitely affect a child’s appetite. Try rubbing his gums with a cold wash cloth or offer cold teethers prior to serving solids and see if this helps relieve some discomfort! If you need additional support, check out our free table foods workshop! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi! My baby is 11 months old. She was doing fine with purees. Then, I figured that since she will be done by 12 months I should start to transition slowly to real food.
I started making breakfast food instead of purees. Then kept lunch and dinner as purees. Now she’s doesn’t want any purees and she doesn’t want her foods.
I’m feeling a bit defeated because, like you’ve said just to see food not being eaten. Especially, if it’s for my child.
Any advice can help, please.
Hi Rhian! Thanks for reaching out! Try not to stress. Keep offering solids and allowing her to touch/feel/play with these different food textures, so that she learns to get used to them. Don’t force or pressure her to eat them. Try placing one piece of food at a time, so that it’s less overwhelming for her. You can also try pre-loading a spoon and putting that in front of her to see if she picks it up herself and brings it to her mouth. Once she turns 1, you can wean her off formula and that might help with her overall appetite. For more help, check out our free table foods workshop, here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi!
My 12month old daughter has never been a good eater. She will eat yogurt but when I offer her cereal, veggies, fruit, fish, basically anything else (large pieces, small pieces, mashed) she’ll either shake her head and turn her head, cry in her high chair or throw it on the floor. She will occasionally eat them so I know she is capable but currently she isn’t even having one meal a day. She’s never ever managed three meals a day in her life. I feel so worried and frustrated and feel like I’m trying everything. She’s a good weight but I am still breastfeeding so feel it’s because of that. I also aim for minimal milk near meals and generally during the day with the hope she’ll eat which doesn’t work much either. Any advice would be amazing!
Thank you!
Millie
Hi Millie! Thanks for reaching out! Keep offering solids and allowing her to touch/feel/play with these different food textures, so that she learns to get used to them. Don’t force or pressure her to eat them. Try placing one piece of food at a time, so that it’s less overwhelming for her. You can also try pre-loading a spoon and putting that in front of her to see if she picks it up herself and brings it to her mouth. Try practicing with sensory strategies, like sensory bins, teethers and vibrating toothbrushes. Try food play, where you have her feed a doll/toy, or have her feed you while she watches you over-exaggerate chewing/swallowing. Lastly, for more help, check out our free table foods workshop, here!
Best,
Kalyn
I am going through this exact same situation with my 11mo. He refuses to eat any lumpy or chunks of food. He won’t even look at it if not, he will grab it and throw on the floor. He only eats puré at the daycare and with me he wants to be breastfed only. I feel hopeless.
The baby spoon link isn’t working
Hello, I am so glad I found this. My 6 month old started solids and was doing really well, but now he is refusing solids and the formula. Even the sweets such as bananas and sweet potatoes. I put the foods on his plate and give him while feeding. But he would touch it time to time but not put it in his mouth. Please help me. I
Hi Cartier! Thanks for reaching out! If baby is refusing everything, try taking a little break, like for a week, without offering any solids, just offer formula. Then, slowly introduce solids again, starting with baby purees and baby cereal. Then, you can offer some baby puffs, which can help teach baby to chew. Once baby has established how to chew/swallow, you can try some soft table food. For more in-depth information, check out our other post, here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi,
I have an almost 14 month old who refuses to eat solids. She will sometimes take a bite of a puff snack but doesnt chew it well. She still eats most baby foods. She also wont drink water well either. Mostly just wants milk. We are also still working on crawling. Im a worried mama. Especially since everyone keeps telling me shes very behind on her milestones. She has most of her teeth in already but definitely still teething. She is also always extremely gassy but not constipated. What can I do to help my littleone reach these milestones? Especially the eating part? Thanks in advance
Hi Melissa! Thanks for reaching out! You are not alone! Due to her age, we would recommend consulting with your pediatrician about starting feeding therapy- some hands on help may be beneficial for her. Keep practicing with sensory strategies, like sensory bins, teethers and vibrating toothbrushes. Continue to allow her to touch/feel/play with food and different textures. Try food play, where you have her feed a doll/toy, or have her feed you while she watches you over-exaggerate chewing/swallowing. Lastly, we have a free table food workshop that can offer more in-depth help!
Best,
Kalyn
Initially My kid eats well.but from one week onwards he is not taking any solids….and I observed teething…I’m really stressed.kindly guide us
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out! Teething can definitely affect eating solids. Try rubbing his gums with a cold wash cloth or offer cold teethers prior to serving solids and see if this helps relieve some discomfort! If you need additional support, check out our free table foods workshop! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello:) my daughter is 10 months old and will have maybe 2 mini spoons of foods then will get cranky and refuse to eat anymore. I’ve made and tried every finger food/table food and nothing seems to work 🙁 I’ve contacted her pediatrician and asked to be referred to a feeding therapist and she thinks I should wait until she’s one to be seen ! It’s super discouraging and stressful as she will be starting daycare soon and as a mother I don’t want my child to ever feel left out or something is not “normal”. I believe she really just prefers her bottle of formula as she knows she will get it if she doesn’t eat. We were also told to start pureed foods at 7 months, so could that be a reason? We started late ?
Stressed out first time mama in need of help and guidance:(
Hi Bianca! Thanks for reaching out! Try not to stress— you are not alone! Try practicing with sensory strategies, like baby teethers and vibrating toothbrushes— brush the sides of her mouth to help desensitize any oral aversions she may have. Continue to allow her to touch/feel/play with food and different textures. In addition, we have a free table food workshop that can offer more in-depth help! Lastly, if none of the above help, try consulting with a different doctor who will be more open to an OT referral.
Best,
Kalyn
Hi my son is 2 years and nine months old and he doesnt eat solid i have to give him still mashed food.
Please help.
Hi Zoya! Thanks for reaching out! You are not alone! Due to his age, we would recommend consulting with your pediatrician about maybe starting feeding therapy- some hands on help could be beneficial for him. Keep practicing with sensory strategies, like sensory bins, teethers and vibrating toothbrushes. Continue to allow him to touch/feel/play with food and different textures. Have him watch you eat, where you can over-exaggerate chewing/swallowing. Lastly, we have a free table food workshop that can offer more in-depth help!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi my granddaughter is 10 months old. She started on baby food at 7 months , ate them until she started getting teeth now she has 7 teeth and a bottom incisor coming in also. We have tried everything, yogurt , fruit pasta, eggs you name it we’ve tried. She plays with it uses a spoon and fork she chews it and then spits it out. Only swallows yogurt if we get it in her. Loves her formula and only wants that. We’ve trued decreasing it but she is on the small side do we have to give her more than 2 bottles. Do you think it’s just from teething.
Hi Kris! Thanks for reaching out! Teething can definitely affect eating solids. Try rubbing her gums with a cold wash cloth or offer cold teethers prior to serving solids and see if this helps relieve some discomfort! If you need additional support, check out our free table foods workshop! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Just wanted to say thank you for generously sharing your knowledge. It’s very kind and really appreciated. The information is detailed and easy to read, and very practical. Thank you.
Gem,
Thank you for reading and being part of this community!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hello, thank you for your blog! It is so insightful!
I have a 6 month old daughter who has bottle adversion and will not take the bottle unless asleep or drowsy. The doctor gave us the green light to introduce solids to her at 4 months since bottle feeding her was a struggle. We have tried purées and finger food. She will play and smash the food around with her hands but will not put any of it in her mouth. We have tried to give her teethers but she does not like to put anything in her own mouth. How can I help her to be interested in food/ eating? Looking forward to your suggestions!
Hi Lily! Thanks for reaching out! She is still so young, so I wouldn’t stress too much about her not taking to solids right away. Just keep practicing, allowing her to touch/feel/play with her food, play with teethers, etc. Remember not to force or pressure her, just be patient. If you need additional support, check out our free table foods workshop! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
I’m a grandmother who has some concerns about my 18 month old grandson. He wasn’t diagnosed with lip/tongue tie until he was 15 months old and has since had the appropriate surgery but still is refusing solids. His parents have done and continue to do all the “sensory” things such as brushing his teeth. He will on rare occasions put a small piece of solid food in his mouth but spits it out after a few seconds. His diet consists of some formula and 3 meals a day of cereal and pureed foods. I worry as he gets older if these habits continue will his gag reflux get worse and harder for him swallow/eat solid foods or will it be just a natural progression at his own pace. It is comforting though to read here that so many others the are my grandsons age are just as late in their eating journey. Thank you!! I would be grateful for any suggestions or comments.
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out and sharing some of your grandson’s journey! You are not alone! Have they consulted with his pediatrician about starting feeding therapy? Some hands on help may be beneficial for him. Keep practicing with sensory strategies, like sensory bins, teethers and vibrating toothbrushes. Continue to allow him to touch/feel/play with food and different textures. Lastly, we have a free table food workshop that can offer more in-depth help!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi hopefully you can help I am a worried grandmother of a 14 month old who refuses all food turns his head and clamps lips together and he starting to lose weight?? My daughter is almost finished breastfeeding him and he just has a bottle now?? How can we help him to start eating?? Anytime something put in his mouth he throws up !
Hi Lori,
Your concern is valid! I’d start with this article on starting solids and see if it helps. We also have a free course on starting table foods.
I hope this helps!
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hi! I have an 11 month old boy that will barely eat anything other than purées. He’s had two “phases” that lasted a couple of weeks each where he wouldn’t eat ANYTHING. We chalked it up to having a cold/congestion. Now he only wants purées and with his birthday coming up, I just worry that he should be farther along. He will eat multiple jars of food, fruits and veggies, and yogurt melts, puffs, and graham crackers but absolutely nothing else. We’ve tried other crackers, veggie nuggets, regular yogurt, and even French fries! He turns away or takes the food and smashes it. I’ve started brushing his teeth during bath time, he has multiple teethers, but I’m at a loss now. He constantly smiles and babbles and is starting to bite (he has 5 teeth) but I don’t want to scar him by disciplining him for biting when I want him to eat.
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for reaching out to us! So sorry to hear about your child’s struggles with eating– we totally understand how frustrating/stressful it can be!! Does he gag when eating other foods? Does he have any issue with touching certain textures? Oral motor exercises and sensory bins may be helpful for this– brush the sides of his mouth with a toothbrush to help desensitize any oral aversions + use sensory bins to get him more comfortable with touching different textures. Continue to offer different foods/flavors/textures without any pressure and allow him to touch/feel/play with his food. In addition, our free table food workshop can help with additional tips/info for getting your child to eat more solids. Save your seat here and let us know if you have any additional questions.
Best,
Kalyn
Hello Kalyn,
our son three and a half years old. Declines to eat any food, except milk formula mixed with Nestle baby cereals from the bottle. He used to eat baby purees, some finger foods and even chips, but after his younger brother was born, there was an extreme regression in his eating. Sometimes he eats couple of spoons of fruit yoghurt or chocolate pudding with me (his father) but absolutely declines to do that with his mother. He is visiting now a logopedic specialist for several months, but she has as good as no progress. He eats sometimes small candys in her office but that’s all. We have tried to make clarification with the hospital (We are living in Bern Switzerland) but they are wont help us until they find time for clarification with a psychologist. This takes a lot of time though (up to one year). The kids is otherwise really good developed. We are desperate, because we as parents, are completely unable to make him eat based on different suggested methods. Do you have any suggestions? There is a clinic in Austria which is specialized in baby/toddler feeding but it is extremely expensive and not covered by the insurance in Switzerland.
Hi Deyan! Thank you so much for reaching out to us! So sorry to hear about your child’s struggles with eating– we totally understand how frustrating/stressful it can be!! Does he gag when eating other foods? Does he have any issue with touching certain textures? Oral motor exercises and sensory bins may be helpful for this– brush the sides of his mouth with a toothbrush to help desensitize any oral aversions + use sensory bins to get him more comfortable with touching different textures. Continue to offer different foods/flavors/textures without any pressure and allow him to touch/feel/play with his food. In addition, our free table food workshop can help with additional tips/info for getting your child to eat more solids. Save your seat here and let us know if you have any additional questions.
Best,
Kalyn
my 10 month old just wont eat solids to begin with. it’s stressful. what can i do? Ive done most of what was mentioned on here.
Hi Elaine! Thanks for reaching out! We understand the frustration. Check out our free table foods workshop for more in-depth tips and information. Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi there! Your blog was very insightful. I have a 7 month old who seems to want to skip purées entirely. Has no interest at all.
When giving foods she can swallow, we realize she won’t swallow. She’ll suck and push her tongue forward but no food gets swallowed.
No issues with drinking her milk.
Any advice?
Hello! Thanks for reaching out! Keep practicing and offering table foods with different textures, prepared in different ways. It sounds like she prefers textured food rather than the puréed food. That’s okay! Some babies prefer it that way. You can still offer purées a few times per week, but if she seems to be ready to move on to textured table foods, you can start offering more of those! Also keep practicing with spoon feeding as well as self feeding. Check out our blog post that goes over transitioning to table foods! And, if you need more, sign up for our free table foods workshop!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi
I just came across your page while searching for how to get my 8months old to eat. She is still being exclusively breastfed cause she turns away from food as she sees me coming with a spoon. She does not put anything into her mouth. How do i get her to be atleast interested in food?
Hi Vivian! Thanks for reaching out! Continue to offer her solids, without any force or pressure. Allow her to touch/feel/play with food and their different textures. Try dipping toys in puréed food or juice. Play with them in the bath. The more often they get teethers and toys into their mouths, the more it will help improve their mouth muscles and help to desensitize their gag reflex and sensory system. Try using a toothbrush to brush her gums and the sides of her mouth 1-3x/day. For more help, check out this post here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi i just came across your page my baby is not eating solid food he always depend on his cerelac food and im pure breastfeeding im worried as my son is already 1yr5mons.i do introduce the food for him but he spit every time nor keeping in his mouth long time and his not swallowing the food can i get some help thank u
Hi Kesia! Thanks for reaching out! Because of his age, we always recommend consulting with your pediatrician to make sure there are no underlying issues or weight concerns. In addition, it sounds like he has some oral aversions related to sensory sensitivities. Utilizing some oral motor exercises may help! Try using a toothbrush to brush the sides of his mouth, or use sensory bins to help get him more comfortable touching different textures. We have an entire blog with different types of exercises you can check out, here! Once he starts doing better with foods/textures, you may want to try decreasing the frequency of breastfeeding, so that he feels hungry enough to try to eat actual food. Hope this helps!
Best,
Kalyn
I waited until my baby was 13 months to introduce food, he is exclusively breastfed. I did this with 2 previous children without issue. But when we tried homemade sweet potato he would gag and then threw up. The next time I tried carrot and gave him just a slither the size of 1/4th a pinkie nail and he gagged and then vomited massive amounts. I am now weary but know he needs to start eating food too. He mouths all his toys and everything. But as soon as food touches his tongue he gags. How long is just breastmilk ok? Im worried he won’t eat.
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out! It is definitely a good idea to start offering solid foods now that he’s 13 months. It’s great that he mouths toys, so keep offering solids and allow him to touch/feel/play with food textures as well. The more he experiences these food textures, the more comfortable he will be with food and will stop gagging. Babies have a strong gag reflux that helps prevent them from choking. This gag reflux becomes desensitized the more they practice with foods and other oral motor skills. To help with that, you can try brushing the sides of his mouth with a toothbrush! For more tips on offering solids, check out our free table foods workshop- save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
So my 7mo old is eating crunchy things like rice rusks very handedly. Her eyes go big, and she does her happy feet dance! It’s just so cute! But after a month and a half of feeding her 1 or 2 times a day, she just spits out anything that isn’t the bottle or a rusk. The one exception is when I mix peanut butter in with her rice cereal/oatmeal and make it stiff like cookie dough. But that’s still a 50/50 chance she’ll eat it.
I have embraced the whole messy eating thing, she plays with her food every meal. I just take her clothes off for meals and plop her in the bath after. Much easier.
I’m not sure if this is a keep trying and wait it out, or a move on and try something else situation.
She’s always been such a good eater, when it comes to the bottle, right from birth. But mushy foods? Nope!
Any advice is appreciated!
Hello
My 20 months old baby cries when he sees the spoon.
When he was 10 months old he used to eat but he was a picky eater. Then, he got a flu so we gave him medicaments forcefully in his mouth. He stopped eating any solid food since then.. and now he only wants milk and when i try to give him solids he hides his mouth or cries awfully.. what can i do for him especially that i dont think that i can find a feeding therapist here in Lebanon. Thanks in advance
Hi Rita! Thanks for reaching out! Sorry to hear about your son’s eating difficulties. Try some oral motor exercises to see if that helps him to feel more comfortable with putting food into his mouth to eat. Make silly faces, blow bubbles, sip from straws, and use a toothbrush to brush the insides of his mouth— all of those exercises will help strengthen his oral muscles! For more tips, check out our free table food workshop- save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
My daughter is 20month old,during his 1st year she ate anything we gave her until she reach lil over 1 year old her appetite change she don’t eat any solid food. I tried giving her different solid and she refuses. She’s only on mother feed now. Please help me
Hi Marina! Thanks for reaching out! Since shes 20 months and refusing foods, we would recommend consulting with your pediatrician to make sure everything is okay! In the meantime, keep offering different foods and textures- allowing her to touch/feel/play with them, without any pressure to eat. Using sensory bins and oral motor exercises can also be helpful. We have a free table foods workshop that can offer more tips- save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
My son has Down syndrome and is 4 years old. I’ve had him in feeding therapy since he was 8 months old. He used to have purees then he had a surgery and he has since regressed . It’s been almost 2 years since the surgery . He now only wants a bottle. When I attempt to give him the foods he used to enjoy he screams and cries as if he is in pain. Most therapist are at a lost but can’t figure out what to do. He is better with different textures as he now won’t have a meltdown but it hasn’t translated to food. I am thinking of ABA as a tool. Any help is appreciated.
Hi Jay! Thanks for reaching out! It’s great that he’s working with a feeding therapist. Unfortunately, sometimes regressions can happen. Try sensory activities, like sensory bins and food play. You can also try some oral motor exercises, which can help strengthen his oral muscles (which help him chew/swallow) and desensitize any gag reflexes he may have. Check out a list of oral motor exercises here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi there,
My son is currently 8 months old. We began eating solids (purees) at 6 months. At 6 months, he loved his cereal and would eat my purees (simple singular purees).
At 8 months, he will eat his cereal in the morning, loves yogurt but will refuse any vegetable/meat puree in the afternoon. I have tried switching the time the foods are offered, to see if there was a difference (nothing changed … he still denies my food). I have given him my homemade purees and packages .. no difference.
Within the past few days he has been wanting to chew on the bowl that holds the food (now cereal) and then denies the food from a spoon or a spoon offered for him to feed himself.
I have tried to give him small pieces of overly steam asparagus at lunch and he was interested. He picked it up and put it to his mouth but I may have cut the pieces too small. I fed him the pieces by hand and he ate it.
He has 6 teeth and is a well fed boy (EBF).
I am at a loss for next steps. Do you have any suggestions?
Hello! Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like he’s on the right track! Keep practicing and offering table foods with different textures, prepared in different ways. It sounds like he preferred the textured vegetable rather than the puréed form. That’s okay! Some babies prefer it that way. You can still offer purées a few times per week, but if he seems to be ready to move on to textured table foods, you can start offering more of those! Also keep practicing with spoon feeding as well as self feeding. Check out our blog post that goes over transitioning to table foods! And, if you need more, sign up for our free table foods workshop!
Best,
Kalyn
My son is 20month old,during his 1st year he is ate anything we gave him until he reach lil over 1 year old his appetite change he don’t even try to eat anything….he don’t have no words yet and all he wants is milk…thats why I added some cereal on it for him to get full…what am I gonna do….I need help
Hi Teresa! Thanks for reaching out! Try decreasing his milk intake, so that he has more room in his tummy to feel hungry for food. In addition, keep offering foods without any pressure, allowing him to choose how much he eats. We have a free picky eating workshop that offers more tips and information! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi Alisha! My 10 month refuses baby foods and table foods. He gags on almost everything except milk. I’ve been trying since he was about 8 months off and on, to give him table food and he always gagged so I just assumed he’d grow out of it. He doesn’t really like baby food anymore either and when I try to offer he now gags occasionally on that too! I‘ve recently began just offering whatever I eat that he can have( mashed string beans, mashed potatoes, tiny pieces of pancake, ) I can’t get him to eat more than half a baby spoon full of pancakes and no more than a taste or two of anything that can be mashed. Is it time to schedule with a feeding therapist?
Hi Jenna! Thanks for reaching out! Consulting with your pediatrician about feeding therapy would be beneficial and can provide you and your child with more hands-on support. In the meantime, try some oral motor exercises to help with his strong gag reflux! Use a vibrating teether or toothbrush to brush the sides of his mouth, blow raspberries and kisses, suck from straws, make silly faces, etc. These exercises can help to strengthen his oral muscles and desensitize his gag reflux. In addition, keep practicing with offering solids without force or pressure. Baby puffs are also great at teaching how to chew and working those muscles! Lastly, we have a free table food workshop that can help with more tips- save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi there!
My baby is almost 11 months old and has hardly really liked any food consistently She was a later starter to eating as I tried at 6 months and she just wasn’t ready and then at 7 months she ate a little bit. She will chew on some toys and objects but only larger things and will not ever put food into her own mouth and I’ve tried giving her large pieces of veggies or fruit to taste or just putting purees on her tray and letting her play with them but she just won’t put food in her mouth. She has had small phases of a few days at a time where I can feed her something and she doesn’t just refuse it, and when she does actually eat she seems to be fine and swallows good etc, but only wants to eat things that are sweetened with fruit. Then I will try a new food like something savory like a veggie and she will go back to refusing food, turning her head away and crying for a week or so. Then she had the flu and we had to force her to take medications and so now she REALLY does not want to eat anything as I think she has a bad accociation with food. I live in a very small town without access to a food therapist or pediatrician.
Hi Anna! Thanks for reaching out! Keep practicing and allowing her to touch/feel/play with her food, along with feeding herself. Try pre-loading a spoon and see if she brings the spoon to her mouth to eat. Oral motor exercises might also help- things like using a toothbrush to brush the insides of her mouth, drinking through straws, giving teethers- to desensitize gag reflex and strengthen oral muscles. If she’s struggling with purées, start from square one by offering only purées. Then, once purées are accomplished, we can start practicing with puffs, which are great at teaching them to chew. Once puffs are accomplished, we can then move on to those soft, cubed shaped table foods. When doing any of this, make sure to avoid pressure. We do have a free Table Food workshop that will go over all of this and offer even more tips! You can save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
My baby is ten months old and exclusively breast fed on demand. He is extremely interested in food and has started to almost say “bite” when we have food and he wants some; but, he just holds the food in his mouth and doesn’t swallow. I should also mention that he just got his first tooth and it’s not all the way in yet. Any tips?
Hi Ali! Thanks for reaching out! Sounds like he needs some more help with chewing— find tips here! In addition to practicing chewing, try offering smaller bites and talking him through it. Demonstrate biting, chewing and swallowing with over-exaggerated motions!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi, I have a 9 month old that doesn’t like to eat solids. He used to eat purees prior to being 9 months but he wasn’t always taking it when i offered but now he barely takes it when i try. I’ve tried snacks, fruits, eggs, cereal, vegetables he doesn’t like it, he smacks the spoon out of my hands at times. I’ve attempted to allow him feed himself but that doesn’t work either.
Hi Christianah! Thanks for reaching out! We always encourage discussing any concerns with your pediatrician. Keep practicing and allowing him to touch/feel/play with his food, along with feeding himself. Try pre-loading a spoon and see if he brings the spoon to his mouth to eat. If he’s struggling with purées, start from square one by offering only purées. Then, once purées are accomplished, we can start practicing with puffs, which are great at teaching them to chew. Once puffs are accomplished, we can then move on to those soft, cubed shaped table foods. We do have a free Table Food workshop that will go over some of this information and MORE! You can save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi There!
My 9 month old baby recently refuses any type of solids and I don’t know what to do. I always get frustrated during meal times nowadays. We started with finger foods for texture & puree to feed at 6-7 months then at 8 months she refused the finger foods and only took the puree. She dropped 1-2 bottles of milk from 6-8months. But now at 9 months, she refuses any type of solids. I also noticed more milk intake recently. I tried both finger foods & puree again to see what works and nothing by far. I noticed she likes to “try” and do it herself and i generally let her, even with the mess. But she ends up playing with the food and nothing to eat. She knows how to put the food in her mouth, she knows how to chew, she gags here & there but not too often.. I’ve seen it before. She used to do so good with meal times but now all she wants to do is play. She also doesn’t like being restricted with the seat belt on the high chair but there’s literally nothing I can think of as an alternative. I’ve also tried letting her watch tv or playing with toys while eating and I was able to get maybe 5-6 tsp of puree or 5-6 tiny pieces of solid food until she notices what i’m doing then we’re done. But this worry me of the choking risk. I want her to focus on feeding skills rather than something I sneak in. I really don’t want her to get used of the tv & the playing during meal times. Please advice
Hi Bea! Thanks for reaching out! We always encourage discussing any concerns with your pediatrician. It’s great that you allow her to touch/play with her food and she is eating some bites of solids- just keep practicing! If she’s struggling with purées, start from square one by offering only purées. Then, once purées are accomplished, we can start practicing with puffs, which are great at teaching them to chew. Once puffs are accomplished, we can then move on to those soft, cubed shaped table foods. You can work on the gagging with utilizing a toothbrush in her mouth, brushing gums and tongue as well as teeth to help with the gag reflex. We definitely encourage feeding without any distractions, so that she can focus on chewing and swallowing without risk of choking. Lastly, we have a free Table Food workshop that will go over some of this information and MORE! You can save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello, My my baby boy is 11 months old.
I try so hard to give him solids but he may swallow it or he may spit it out but in total he’ll have about 5 small spoons/small bites.
I let him play with finger foods and let him make a mess, but most of the time he just throws it on the floor.. I can’t tell if he’s teething or if it’s his motoring skills or anything! His poo is also very wet and I’m wondering if you think it could be because he has more milk than solids? I’m a very concerned mum and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Thank you
Hi Lena! Thanks for reaching out! It’s great that you allow him to touch/play with his food and he is eating some bites of solids- just keep practicing! He may need more help with chewing. Try some oral motor exercises, like using a vibrating teether or using a toothbrush to brush the insides of his mouth. Since he’s throwing his food, try giving him less food at a time. We have a post with more tips for food throwing here. Hope that helps!
Best,
Kalyn
Lena, you’re not doing anything wrong! I’m a mum of two girls (4 & 16months) who wouldn’t eat solids & just loved their milk. My 4-yr-old stayed on milk for about two years, only occasionally eating strong flavoured food in tiny amounts, like cheese, salmon and peas. She now eats amazingly including prawns, mussels, broccoli and brussel sprouts! Don’t fret, your son will eat when he’s ready to. Five small bites/spoons at his age is brilliant progress seeing as he’s not a fan of solids yet. Teething is having a big impact on my 16-month-old and she rarely wants to eat solids. Her poo is wet too unless she’s eaten toast or crackers that day. Don’t give up introducing foods, but don’t despair. You’re not alone and you’ll get there in the end! Your son will show you when he’s ready & until then hurrah for milk!x
Our 9 month old has never been the best baby food eater…we started at 6 months…now he refuses, gags and even vomits when we try to feed him! Help! We have purchased every baby food available and when he would eat it he preferred anything with pears or bananas in it.
Hey Monica,
So glad you reached out, I know how hard it can be! I would make sure that you are still feeding him purees that are smooth with no chunks. You can work on the gagging with utilizing a toothbrush in his mouth, brushing gums and tongue as well as teeth to help with the gag reflex. We do have a free workshop that will go over some of this information to help get you started. You can save your seat here.
Best,
Desiree
My daughter is almost 12 months old. She has not been a big fan of food since we started solids. we feel she has been teething since she was 3 months old but has no teeth yet. She doesn’t like any fruits, no breads, eggs,porridge, no veggies (steamed or raw), no purées, crackers! With a lot of distraction she manages to eat few spoons of lentils and rice. But there is a lot of crying and she fills her mouth with food and won’t chew for 15-20 mins and will then spit it out. Meals times are extremely stressful. I have tried finger food of various variety but she doesn’t even look at food. The health visitor says she’s growing at her birth weight so there isn’t anything to worry! Is this normal? Should I just keep trying and leave it if she doesn’t eat solids. She has formula some days easily some days with a struggle! Any tips on how can I make it better? Thanks
Hi Dia! Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like she may have some oral motor issues or sensory sensitivities. Exercises can help with this! Try using a toothbrush to brush the sides of her mouth, or a vibrating teether- this will help to desensitize her gag reflux and strengthen her oral muscles, which help her to chew/swallow. Allow her to touch/feel/play with her food, even if it means getting messy- this will help with any sensory sensitivities and help get her comfortable with different foods and textures. Since she pockets food in her mouth, try offering her smaller bites at a time. Keep walking her through it and demonstrate when you’re eating. We also have a free table food workshop that can really help! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi I have an almost 11month old daughter. She was never a huge fan of puree during 6-7months, so began more baby led weaning. The major problem is she will pick up food/open mouth for food/accept spoonfuls and chew… BUT then she SPITS it all out.
There are plenty of times that she does refuse to eat certain types of food whether it be spoon fed or finger food. For example she always loves to eat pieces of steamed broccoli or a few spoonfuls of porridge. She always refuses to eat egg (hard boiled/omelette) or spoonfuls of veg puree/soup.
She has good coordination – can pick up the spoon and feed herself. She can pick up small items like peas and feed herself. I don’t think it’s a sensory issue since she does put lots of things in her mouth and chews. I just don’t understand why she spits most things out?? She is always putting things in her mouth – toys, shoes, bark, paper, literally anything she can get her hands on! I have done quite a few sensory activities at home with her, and we attend a weekly baby sensory class. She is very intelligent and stubborn, so pushes my hand away or throws things away if she doesn’t want them on her tray. She is fully breastfed and even wakes 3-4times overnight still for feeds. I’m getting pressure to stop offering her breastmilk until she has eaten solids first and to not feed her at night. But she just gets hysterical when not breastfed. I’m concerned she’s not getting the nutrients she needs (especially as approaching 1) and she is becoming very fussy and not setting up good eating habits.
Hi Chloe! Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you’re on the right track, and it’s great how much practice and sensory play you’ve been doing with her! We have a blog post that talks about spitting out food. Check it out here, and let us know if you have any further questions!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello.
My baby daughter is 7 month old now and I am trying her to eat from 4 months but she takes nothing except than mother feed. Doesn’t open her mouth for anything and when i try hard she closes her mouth so hard. And when I keep on trying she cries so so much. Please help and guide me what should I do.
Hi Rida! Thanks for reaching out! Just be patient and keep practicing! Offer and place purées in front of her on her tray. Allow her to touch/feel/play with her food- it may be messy, but this will be a great way for her to get used to these different textures and help with any sensory sensitivities. We also encourage promoting a no-pressure environment- allowing her to eat however much or little she wants without any force. You can also try giving her teethers and using a baby toothbrush to brush the insides of her mouth. That helps to desensitize their mouth. We have a free workshop that talks about solid foods! Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
My daughter just turned 1 and only eats a range of flavoured custard iv tried everything she did have temporary hyperthyroidism when she was first born she will drink her formula iv just switched to a 12 months up formula due to not eating potato pumpkin basically anything savoury if you will oh and she eats mixed fruit purees I mean if she can eat those two mixed with formula she should be eating nutrient flavours 🙂 I’m fully uncertain she rejects like everything is yucky otherwise being 1 I was just wondering how I would get her to branch to veg n meat due to iron and certain factors
Hi Nadine! Thanks for reaching out! We recommend continuing to offer a variety of foods with different flavors, working your way up through different textures. If she’s only had purées at this point, start with meltable puffs to help teach her how to chew a crunchy texture. Once she has that down, you can try offering some soft cubed table foods. Try putting food on her tray and allow her to use her hands to touch, feel, and feed herself. You can even try pre-loading a spoon and setting it on her tray for her to practice picking up the spoon and bringing it to her mouth to eat. Also, since she’s still drinking formula, it’s possible that she’s filling up on formula and therefore not hungry for food. Try transitioning off formula and gradually replacing her formula bottles with meals/snacks. You might also benefit from our free workshop centered around table foods! Click here to save your seat!
Best,
Kalyn
My 9 month old (7.5 adjusted) eats at most 1 ounce of purée. We’ve been doing purées since 6 months. Lately he’s been totally rejecting them but when I give him finger foods, he chokes and ends up vomiting – even French fries. I don’t know what to do.
Hi Amber! Thanks for reaching out! Carefully monitor all new foods. Some coughing and an occasional gag is normal. If you are seeing this frequently, the texture you are giving him may be too difficult. Wait a week or so before introducing it again and then proceed slowly. Discuss persistent gagging and choking with your doctor. We would recommend continuing to practice with the purées and getting him used to those before moving on to those other solids with different textures. Once you feel like he’s ready, try practicing with meltable baby puffs! These will help teach him how to chew and use those oral muscles. If he still struggles with gagging, try using a toothbrush to brush the insides of his mouth. This will help strengthen his oral muscles and desensitize his gag reflex. For more information and tips, check out our post here!
Best,
Kalyn
My son is almost 18 months and still refuse food. He’ll eat crackers, baby purée and still on formula but no other food. His school and is continue to try different type of food but haven’t been successful. Any suggestions?
Hi Harriet! So sorry to hear that your son is having a hard time with eating solids. Since he’s rejecting most solid foods, he may need help with his sensory/oral motor skills. Try using a toothbrush to brush the insides of his mouth- this will help desensitize his gag reflux and strengthen his oral muscles. He may also need help adjusting to different food textures. Try putting the food on his tray and allow him to use his hands to touch, feel, and feed himself. It may be messy, but this is perfect for his sensory and motor skills! You can even try pre-loading a spoon and setting it on his tray for him to practice picking up the spoon and bringing it to his mouth to eat. Also, since he’s still drinking formula, it’s possible that he’s filling up on formula and therefore not hungry for food. Try transitioning off formula and gradually replacing his formula bottles with meals/snacks. You might also benefit from our free workshop centered around table foods! Click here to save your seat!
Best,
Kalyn
Hello,
I’m hoping I can get some advice here. I have a 1 year old who has no curiosity when it comes to solid foods. For a while, we was ok with baby purees, eating up to 10 ozs a day. However, around 8-9 months, things just turned around and it became very difficult to spoon feed him. He clamps down his mouth and barely takes in any food. It takes him almost an hour to be fed nowadays. We’ve given him steamed veggies, fresh fruit, bread. He may take a nibble or two but then stops. When we try to feed him purees, he now throws a tantrum and cries. The only thing he’ll take in now are fruit purees, teethers, and gerber puffs. When it comes to savory things like pasta, meat, or veggies he just turns his head away. Puffs and teethers are the only food he’ll actually eat by himself happily. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be interested in anything else when it comes to actual food. He is fed 24 ozs of formula a day. We try to give him 3 meals and 2 snacks. Each meal is a battle. It seems he just cannot concentrate when it comes to feeding time. We’ve tried to model eating but he does not want to mimic what we’re doing. We;re just worried that he’s not taking in enough food since he doesn’t want to eat any savory foods. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Clement! So sorry to hear that your son is having a hard time with eating solids. We really encourage a no-pressure environment, where you offer him a variety of foods, but don’t force or pressure him to eat it. Since he’s rejecting certain foods, he may need help with his sensory/oral motor skills. Try using a toothbrush to brush the insides of his mouth- this will help desensitize his gag reflux and strengthen his oral muscles. He may also need help adjusting to different food textures. Try putting the food on his tray and allow him to use his hands to touch, feel, and feed himself. It may be messy, but this is perfect for his sensory and motor skills! Once he starts feeding himself this way, you can try reintroducing the spoon. You can even try pre-loading a spoon and setting it on his tray for him to practice picking up the spoon and bringing it to his mouth to eat. You might also benefit from our free workshop centered around table foods! Click here to save your seat!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi! Can you relink the vibrating teether? The link is broken. My little one is almost 10 months and refuses to open his mouth- we just had our first feeding specialist appt.
Thank you for this detailed guide!
Hi! My baby is 9 almost 10 months old. She can eat solids on her own and has interest in the foods I give her. However, she puts the food in her mouth and had trouble chewing and swallowing it. Then she gets frustrated and cries. It can take a long time before she eventually either chews and swallows it or spits it out. How can I help her?
Hi Jing! So sorry to hear that your baby is struggling with solids. We know how stressful it can be! Since she’s spitting out her food, she may need help with her sensory/oral motor skills. Try using a toothbrush to brush the insides of her mouth- this will help desensitize her gag reflux and strengthen her motor skills. Keep letting her touch/feel/play with her food- this will help her become more comfortable with different textures, especially since she already likes to feed herself. Try practicing with meltable baby puffs- this will teach her to chew/swallow a crunchy texture, but since it’s meltable, it’ll be a safe way to practice without worrying about her choking. You can also try demonstrating to her how you’re eating, making sure to over-exaggerate the chewing motions with your mouth. We also have a free workshop available that helps to transition your baby to table foods. Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi,
My baby is 9 months old and she only tastes the food I offer. She touches finger foods takes to her mouth and takes one bite – thats it. Then throws it away. Even if I offer spoon, she takes it once and then rejects. If i model her to open her mouth and then I spoonfeed her, she spits out. She was refusing solids until 7th month but I remember there were times (probably less than 10 times ) she willingly opened her mouth and ate what I have given. Now she opens her mouth only for grapes. If i offer anything else she is asking for breastfeed. Am I having a picky eater or is there any other problem? My pead suggested me to stop breastfeed and let her go hungry until she starts to eat solids. I have been trying this as well but even if hungry she doesn’t eat solids. Could you suggest a solution.
Hi Sunanda! Thanks for reaching out! Transitioning to solids can be tough, but we’re here to help! We really encourage a no-pressure environment, where you offer her a variety of foods, but don’t force or pressure her to eat it. Since she isn’t yet 1 year old, she still needs either breast milk or formula as a major source of her nutrition, so continue to offer that in addition to offering foods. She may need help adjusting to different food textures. Try putting the food on her tray and allow her to use her hands to touch, feel, and feed herself. It may be messy, but this is perfect for her sensory and motor skills! Once she starts feeding herself this way, you can try reintroducing the spoon. You can even try pre-loading a spoon and setting it on her tray for her to practice picking up the spoon and bringing it to her mouth to eat. If she struggles with chewing, try practicing that skill using meltable baby puffs, which have a meltable crunchy texture that teaches them how to chew. You might also benefit from our free workshop centered around table foods! Click here to save your seat!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi,
My baby is 14 months about to be 15 months and he’s not a big eater he’ll have two or three bites and he’s done and he relies on his bottle a lot. I’ve cut down on his milk but he still refuses solids or eats hardly anything however he likes pouches so I give him pouches (spoonfeed him) but I am not sure if that’s something I should be doing. I also tried so many times to transition him to a sippy cup and he refuses to drink from it. I can’t explain how stressful this is
Hi Sadie! So sorry to hear you’re having a hard time with meals and bottles. We understand how stressful it all can be. It’s great that you’ve started to decrease his milk intake- that will really help with both his appetite and bottle weaning! Keep practicing and being consistent with offering other cups. If he’s not into sippy cups, try transitioning him to straw cups or open mouth cups- he might like those better! With feedings, we encourage promoting a no-pressure environment, while also allowing him to touch/feel his food and try to feed himself. This hands-on contact with his food helps with his sensory and motor skills, and it also allows him the freedom to choose how much he eats, which may make him feel more comfortable eating different foods. Since he’s only wanting purées, he may need help with chewing. Try starting with meltable baby puffs, so that he can practice biting down and chewing crunchy textures. For more tips, check out our free table foods workshop- you can save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
My son is almost 17 months and relies on his bottle. I know I messed up by not introducing him to solids sooner. I started trying at ~10 months because I was terrified of him choking while I was home alone but then I realized I can’t do that and started. He will eat baby crackers and baby bars and sometimes he’ll eat some pieces of chicken or beans or rice. But his meal is always his bottle. I’ve tried and tried getting him to eat more by not just giving him his bottle when he gets hungry and first trying to get him to eat but it’s not working. I’m panicking and have no one to ask for help. First time mom here. Anyway can someone please give me any tips or advice? He definitely has no problem chewing. It just seems he hates food but then most days he’ll eat bits and pieces tho but he always just has to have his bottles yet. If I try to give him real food when he’s READY for his bottle he runs away and says “bottle”. If I try to convince him his food is great he spits it out and says bottle. I’m so lost and feel like an absolute failure
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out! We understand your frustration and know how difficult it can be when struggling to feed your child. But you are definitely not alone and we are here to help! First of all, please don’t blame yourself or think that you’ve failed him in any way- it’s simply not true! You are a great mother and are doing your best! It may sound redundant, but keep trying. Frequent exposure to different foods, along with a no pressure environment, is the best way to get your child comfortable with eating foods. Allow him to touch/feel/play with his food and practice feeding himself- but don’t force anything, allow him to eat how much or how little he wants. Also, a feeding schedule may help in terms of replacing his milk bottle with foods. Try replacing one bottle feeding at a time, instead offering a meal or a snack. Here’s a sample schedule that might be helpful! Start there and let us know if you have any questions!
Best,
Kalyn
My 7.5 months old started taking solids around 5.5 months. Everything went great for 2 weeks almost and then she got sick and threw up multiple time. After that she just feel so disgusted by the food. She shuts her mouth every time I try to feed her. And if something does go in her mouth, she makes faces as if she has eaten something very sour. I don’t want to force-feed her but her pediatrician suggests she should start taking solid now. What should I do?
Hi Amtul! So sorry to hear she’s having a hard time eating solids after being sick. To overcome this newly developed food aversion, practice with oral motor/sensory activities. Use a toothbrush to brush the insides of her mouth- this will help desensitize her gag reflex and strengthen her oral muscles. Allow her to touch/feel/play with her food- this will help with any texture/sensory sensitivities. And lastly, don’t force. No pressure. Try offering to spoon feed her, and if she denies it, you can try pre-loading the spoon with food and setting it on her tray in front of her, allowing her to pick it up and attempt to feed herself. Hope that helps!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi my son is almost 8 months old and is not too keen on solids. At the moment he only likes toast and boiled apples. We try to spread avocado and yoghurt on either to try and introduce different foods. He absolutely doesn’t like cereals even though I’ve tried multiple times. His Pediatrician keeps insisting that I need to feed him but he hates to feel he is being forced to eat and will clamp his mouth shut. Also I don’t think it’s the right route. I need help in figuring out how to increase his food intake. Please help! I’m worried.
Hi Phoebe! We understand your concern and are here to help! It can be helpful to model eating foods and overexaggerate everything in a playful way- allowing him to see and watch you eat may inspire him to do the same. We definitely recommend promoting a no-pressure environment, not forcing him to eat anything he doesn’t want to. Instead, try putting the food in front of him on his tray and allow him to use her hands to touch, feel, and feed himself. It may be messy, but this is perfect for his sensory and motor skills! We have a free table foods workshop filled with more ideas that would be helpful. You can save your seat here! Reach out if you have anymore questions!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi!
My baby is 5 months and has 2 teeth. We just had his doctors appointment and they gave us the go ahead to start different baby cereals. We’ve tried a few different ones and he has maybe a spoonful but makes a face and acts like he hates it. After that he sometimes won’t eat his bottle even though it’s time to. It just stresses me out because he’s now waking a few times in the night to eat and he used to sleep through the night I was hoping starting cereal would help but he’s not interested. Is it too early for him? Do you have any tips?
Hey Jess!
So sorry you are having trouble with your little one and eating baby cereals we know how hard it can. At 5 months he is on the early end of eating. You can try to provide his bottles first and then try the cereals a little later, as we do want to make sure that he’s getting all of his nutritional needs from his breastmilk/formula at this age. We do have some example feeding schedules for 6 months, you can get an idea for what you can move towards. You can check out the blog post here. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know!
Best,
Desiree
My baby is 2 mnths premature. She’s now 9 mnths but she’s her actual age is 7 mnths so you thinks the reason my baby is not eating solids. She gags on solids. She used to open her mouth when she was like 6 mnths old means 4 mnths but now she not at all opening her mouth.
Hey Vineetha,
Thanks for reaching out. It is really important to take prematurity into account, especially with feeding milestones. That is often impacts them. When gagging starts to happen with every feeding, it can be helpful to get to the bottom of the cause of it. HERE is an article with some more info and some ideas of what to do to help her. Reach out with any questions!
Best,
Andrea
Hi,
I really enjoyed reading your blog. I have a 7.5 month old who refuses to open her mouth when we eat. She might take bite of food when she feeds herself from the spoon, but I’m lucky if I get a bite or two. She doesn’t open her mouth when I try to feed her from my spoon. I’ve eaten in front of her, tried different spoons, always positive and encouraging. We let her make a mess. She only eats a bite when she puts the food in her mouth but even then it’s only one or two bites. How do I get her to open her mouth when I feed her from my spoon? I even eat what she eats so she knows it’s the same thing. Please advise.
Hi Shina!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! Starting solids can be fun, yet frustrating, but it seems like she’s off to a great start! Her eating a couple of bites is normal and expected. In regards to the spoon feeding, it sounds like she prefers to be hands on with her food- which is amazing! Try putting the food on her tray and allow her to use her hands to touch, feel, and feed herself. It may be messy, but this is perfect for her sensory and motor skills! Once she starts feeding herself this way, you can try reintroducing the spoon. You might also benefit from our free workshop centered around table foods! Click here to save your seat
Best,
Kalyn
My baby is 2years but he stop eating solid food after a while about 1 year and 8months.
I feel so worried
Hi Matilda! So sorry to hear you’re having a tough time with your baby eating. It’s always a good idea to tell your pediatrician to make sure everything is okay. Aside from that, we recommend continuing to serve him food variety while promoting a no-pressure environment; allowing him to choose how much or how little he wants to eat. We have a free workshop that talks about table foods and provides lots of tips and information for making that transition. Save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Please help me! My son is 4 years and 3 months. I have tried everything to get him to eat solid foods like the adults, but he just gags. He is happy eating semi-solid food made of rice and dal and smashed carrots. And of course milk. He also bites biscuits in small bits and manages to eat them. But never anything else. I’m totally lost.
Hey! Thanks for reaching out. That sounds super challenging. Gagging can often be a sign that he’s struggling with some component of the food like texture or having challenging with chewing. Our free picky eating workshop would be a great place for you to start to get some more ideas and help. You can save your seat HERE. Please reach out with any questions!
Best,
Andrea
Hi, I am mother of a 16month old baby.
Since I didn’t have much idea on how to introduce solids, and I was scared of her gagging, I have been feeding her purees still. She eats them all, but I fear we are quite behind on solids. I tried feeding her semi solid rice and pulses, but she threw it out and refused constantly. She isn’t taking solids and gags too much that I become more fearful and then continue with purees. How do I get her to eat on her own? I have heard by one – kids should eat the same as adults, and it creates a lot of pressure and failure like feelings, but i don’t know how to transition to solids when she isn’t comfortable with the change.
Hey Aditi,
It can be tough, especially when you’re not sure what foods to use next. The dissolvable solid foods they make (like baby puffs and graham crackers) are great transitional foods to try. They give a crunch, but dissolve easily to keep your little one safer. Our free table foods workshop would be a great place to get some more resources on how to transition to solid foods. You can save your seat HERE.
Best,
Andrea
Hello I have a baby that just turned 1 and I’ve been a nervous wreck every since she had her 1 year appointment because her doctor made me so worried she’s not eating. She eats all baby food purées. We even eat level 3 baby foods ans have been for a couple months. She will eat all yogurts, some refried beans, I’ve snuck in some mashed banana and peas along with cottage cheese. She will not eat any of the gerber stars I offer her. We started these at 9 months ans she has 0 interest. She just plays with them and throws them on the floor. I’ve tried the edible tethers too. I’ve even modeled it. It’s been a very anxious filled few days ans I just wondered if there is anything more I can be doing. I also don’t want to cause her stress ans feel that’s where I’m headed if I don’t relax
Thanks,
Caitlyn
Hey Caitlyn,
Oh that does sound stressful for you! You’re not alone, so many other little ones have similar challenges! When transitioning to solids, we recommend starting with dissolvable foods like puffs or graham crackers. Use tons of modeling (which is sounds like you’re doing). You can even use a mirror to help engage her! Our free table foods workshop would be the perfect place to start to get more ideas. You can save your seat HERE.
Best,
Andrea
My doctor is referring me to a feed specialist. Do you believe this is necessary? I think she is having a hard time because she hasn’t been exposed enough yet. But I also don’t want her falling further behind. Will a feed specialist put the baby under stress or will she be fine?
Thanks,
Caitlyn
Hey Caitlyn,
Thanks for reaching out again! When you go in to get the evaluation, it’s helpful to ask questions get a feel for the type of approach the therapist takes. At Your Kids Table we take a child led approach vs. a behavioral approach. HERE is some more info that might be helpful before walking into a feeding therapy evaluation!
Best,
Andrea
When I first introduced solids to my youngest he wouldn’t eat them – I figured it was too soon (he started solids at 7mo.) He’s 18mo now and he still will not eat anything beyond milk and maybe two or three yogurt puffs. He doesn’t let me feed him if he sees baby food on my spoon, but I can’t give him anything else because he doesn’t seem to know how to chew food (he dissolves the puffs in his mouth.) He went from the 70th percentile as an infant to the 5th as a toddler and I’m at my wit’s end.
Hey Maryam,
It can be really stressful when toddlers don’t learn how to chew! You’re not alone. If you’re already giving him puffs, you can try taking a bite of one yourself and really over exaggerating a chew with your mouth open to help him see what to do. I’d also suggest our free table foods workshop. I think it would be a really helpful place for you to start! You can save your seat HERE.
Best,
Andrea
My almost 10 month old is barely eating anything solid at all. He hated purees (started around 4m), so we moved to BLW at 6m. He can pick up the food and get it into his mouth without issue, chews on anything and everything other than food, but won’t actually consume much of anything. He can’t live off just yogurt, bananas, and graham crackers forever, right?
We offer him a variety of fruits, veggies, protein, and grains several times a day, but we’re lucky if he takes 3 actual bites of food (and by bite, I mean the tiniest nibble). He will eat yogurt like a champ, but anything else is very hit or miss whether he will actually eat it. He’s not afraid to touch the food and play in it, he just won’t eat it.
What more can we do to encourage, but not force, him to eat more substance so he’s taking in enough calories to be able to start weaning bottles soon?
Hi Lindsey,
This can be a tricky stage for so many parents! You’re not alone! It can be helpful to model eating the foods and overexaggerate everything in a playful way. Using a mirror during mealtimes can also be helpful for little ones. We have a free table foods workshop filled with more ideas that would be helpful. You can save your seat HERE. Reach out if you have anymore questions!
Best,
Andrea
Hello, my almost 9 month old seems to not like me feeding her with a spoon anymore. She’ll eat puffs, teether wafers and out of pouches. She seems to want to feed herself but I’m nervous about finger foods. Any advice?
Thank you!
Hey Melissa,
Thanks for reaching out! 9 months is right around the perfect age to start self feeding! It’s about the time they want to try doing things themselves:) We suggest breaking the foods up into manageable sizes and always staying nearby your little one to be sure she’s safe while she’s eating. Our self-feeding guide is a great read to give you some more ideas on how to make this transition! Reach out if you have any questions!
Best,
Andrea
My 13 month old will eat (some) purées but I have to force the first few spoons in. She refuses most ans if she doesn’t like it she will cry nonstop for a half hour. If we attempt any sort of solid food she immediately gags or vomits. She has never like eating and would just rather breastfeed… is this normal? She’s in the 1% for her weight and it makes me nervous!
Hey Sean,
Thanks for reaching out! We usually like to see toddlers regularly eating table food at around 13 months. Starting to align nursing sessions with mealtimes can sometimes be helpful. If she’s resistant to being fed purees or any food, you might start by giving her a pre-dipped spoon and model feeding herself. Our free table foods workshop would be a great fit for you guys to give you more ideas. You can save your seat HERE. Reach out with any questions!
Best,
Andrea
Hi first time mom to a one year old bby boy. He started eating purées at about 7 months, it’s now going on a about month that he will not want to eat anything other than milk. Blamed it on teething at first but figured it’s been too long to be just teething. Also, only eats purées never brings toys or any finger foods (puffs, melts, fruit etc.) even close to his mouth, any time I try to bring anything close to his mouth he will have a meltdown. Desperate at this point, I feel like I’m doing something wrong. Any help is appreciated! Thank you
Hi Bea,
We’re so glad you reached out! It can be really stressful when our little one’s don’t advance in types of food they eat. One of the things that can make the biggest difference is to start brushing your baby’s teeth or gums 2x/day. This can help them get used to the idea of something in their mouth and also help desensitize it. We have an article with more suggestions for babies who struggle with putting toys and food in their mouths. You can check it out HERE.
Best,
Andrea
Hi,
I have a 3 year old baby boy and he’s not into solid foods unless biscuits, pasta, bread, chicken, and Filipino Pansit cooked noodles not the instant friend noodles, pizza in between and cereals without milk.
From 4 months to a year almost, my son is eating well with rice and fruits and almost all kinds of veggies since I am the one preparing and feeding him. I started working and at the latter, I knew that my babysitter is not feeding my son solids, only a bottle of milk. From then onwards, we are having difficulty forcing him to eat up to this date even water is quite difficult.
How can I let him eat again?
Hi Mary Ann,
I’m so sorry that you’re having these challenges. You might work with your son’s babysitter on consistently feeding him table foods while you’re not around. Consistently being offered table foods can be really helpful! We have a picky eating workshop that would be a great place to start. You can save your seat HERE.
Best,
Andrea
My 8 month old twin granddaughters won’t eat baby food and when we eat they both want what’s in our mouths like their starving, that worrys me, but they have cereal in just about every bottle, so is it possible they are just full off the cereal?
Hi Tonia,
Thanks for reaching out. It sounds like it could be a frustrating situation for everyone! That can be so tough. It is possible that their tummies are full if there is cereal in their bottles. Since they aren’t eating table foods yet, I wanted to share this baby routine with you. It gives great hints at how to introduce foods. Please reach out with any questions at all!
Best,
Andrea
Hi Andrea. My baby is 8 months old and he eats only fruit popsicles and plain yogurt. Ive tried making pancakes, biscuits, porridge with no salt, no sugar but he just wont eat. He loves to play with his food and likes to chew on everything except his baby food. Ive tried BLW but baby wont even touch it. But when we eat “our food” he will open his mouth like asking for it, and he eat it. Our food is filled with sugar and salt, I cant just give it to him. Does my son prefer to eat “tasty” food? How to encourage baby to eat natural food?
Hey Nisa,
It is definitely possible that your baby just wants to feel more in tune with you and wants what you have. Putting some of the food you’re serving your little one on your plate and modeling eating it can be really helpful. If you still notice that he prefers a bit of flavor, then adding a small bit of seasoning into his food might be helpful.
Best,
Andrea
Hi
I am not sure if you will check this but it’s a distressed ftm here.
MY LO is 15 months now(14 corrected). We started feeding him at almost 7 month. We started with soups and then started some texture foods but he stopped gaining any weight so we moved completely to cereals to monitor his calorie intake.
All this while he has force fed with spoon been twisted and forced in his mouth by his caregiver. I hate myself for not stopping this earlier.
But now when I have, he just doesn’t open his mouth for spoon feeding.
He is always interested in what is in our plate and has started showing interest in picking food like rice, cheese, chips, biscuits, bread etc and trying to eat but he just bites, tastes and spits it out. I want to completely stop forcing the spoon into his mouth, so now he is mainly having milk and whatever few spoons he eats.
I am completely lost and feel a failure. How to make him open his mouth for fo. He can drink milk and water by spoon opening his mouth.
Please guide.
Hi, my nephew who is already more than a year old and still cannot eat any type of food except his mother’s breast milk. What can we do about it if he vomits every single time we try to make him eat? We already tried cerelac, porridge, any type of solid and still vomits. should we consider check up with a pedia?
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! Checking in with the pediatrician is a great time to double check nothing else is going on! Some sensory play with purees would be a great option in the meantime. We have an article full of sensory play ideas. I hope that helps!
Best,
Andrea
My baby stopped eating solid food. Yes , he is teething but he just stopped eating solids all together ..he is 9 ono the ils.. he literally eats two baby spoons and refuses to open his mouth..
I have tried many things ..I need help 😞
I don’t know what I am doing worng. He has dropped from 50th percentile to 25th percentile in the weight.
My baby stopped eating solid food. Yes , he is teething but he just stopped eating solids all together ..he is 9 ono the ils.. he literally eats two baby spoons and refuses to open his mouth..
I have tried many things ..I need help 😞
I don’t know what I am doing worng. He has dropped from 50th percentile to 25th percentile in the weight.
I am
Having same problem with my baby. I am very frustrated
Hi Anisa,
We know it can be so frustrating to teach a baby to eat table foods. We have a free workshop geared towards teaching little ones to eat table foods. It might be helpful to you. You can save your seat HERE. We hope to see you there!
Best,
Andrea
Hi,
I am also struggling with this same concern. It is as if you have copied my concern and put it don as it is. Please tell if your child could overcome this phase or not. I also need help.
Hi Neeti,
Thanks for reaching out! It can be really stressful when our kiddos aren’t interested in table foods. We’d suggest checking out our free table foods workshop. It gives you some ideas that you can put into practice with your little one right away! You can save your seat HERE. Reach out to us if you have any questions!
Best,
Andrea
Hi. My baby is almost 11 months old. He eats solids but my problem is only puree. He doesn’t eat any finger food or any that more chunkier than puree. I don’t know but i keep on trying offering something but he doesn’t want it. He will just gag and cry and that’s eat. He likes puree only. He’s almost 1 year old soon and Im worried that he’s not getting more nutrition that he needs to get. Thank you.
Hi Joy,
When your toddler doesn’t eat table foods, that can be really stressful. Chunky purees are often very more difficult for a new toddler to figure out how to eat. You may want to try a dissolvable solid food (such as a cheese curl or baby puff) those often are less overwhelming and give a good crunch. The crunch helps a child can feel where the food is in their mouth, which can make it easier on them. We have a free workshop dedicated to transitioning to table foods! It might be a good fit for you. You can save your seat HERE. Hope that helps get you started!
Best,
Andrea
I’m having this same problem my son is almost 1 years old and he won’t eat anything besides purées we need help!!
Hi Erica,
This is a really common challenge! Dissolvable foods like cheese curls or puffs are a great place to start. We have a free table foods workshop that would be a great place to start for you! It is full of ideas of how to transition to table foods. You can save your seat HERE. I hope that helps!
Best,
Andrea
Hi there my 1 year old will not eat solid foods I have been trying since she was 8 month old. I get her to take a bite and then she makes a face that’s it’s nasty and spits it out and she does it with everything I’ve tryed everything … the only thing she eats is regular baby food . She loves the banana one and I try to give her a real banana and she won’t take it …
Hi Jess,
Having a little one who isn’t interested in transitioning to table food can be so difficult! You might try offering a meltable solid such as a baby puff (these are the easiest solids to start with). Sometimes softer table foods can get lost in the mouth when first learning to eat. We have also have a free workshop to help you transition your toddler to table foods! You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Andrea
Hey, hope all is well! My 3yr old nephew will not eat solids, I have to purée all his food which is a lot of work and he doesn’t get full. His mother and I always try to give him solids, which he wants absolutely no part of.. he also has 3 therapists which have us do these techniques with him, also wants no part.. he won’t eat yogurt, ice cream, applesauce, just nothing unless it’s puréed.. please help! I don’t want him like this for the rest of his life.. he would eat his Gerber food after he got off his formula, I don’t know what happened
Hey Stefanie,
So sorry to hear the difficulties your nephew is having. The first step I would try to do is get him playing/touching of foods. I would try meltable puffs, so if he does put it in his mouth, they melt with just saliva, so he can get used to the feeling of it. I’d also make sure to be brushing teeth and gums with toothbrush this can help move through the textures!
Best,
Desiree
Hi mam..
My son 6.5 months old.. we started solid but he refused to eat.. I tried preoaded soon also but he don’t like it.. we are trying for 2 weeks now.. everyone in the family having meals at same time and he watched it also.. he can sit for few minutes without any support.. if we give any toys means he can open his mouth and bite it play with it.. but for food he didn’t open his mouth.. don’t know what to do.. feeling worried please help me
Hey Mona,
We understand how you feel and it’s hard to not feel worried sometimes, but he is still young yet, so you have some time to work it out! I’d first start by getting him engaged in play with the food, touching is the first step to eating. So getting his hands in the puree can be really helpful. Also providing a spoon for him to hold while you are utilizing another spoon to help feed, can be great. We do have a free workshop that walks you through some tips as well. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi,
My 14 month won’t eat chunky food, I have tried eggs, chicken, fries and other things he won’t put it in his mouth and when he does get alittle chuck he just holds it in his mouth… he will eat homemade puréed food and the cereal puffs, I managed to get him to eat Mac and cheese by himself, I wonder if it’s my fault cause I have always been scared of him choking… any ideas please
Hey Diana,
He may be having a harder time chewing the other foods as they are more difficult. I would first try to get him touching and playing the foods, as this is the first step towards eating. We do have a free workshop that walks you through the progression of which foods to offer as you are making this transition. You can feel free to save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
My 10 month old barely eats solids! She eats animal protein (and loves it) if I cut up in cubes. She grabs the pieces and feeds herself. Besides pears and puffs, that’s all she eats, and even then, she eats soooo little! I’m lucky if I get her to eat more than 1oz of food/day! Still drinks her bottles like usual… I’m so stressed out!!!!! I don’t think it’s a sensory thing. She plays with the food, puts in her mouth but then spits everything out!
It’s great that she’s touching and engaging with all the foods, that is a really good step! I’d try providing some drink for her after she is chewing, before she spits out, this may help with her swallowing of the foods, as long as she is chewing them well!
Best,
Desiree
Hello,my 14 months old baby gal isn’t willing to take foods.
She don’t want to eat even one type of foods. What must I do ?
Hey Maria,
We know how hard this can be! We do have a free workshop that helps you walk through which foods to be offering and other steps to help make the transition to foods. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hello, my daughter just turned 1 refuses anything going near her mouth, she doesnt chew toys, nothing, she only has her first 2 teeth coming in now. She refuses bottles, and all food except for milk straight from my partners breast. Wont even take expressed milk in bottle. Have tried numerous things. Also believe her to have some sort of milk allergy as as little as 5ml of formula squirted into her mouth while crying had her throwing up for hours, yogurt on her skin and she goes red. She has just started declining on her weight and height gain which we figure is due to fact she isnt getting enough food. The nurse said if we cant get her eating/drinking she may need a feeding tube!?!? Do you have any ideas as all the dr and nurses, people we speak to noone has experienced this which is so frustrating as we feel so alone. Surely someone has had this issue before??
Hey Jason,
So sorry you are dealing with this situation, we can understand how hard this must be for you! As for any of the allergies, I’d make sure to bring that up to your pediatrician so they can help with determining what foods are good for her. I’d check out this post Conquer Your Child’s Oral Aversion with a Powerful Plan. It will help with ideas for getting things in her mouth which is a first step in getting her towards eating. We do also have a workshop for what kinds of foods to offer first that may be helpful as well. You can check it out here
Best,
Desiree
Thanks! Will check it out
My daughter is 8months and I am facing exactly same feeding issues with her other than my milk she takes nothing completely given up on top food even water.. am going mad and worried a lot what must be wrong.
Thanks for sharing! If your daughter isn’t drinking milk or water I’d reach out to your pediatrician to help determine a cause. For the feeding side of things, I’d first just start to work on getting her to touch and play with the new foods. We do have a free workshop that can help with some strategies and suggestions as well. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
Hi my daughter is 11 months old and still doesn’t like to eat. Everytime when I put the spoon in her mouth she refuses. I tried so many ways to prepare her meal, I even put her food on her high chair but still doesn’t like the idea.
Hey Ruth,
We understand how hard this can be to work through. I would do a lot of modeling and play in the foods to engage her to be touching and interacting with them. Touching is the first step to eating. You can also provide her a spoon so she can be in control while you have one as well. We do also have a free workshop that walks you through some other strategies to help as well! You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My daughter is almost 18 months old and she absolutely refuses to put anything in her mouth. The only things she’ll take is her milk bottle and baby food stage 2. If it’s too thick, she’ll gag and throw up. I tried the tooth brush thing and I can’t even get her mouth open. She’s the only baby I’ve ever known where I didn’t have to worry about small objects around her, bcus all she’ll do is poke them. If it’s liquid, she won’t touch it. Lately, she’s even been refusing the baby food and I have to put it in her milk. Idk what to do, her therapist isn’t helping her at all. Nothing works and I can’t keep her weight up.
Hey Diana,
Thanks for reaching out to us. so sorry you are dealing with this, we understand how hard it can be. I’d try working on getting her to play and be able to touch and get messy with the food. This is a really good first step towards eating. If you haven’t yet seen our free workshop, it’s full of strategies as well. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
Hi Jason! I have the same situation with my son! How is your daughter? Is she eating now?
My daughter was doing amazing with solids, we started baby purees at 5 months and then quickly switched over to BLW right before 6 months. She was doing amazing, eating everything and trying new things.
Now she’s 10 months is refusing EVERYTHING. I’ve tried switching it up, making different things, I even tried spoon feeding her (she loved to feed herself before) but it’s still a no. It’s been about a month of struggle. There will be the occasional good day but it’s a struggle 90% of the time.
ʍʏ ɮaɮʏ ɨs 2 ʏɛaʀs օʟɖ ɦɛ ʀɛʄʊsɛs ɛʋɛʀʏtɦɨռɢ աɦat ċaռ ɨ ɖօ ɨ ռɛɛɖ ɦɛʟք քʟɛasɛ ɨ aʍ ɖɛsքɛʀatɛ ɨ ɖօռt ҡռօա աɦat ɛʟsɛ tօ ɖօ
Hey Samantha,
We understand how hard this can be! I’d first start to work on some playing with foods, so that he can get used to touching of foods, you can do this outside of mealtimes. Touching can be really helpful in the first step of eating. We do also have a free workshop that is helpful for transitioning to table foods. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
My toddler at the age of now don’t want to eat any solid food when i giving it to her. All she keep saying is no and keep asking for her bottle with milk. She use eat puree food when she was at 6 months and now she refusing to eat. What can i do. I really want to stop her drinking her milk all the time.
Hey Renelda,
We do recommend providing milk with the meal, so I’d try to start making the transition of milk into a straw or open cup. A lot of times, kids find the straw cups fun and exciting. You can provide some milk with the meal. If she is drinking all the milk at the beginning, you can decrease the amount in hopes that she will engage with her food as well! We know how hard this can be!
Best,
Desiree
I really needs help for my 2.5 yrs old son who don’t want to chew or taking any solid foods. Have tried a lot from varying all foods, almost everthing but He won’t eat solid foods. He just eat lentil soup and running porrides everthing in liquid form. No meats or ‘hard particles’ inside that may triggered him to vomiting. His growth is ok but feeding him is like torture as he eatings very slowly and no solids at all. And as he is not eating much fibre in his diet he is mostly constipated.Please help me i am very fedup now.
Thanks in advance
Hey!
Thanks for reaching out, we understand how hard this can be! I’d first start to do some food play getting him to touch foods, outside of mealtimes. This can be helpful in moving forward. We do also have a free workshop that helps with transitioning to table foods, full of helpful strategies. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
Hi. My baby of 2 doesn’t eat solid but always gags, shove it n choke wen introduced and am really worried
Thanks for reaching out! I’d check out this article on chewing to start working on the skills she needs for biting/chewing and managing foods in her mouth.
Best,
Desiree
I’m having the same issue with my 16 month old son. He will eat puréed food (very picky on the flavor) —I give him soup, noodles, waffles, fruits —gags or throws a fit ! I hear ya and I’m definitely with ya ! This shall pass I hope !
Hey Bethany,
We get how hard this can be!! I’d try engaging him in play/touching of the table foods to see if you can peek his interest (you can do this outside of mealtimes), but is really the first step in eating. Also, if you haven’t seen our free workshop for transitioning to table food, it is full of great strategies to help! You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
Hello I have 9 month old twin boys & both of them are doing the same. Neither of them want anything to do with babyfood or any kinda of snacks such as curls & teething snacks ect. Their formula is the only thing they will eat. I’ve already asked their pediatrician about it he told me to wait a couple weeks and then come back and told me to try different things at home but I had no idea what to try until now reading your post I have six kids all together & there wasn’t any hesitation for them eating whatsoever but I introduce food at around four months with all four of them but with my twins I waited a little longer because they were a little smaller. I wish i would have just started them at the earlier age but Thanks so much for ur advice I’m going to begin ur steps immediately..
You are so welcome Casey, So glad this was helpful for you! We do also have a free workshop that walks you through more and how to address any difficulties you are seeing! You can feel free to save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi
My son is turning 4 yrs old next month and he has started refusing any food except milk…..he used to eat everything earlier but now he prefers only milk I give him in glass ….whatever food I offer it’s so hard to make him eat now and I’m so upset…why did he stop eating food and only drinking milk? I started reducing milk so that he feels hungry n eats solid food but be throws tantrums n cries for milk only when hungry…what do I do? Pls help..he doesnt like to touch any food or play with it…he doesnt like getting his hands messed…he never put any toy in his mouth until now …when I first introduced solids he accepted and was eating quite well until 2 yrs old but from past one year I’m failing in feeding him regular food but only milk…how to get rid of this milk consumption n make him interested to eat normal food..pls help
Hi,
Thanks for reaching out! We can understand how hard and frustrating this is! I’d first work on having him complete some play with food, outside of mealtime. Just trying to get him to engage in the foods and touch can be a huge step forwards. But, we do have a free workshop with some great strategies for you that I think would help. You can save your seat Here
Best,
Desiree
Hi my baby is going to became 4 years in this dec 2020. But till nw he is eating every food as puree . I m trying to give every food as solid but he is nt even touching also what i should do ?please reply
Hey Thanks for reaching out to us! We know how hard feeding difficulties can be. I’d try to have him help with you in the kitchen to make food, touching/handling, etc to start to peek the interest of what the foods are. If there are some foods that he is able to eat solid, we do have a free workshop that will help you with some tips to set up a positive mealtime. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
Your advice is not helping at all! My GOD! this is so stressful I am in tears my grandson is having the same issues. Does this ever resolve?
Hi Viv,
We are so sorry thing are so stressful for you and your grandson! Sometimes improvements can happen a little at a time. Be sure to check out our free workshop mentioned above! If you are still having a hard time you might talk to your grandson’s doctor about feeding therapy. We have a post HERE about what to expect from feeding therapy.
Best,
Andrea
Help my going to be 2 year old at end of this month still won’t eat snacks or any finger foods he used to eat yogurts mashed potatoes purade veggies and fruit cups and then one day didn’t want anything anymore I’ve tried everything he even stopped drinking juice he still takes his early morning 8oz bottle of 3% milk and toddler formula powder but that’s it and he is very upset trying to poop and I’m at my wits end it’s been 3 weeks of this but he has never wanted anything with peace’s my 3 year old daughter eats everything she can all day long never gaining weight but loves food so I’m just out of my mind with my son as he will put everything but food to his mouth
Hey Kendra,
So sorry you are dealing with this, we understand how hard it can be on everyone. I’d look into the constipation issues in this article to see if anything can help, as it can have a tremendous impact on eating. Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, I’d check out our free workshop. It will help with setting up a positive environment as well as walking you through how to set up mealtimes. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
My daughter is almost 10 months old and won’t eat solids at all. We started introducing solids at 6 months and it was a battle. She struggled with major constipation. In addition, she’s definitely one of those babies that never put toys in her mouth. My question is this: Have you ever seen a baby that can flip flop their tongue back and forth from side to side in a twisting motion? Meaning, she can basically flip her tongue over completely, side to side! We struggled with breast feeding initially and I’m wondering if this tongue thing is now impacting her ability/desire to eat solids. She doesn’t have a tongue tie. She did gag on solids a bit at first, but we got past that. Now, she just has zero interest…
Hey Victoria,
Thanks for reaching out to us! We have seen this before, and working on getting her tongue in proper positioning can be helpful. I’d first work on utilizing a bbay tooth brush, brushing her gums, teeth and tongue. Having that in the mouth naturally tends to automatically get the tongue to move properly into position for feeding. Also, we do have a free workshop that also walks you through some other oral motor strategies and things to help them move towards eating that can be helpful. You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
Hi my 2yr old won’t eat anything but Heinz 1 yr old food I tried different foods but he just has a tantrum and when he sees me eat he runs out of the room I’m so frustrated I don’t know what to do please help thank you
So sorry you are having trouble with this transition. We know how hard it can be! I’d work on trying to have him play with some of the foods for a positive experience with the foods, you can do this outside of mealtimes. We do also have a workshop that would be helpful for you! You can save your seat here
Best,
Desiree
hi ,
my boy is 8 months old and he is always refusing the food and not eating well as per my observation. this is my first baby and i dont know it is ok or no? mother milk he is taking well but only baby food he is refusing always.
Thanks for reaching out! I’d continue to keep offering the baby food, but also making sure that he has opportunity to play in it and touch the food, this can be really helpful in eating it! We do also have a free workshop, that addresses this and provides some strategies. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi, My baby is now 12 months, he keeps the food in his mouth and not swallow it, after some times he just split it. it takes hours for me to feed the baby…please help
Hey Suma,
So sorry you are dealing with this. It can be so hard when your little one is not eating well. You can find some tips for getting your little one to chew HERE. If they are not yet eating any solid foods (swallowing) you can also check out our free workshop full of strategies on how to help them make this transition. Save your spot HERE
Best,
Desiree
My baby is 7.5 months old, started solid foods at 5 months and was super successful.
When she turned 6 months, i saw all of a sudden a totally different baby, moving arms and legs sharply, in an uncoordinated manner and locking her mouth. Just like that. I have always let her play with the purée, but she has never ever tried to lick her fingers while she puts anything else in her mouth.
She has never been keen on breastfeeding or formula (I give her milk with a syringe; she doesn’t take the breast or the bottle anymore).
I tried with finger foods many times – she plays with it, chews and spits out pieces.
My pediatrician tells me to keep trying but i have kept trying for 2.5 months and i am on the verge of going mentally deranged myself.
I would not have worried that much at this age if she took milk. But trying to give her a couple of ounces is a huge battle.
What to do?
Hey Doroty,
So sorry you are having trouble feeding your little one! But I will say, great job at letting her play with the puree. I would keep that up for every “mealtime” as touching is the first step in eating. I would also work on brushing her teeth/gums throughout the day. this can help stimulate some tongue movement that is great for learning to chew. We do have a free workshop that I think you will find some great information for you little one! You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi, my baby is 6.5 months old..she is refusing purees and when I tried blw
. She is touching food and throwing, but not putting in mouth. Plz help
Hey Thanks for reaching out! I’m not sure how long you have been trying with the purees, but I’d make sure to check out in the article the milestones that show she is ready for the foods! I’d provide her opportunity to touch and play with the puree and be modeling eating off of a spoon and you can provide her with her own spoon too. We do have a free workshop that will walk you through some other steps if you are still concerned you can save your spot HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi, My baby is now 9months, he keeps the food in his mouth and not swallow it, after some times he just split it. it takes hours for me to feed the baby…please help
Hey Kinley,
We know how hard this can be and are here for you! I’d first try modeling (over exaggerating) of moving food around in your mouth while you are eating, as this can be helpful for kids to see. Also we do have a free workshop that helps to walk you through on strategies to help with getting them to eat table foods. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My daughter wont drink breast or bottle what I do is immediately after she sleeps I giver her breast that time she sucks.. sometimes suddenly she woke up and cry but I make her sleep and give milk again
Sorry you are having a hard time with your little one. If she’s not drinking any liquid during the day, I’d reach out to your pediatrician. they may be able to get you a referral to have her evaluated so that they can see what is going on and items that you can do to help her!!
Best,
Desiree
My 17months old baby used to eat table foods like a lot he would eat almost every second to third hour a baby full plate but now his refusing to eat at all he got 8front teeth already he just want his bottle the whole day please help
Hey Donna,
So sorry you are going through this. I’d first start with attempting a no pressure environment. It can be hard for us, because we want our kids to eat, however can really be helpful for them. You can learn all about no pressure an other tips in our free picky eating workshop. Save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My child is 3 years he is not taking solid food I am really worried about him
Hey!
Thanks for reaching out! I’m not sure exactly what your child is doing at mealtimes, but I’d try to do some food play with him, getting him to touch and interact with food (outside of mealtime) to peak his interest in the foods you are working on can be helpful. We do have a free workshop that is full of great strategies and tips as well! You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Please please please plzzzzzzzzz…….. Help me..
My 2.7 years old toddler doesnt eat solod…everything he eats is pureed form… He doesnt know to chew n swallow .
I am very stressed.
He just vomits if i give him solid
Hey Neha,
Sorry you are having trouble with your little one. We do have an article that walks you through with some strategies for How To Teach Your Baby Or Toddler To Chew which will be helpful. We do also recommend starting with meltable foods to work on this skill such as puffs, graham crackers, townhouse crackers. All foods that dissolve in your mouth.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Desiree
May little on is 6 and 1/2 months old. i was trying to start solid when she was 5 and 1/2 months but i was not able to feed her even a single spoon. i keep offering everyday. she lock her mouth so tight but start play with food. its seems she is not at all interested for purees or cereals. Dont know what to do to make her interested for solid.
Hey Troy,
We understand how hard this transition can be! I’d try to do some play with the food to let you daughter touch and play with the food, this may help to ease her into feeding and she may put her fingers in her mouth after touching it as well. Also, I’d provide her with her own spoon so that she can get comfortable with what it is!
Best,
Desiree
My baby is 10 months, and since 1 month its been a hell…he is just not interested in eating. He just throws food, puts his inside soup and yogurt bowls and becomes a mess, pulls my spoons away, screams, pushes food, drops plates and spoons. Mealtimes are like wartimes.im trying family meal, purees, fruits which he squishes…im at my wits end now
Trying to feed him food only once in 3 hrs but nothing is helping
Hey Vini,
Thanks for reaching out to us! I’d work on trying to see if he is interested in some meltables ie:puffs as this can be something different and he can touch and pick up! It can help the frustrations. We do have a free workshop as well that can walk you through some steps to transitioning to food and help with overall mealtime battles. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Finally some answers!! Thank you for the info! My 9 month old likes sweet fruit purée but not anything else! She’s also interested in our food on our plates! She obviously can not eat this food yet but at least that’s a good sign. I just registered for the workshop! She has dropped a pound and I am worried!
We totally understand, so glad you found us and the workshop! Let us know if you have any questions after!
Best,
Desiree
My son is 19 months and he doesn’t eat any solids just milk water and juices
Hey Saika,
We understand where you are coming from. We do have a free workshop that would help get you started for transitioning to some solid foods. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My son is 11 months old he refuse to eat solid food
He want to just depend on breastfeeding
Is a battle for me whenever i want to feed he always cry alot without stopping
Am kind of worried what will i do
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out to us! We understand how hard this can be! I’d recommend starting with our free workshop, you will learn where to start for the solid foods, how to introduce them as well as things to help along the way! The tips in this article are great too! Save your seat for the workshop HERE
Best,
Desiree
Am passing through the same thing, my baby is 15 month old and he prefers breast milk over any other food, he takes cornflakes sometimes and will refuse outrightly many times, he takes pap and refuses sometimes too, today he can choose to take general food but refuses them after the first bite, the only food he prefer taking is breast milk,if I offer him food when he’s hungry, he will refuse and will starts crying pointing and opening my cloth for breast milk, he looks healthy but pls am so worried, what should I do?
I’m passing through the same thing, my baby is 15 month old and he prefers breast milk over any other food, he takes cornflakes sometimes and will refuse outrightly many times, he takes pap and refuses sometimes too, today he can choose to take general food but refuses them after the first bite, the only food he prefer taking is breast milk,if I offer him food when he’s hungry, he will refuse and will starts crying pointing and opening my cloth for breast milk, he looks healthy but pls am so worried, what should I do?
Hey Thanks for reaching out to us! We understand how hard this transition to table foods can be so difficult. I’d take some time and opportunities to allow him to touch and play with some different textures of foods (no pressure to eat) so that he can become more comfortable with them and peek his interest. We do also have a free workshop that will help walk you through the steps of transitioning onto table foods. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi my almost 10 m old baby, try to eat but spit out with tongue every time. She is doing this since 25 days. Please give me a suggestion what should I do for her.
Hi Kanwal,
Chewing can be really challenging for little ones to learn sometimes. It can be helpful to use dissolvable solids (like graham crackers or gerber puffs) and place them on the side gums/teeth. You can check out more helpful suggestions for teaching chewing HERE. Reach out if you have any questions!
Best,
Andrea
Hi my baby completed 1 year 4 days back till 11 months she was eating dry chapati n other snacks like biscuits, pancake, crushed chips etc but 1.5 month before she caught with influenza n was hospitalised also that time she was not in condition to eat dry or dolid as her throat was full with conjunction and it toom almost 15 days to completely recover from it by the time she was on soft diet like porridge, khichadi, Cerelac but now after recovery she stop eating any dry food eitjer she is not ready to open the mouth else if she takes she just throw it out no interest to chew vd gums n sollow like before she used to do. Other way all waste items she put in her mouth like tissue paper, cloths, toys, tbermocol etc. What to do.? How yo make her habbit to again start dry solid food?
Great Question! Illness can really have an effect on our kids eating habits. I’d start back slow as she has to learn to trust the food again. I’d start doing some play with the dry foods (outside of mealtimes) and get her used to touching it first. I’d also do some modeling at meals so that she is seeing you eating the foods and slowly see if she becomes interested again.
Best,
Desiree
Hi my baby is 17Months old his taking only mashed food,whenever I offer him solid like rice, chapatis,carrot his just refusing to chew or he just vomit pls advice me what to do am so worried
Thanks for your question! I can understand where you are coming from in being worried. If you haven’t yet taken our free workshop, that would be a great resource for you. It will walk you through which foods to offer next to help your child in their learning of chewing of foods. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My baby is 1 year and 4 months , it’s been a few days that she suddenly keeps her mouth shut if we feed her any solids food ( tried purees and a variety of other solids ), unsure of the reason , she just takes milks, bites all the other other items possible on the home ( part of teething) , uses her hands wisely to push, we don’t know how only to make her eat back agian, suggestions pls
Hello, I’ve been doing babyled weaning with my daughter since she we started solids at 6 months and she has always been very very picky about foods. She refused any purées or soft foods and would never let me spoon feed her. I’ve let her play and exposed her to so many foods, I always eat with her and play and make it fun. She is now 11 months and seems to be even pickier, she will only eat yogurt strawberries Cheerios and crunchy snack type foods, sometimes toast. I’ve seen her eat other things occasionally and it surprises me but for the most part, feeding her has felt like a huge failure and she doesn’t seem to care about it. Her eating mechanics are actually great surprisingly and gagging isn’t much of an issue, but sensory seems to be that. We’ve done tons of sensory play but no progress. She is EBF and was a bottle refuser as well. I’m actually a pediatric OT and have experience with this but this is really a struggle. She’s generally a survive bab
a *stubborn baby but I don’t know what else to do aside from feeding therapy, which I do imagine is a lot of what I’m already doing.
Hey Genevieve,
I get how hard this can be, and especially when it’s your own having to separate being a mom and a therapist! Have you taken any of our free workshops? Generally at this age we recommend our Table Food Workshop. It will walk you through some feeding ideas, so you can see if you are missing a piece of the puzzle!
Best,
Desiree
Please I need help.
My Exclusively breastfed Daughter is currently 29.5 weeks. She weights 15.8Ib and measures 27 inch. She had very bad reflux during her earlier months which was managed by meds. Until we discovered the reflux was triggered by things I was eating that she was allergic to. She use to feed directly from me but more from the bottle eating btw 3-4 ounce very 3 hours. All of a sudden she stopped eating from the bottle 2 months ago. She will only nurse from me directly maybe every 4 hours for 2-4 minutes. I have tried to give her Brest milk in a bottle she refuses. I have tried to give her ALL Formulas designed for milk allergy babies she refuses. I have tried to give her many types regular formula she refuses. For the last 3 weeks I have tried introducing solids she refuses all ( oatmeal cereal, rice cereal, sweet potato, butternut squash, peas, peaches, corn, carrots). I have tried baby led weaning letting her play with the food but she never put food in her mouth. She puts everything else in her mouth but not food. She REFUSES to eat everything I offer. The worst part is that she doesn’t even nurse for long maximum 5 minutes and this is rare. At night she wakes me up every 2 hours to nurse. I am exhausted. Please I need help. Her pediatrician says keep trying. Her GI specialist says keep trying. My baby looks so small and dropping weight. What else can I do? I need her to eat.
Hey Helen,
First of all, I know this is hard on you, so kudos for you for looking for more answers! As far as the breastmilk/formula I’d really recommend getting and occupational therapy evaluation to help you maneuver throughout this. They can take a look to see what may be happening. You can learn about the types of therapy here. Secondly as far as the feeding goes, I’d try to have her playing in purees so that she will engage and touch it first as this is the first step in eating of the foods. You can learn more about purees and what foods to try after in our free workshop. Save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Thanks for your response
Hi i am actually going through the same exact situation right now and my baby is also 29.5 weeks and weight 16 lbs. He s doctor told me that he a little below average with his weight. I don’t know what to do .exact same thing going on. I have tried every puree in single or mixed. He don’t want a bottle at all and he only breasfeed for no more than 5 minutes at a time and its every 3-4 hrs and he’s not getting enough sleep cause he keeps waking up to get just a little sip. I am really feeling like i missing something i don’t know what it is.
Hey Sergica,
I know it’s so hard! I’d recommend you try the same things as well. Walking through the steps/suggestions in the article can be helpful. Allowing your son to play in pureed foods so that he gets used to them and see if he puts his hands in his mouth. You can also reach out for a feeding evaluation so that they can check to see what is going on and provide some suggestions for you! You can read all about feed therapy Here
Best,
Desiree
Hi I am a first time mother, my baby is 10 months old he started eating baby food some when he was 5 months old when he turned 8 months he started only wanting his bottle with his formula an then he started eating just fruits, he hates veggies I’ve tried over 20 different things ways N he hates it just likes fruits only, well a few weeks ago he had a double ear infection an stopped eating baby food and hasn’t wanted anything since even though I offer all the time, he also won’t eat puffs or any kind of finger foods he can hold them an has used teething rings for a long time, so he knows how to put stuff to his mouth I’m worried he won’t be eating by the time he’s a year old what do I do please help,
HI. I HAE A SIMILAR SITUATION WITH MY 10 MONTHS OLD. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO
Hey Oko,
We have a free workshop that will provide you with some tips as well as walk you through how to handle this. You can Save your Seat Here.
Best,
Desiree
Hey I was wondering what you would suggest to do with my now 9 month old boy.
We offer a variety of food at each meal time, basically what ever we have (as we are doing baby lead weaning) so fruit, veg, pasta, yogurt anything.
He is happy to pick up foods bite them but then spits them straight out.
I think the only thing that he has actually eaten is a maize puff that almost melted in his mouth before he had the chance to spit it out.
This is my fourth baby and we have done sensory play with him as was worried that it was a sensory issues he had but this has made no difference.
The health visitor has told us to double spoon feed him, but all this does is upset him if we are lucky enough to get a bit in his mouth via distraction!
As his very good at keeping his mouth shut if anyone other than himself tries to put anything in his mouth!
His weight gain has been slow but steady since birth, but we have fallen two centiles down the chart over the 9 months.
Any help gratefully received x
Hi Hayley,
We totally understand where you are coming from. This can be such a frustrating time for families, but we are here for you and know that you are doing great by trying all these foods for your child. I’d recommend starting with our free workshop for transiting to table foods. It seems he may need a little more help with how to manage food in his mouth. Keep trying with the puffs to see if he will start to move these around. These are really good for kids learning to eat foods. Save your seat HERE for the workshop!
Best,
Desiree
My baby girl is 8.5 months old. we started out with home made rice cereal at 5 months, I used to give her tiny bit like one baby spoon diluted to get her used to the idea. Then at 6mons, I gave her some new foods like mashed banana, mashed avocado mixed with breastmilk etc and she didnt like them. I tried few more varieties and went back to rice cereal. Since then I cannot feed her anything with a spoon, she will chew n play with spoon. If I hold her and feed her with my hands she will take few tiny bites, total less than or equal to one oz.
Past month she likes soft wheat pancake, she shows interest in coming forward and taking bites. The first few bites of what ever I give her she shows interest but then she doesnt know to swallow them or chew on them (I think), because after few bites she gags as many pieces are left in her mouth. These days she eats all varieties like egg, pancakes, puffs, teeething crackers but only tiny amounts like half ounce. After that she isn’t interested. Even pureed food max she eats is 1oz total for the day.
I do let her play with her food, I am gonna try your other tips too.
But do you think she is having any sensory issues, do I need to take her to specialist?
Thanks for reaching out! Sounds like you are doing a great job with giving her opportunities to play with the spoon and trying a variety of foods!! You can always reach out to see a feeding specialist at any time even if they just complete the evaluation, they can provide you with suggestions individualized for your child!! As far as sensory, I think you may find this post helpful with tips and tricks!
https://yourkidstable.com/sensory-processing-and-picky-eating/
My 7 month old baby (born at 34 weeks) started solids at 5 months as he was refusing milk because of reflux. He has ongoing reflux medication. We dreamfeed him all day and night as it is impossible to feed him when he is awake. He started off well. Fruit and veg purees. He was not gaining weight so doctors suggested increasing EBM calories by adding a scoop of formula. He now from the past couple of weeks is completely refusing solids. We put a bib on him he starts crying. We were hoping if he starts solids he may gain weight and reduce dependence on dream feeding. Seems like nothing is working. I feel helpless
Hi Tim, I know it’s incredibly stressful, are you being followed by a pediatric GI? I’d strongly recommend that, it sounds like his medication isn’t sorted out.
Hello.. How did you resolve this issue. Any tips I’m in same situation.
Hi there, my 10 month old loves anything puréed. She will also eat puffs, Cheerios, and even a peanut butter sandwich no problem. She used to eat eggs but is now refusing that. Any other solids I put in front of her she doesn’t want. She throws a fit. Sometimes she’ll gag just looking st it. She’ll play with it in her hands and then drop it. Or she will put it in her mouth and then pull it back out after chomping on it for a little bit. Sometimes when she puts it in her mouth she immediately pulls it out or spits it out like it disgusts her. Or she just turns her head immediately. If I give her purée or breast milk or formula she’ll take any of that no problem. Thick yogurt or oatmeal she’ll eat no problem too. I decided this week I’m cutting out all “liquid” type foods and only doing solids. I’m feeling frustrated. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi.. my daughter is doing the same she is 22 months old .. she used to eat all types of solid food .. and baby food .. or even purees .. now all of a sudden . She hates her favourite foods as well.. she takes it out of her mouth .. switched her to pureed food again … i evdn let her starve for 2 days .. but didnot help… its so depressing .. cause she ends up being cranky all day …
Wow, those are some great eating skills at her age, so her refusal sounds like it’s related to sensory, sensitivity to textures. I’d actually not eliminate her other foods, but work more on the underlying sensory issues, check out this post for some specific strategies.
My baby is 11 month, she is weigh 5.1 I have done everything I too her to hospital almost everyday they said nothing, I mean nothing is wrong with her, she don’t eat it forse her to eat pls help she looks very small more than her age please I need help please
Hi Joy, it sounds like she’s having a hard time transitioning to solids, I’d check out how to transition to table foods and grab that free printable, there are step by step suggestions in there:)
Hi my lo had an. Allergic reaction to egg and is refusing all food now. She’s is 9 mo old any suggestions
Hi Racquel, This can definitely be a tricky situation, but glad you are reaching out and figuring out her feeding journey. I’d recommend making sure to reach out to your doctor to discuss allergic reaction and what foods to be looking out for, if you haven’t already. Also, you may need to re-establish all foods that she was eating prior with getting her used to playing with them so that she can feel “safe” with these foods, before she will eat them again. It may take some back and forth but taking the play approach can be great!! In case you haven’t seen this article it is a great resource on what foods to try first 🙂 Transitioning to Table Foods
Best!
Desiree
Your Kids Table Team Member
Did you find any solutions to help? My son is also doing this.
Hi, my baby is 9 months and eats only 3-5 spoons of solid food, but does not finish the entire food.
Thank you
That may be okay, some babies will eat a small amount of purees, I’d look at this post on transitioning to table foods for some more tips!
My baby is 23 months old, he is not taking food with interest/properly from the beginning itself. In last few days, he is refusing to take any food and when food plate comes he starts crying. And when given forcibly, he vomits. Please guide.
Feeding issues can be very complex, it’s hard to say exactly what’s going on. I’d suggest talking to your doctor, he may have a virus, be teething, etc. I’d space apart his meals and make sure they don’t last too long and until you talk to your dr., keep trying.
My son is almost 8.5 months old and we’ve been dealing with eating struggles since we began to introduce solids at 6 months.
We started off with some purées and he seemed to like pear, banana, and squash. (Hated cereal) Every few days I could get him to eat. He’d take the spoon and slurp it up!
Now he’s totally uninterested when food is given to him.
I read your post and decided to give him food to play with and experience. I will offer different textures, sometimes more solids rather than purées. I’ll set it on his high chair and he plays with it. Mostly, he will pick it up and drop it and get messy.
After maybe 5 minutes he gets really fussy and insists on being taken out.
Every now and then I can offer him something and he’ll actually suck on it, but this seems like 1 time a week if I’m lucky.
This has been going on for the past 1.5 months.
I thought it was a good sign that he was playing with it but he rarely puts it in his mouth. He has been exclusively breastfed since birth. He’s very active and is thriving. I’m just confused frustrated and worried.
I think I read through your posts daily looking for ideas but it doesn’t seem like we’ve made any improvements. Any additional suggestions?
Thank you!
Hi Liz, you’re doing such a good job! Truly you are, I know it’s hard. I’d try and guide his messy hand to his mouth in a playful, fun way. This may take a lot of attempts. I’d also try using a toothbrush and getting all over his gums and tongue with a firm pressure. And, lastly, I’d seek out a feeding eval just to help you get over this hump. You’re being so proactive, which is awesome!
My baby 7 month now , before she eat solid really well but all the sudden refuse it. I feed her solid after a hour of her milk . She only open her mouth for the cheese puff but when it comes to solid food she close her mouth. I just don’t know what to do and it stressing me out
Hey Louise,
So sorry you are having trouble with your little one. I’d try to make sure that she has opportunity to touch and play with all the foods so that she can be comfortable with the foods provided. We do have a free workshop that is full of great information for transitioning to table foods as well that will be great for you! You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hii Liz.. My son is 11months old and I m facing the same problem even after trying the article’s steps.
Have you seen any interest for food in your son? If he has started taking solids please share your technique .
Thank you!
Hi Riddhi,
Is your son interested in playing and touching the foods? I know it can be very hard and overwhelming when your child seems to have no interest in foods! I’d always recommend starting with the playing and touching of foods, even if it is outside of mealtimes to get them interacting with foods. We do have a free workshop that can help provide with some suggestions as well you can Save Your Seat Here
Best,
Desiree
Hi, I tried downloading the free printable information form, but it didn’t work and I never received anything in my email either. My baby doesn’t want to eat solid foods and I desperately want to try this out. Please help!!! 🙂
Hey Carmen,
So sorry you are having trouble downloading the printable. You can email us as hello@yourkidstable.com and we can gladly send that to you! As for your baby, if you haven’t seen our free workshop it’s a great place to start as well! You will get tips on what foods to start with first, how to present them and addressing underlying causes. Save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My now 20 month old refusing anything but milks 5months old he got sick with a fever lasting 8 days before this he was eating baby food just fine, I also have a hard time brushing isn’t teeth he gags and vomits, what can’t i do?
Edith, I’d look into early intervention for feeding therapy, and I also have a free picky eating workshop that I think will be helpful. I’d keep up with the tooth brushing using a firm pressure, try not to go to far back in his mouth initially, but slowly increase over time. The gag reflex can be desensitized!
Same here. My baby is almost home 18 months and used to eat very well but after an ear infection and cough now he refuses to eat. He won’t even try it and he makes a face. He is still breastfed. He will eat yogurt,French for ríes and Cheerios. Sometimes fruit and that’s it! So frustrating!
Hi Alisha. Our daughter is 13 months old and has Laryngomalacia, (born with floppy larnx) she had a supaglottoplasty at two months due to failure to to thrive and also had a Nasal Gastric tube (NGT)from two months. She had a swallow study at two months with aspiration so breastfeeding had to stop and she was on thickened fluids by mouth. She can only drink a little by mouth approx 70ml and she us exhausted so the rest of her feed is done by NGT. She is feed five times a day of 230mls of S26 Formula and we are transitioning to Sustagen kids essential complete but she will not take any solids. She loves the garden and puts rocks I her mouth, cardboard, teethers, toys, blocks not not food. She will suck on a piece of cucumber then spit it out if any goes in her mouth. We see ENT team, Dietitian, Speech pathologist and sleep team to manage her condition but no one can have any luck to be successful with solids. Have you ever worked with babies with Laryngomalacia or have any advice at all that could help in anyway?
You guys have been through a lot already. I haven’t worked with a this specific condition. Is anyone using a Nuk brush with her or teethers to help her desensitize orally? If not, that would be something I’d ask about, it may take some time before she allows it in her mouth, but it’s a big step. I’d also try messy play in general, it’s common for tube fed babies to get very sensory sensitive and this can help improve her tactile processing which will impact her eating!
Thank you for taking the time to reply to us. We use a tooth brush which I also a teether at the other end and our LO plays with it I her mouth while we do the gravity fed tube feed. Messy play is tough as the tape the holds the tube in place gets wet and the the tube comes out which is a big problem because we have to go to hospital to get it inserted again which is a traumatic experience for her, missed feeds, delayed feeds and the affect on her behaviour can have her refused feeds too. Yes you would be correct we have been through alot. Because she I not able to speak it is hard to know if solids are creating her pain and speech pathologist has emphasized about avoiding a behaviour of food refusal and rejection. We have struggles to give her formula so solids are certainly not getting any intake anytime soon. It is certainly a journey from when she was diagnosed with server Laryngomalacia.
Thank you for your reply
We see speech pathologist next week.
My 9months baby refused to any kind of food, don’t know what to do 😭😭😭😭
That’s so hard, there’s a lot of specific tips to try in this post, I hope it helps.
My boy is 1year but still doesn’t take solid.He only takes breast milk.Even with the breast milk,he wants direct.he doesn’t want expressed breast milk and always spit any solid given to him
Hey!
Thanks for reaching out! I’d start with our free workshop! This will help you figure out ways to help him to progress towards eating of foods and which foods to start with. I’d make sure that you provide opportunities for him to play and touch different foods (even outside of mealtimes), to increase his comfort level. You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
Hi my now 19 Month old will not eat most sold foods only chips, puffs and crackers but will not eat anything thing else. We give her soup and she will eat that most of the time, but she only has 5 teeth. Is that why she won’t eat sold food ?
No, Check out this post on why baby’s don’t need teeth to eat.
If none of this advice is working, get your baby’s tongue checked. I tried everything and my 9-month-old was still refusing solids and gagging on contact. Turns out, he was severely tongue tied! He couldn’t eat. I over produced milk, so breastfeeding wasn’t a problem till around 6 months when my supply dropped, he dropped off his weight curve. My pediatrician didn’t even know what it was and offered no help. Lactation caught the issue. My son had a triple frenectomy (both top & bottom lip & tongue) by cool laser. He was eating apple sauce from a spoon the next morning!
This is our story, almost exactly. My son was gagging on foods at 8 months even though he’d been interested in eating at 4 months. I also had oversupply which hid the problem until he was 5 months. We had the tongue (and lip) tie fixed at 8 months. He was immediately nursing better and within two weeks he was eating solids completely age appropriately. You have to find a lactation consultant or pediatric dentist that is familiar with tongue ties. Many pediatricians have no idea how to look for the problem.
Wow, so much great information here! My almost 10 month old had been eating table food since around 8 months old. He had worked his way up to enjoying a pretty wide variety of flavors and textures. Then, about a week ago he just started chewing food and then spitting it out. It started with just new things I was trying to introduce, mostly bread-like things: muffins, baked oatmeal, pancakes, French toast. Now it’s everything. Tonight he just started signing “all done” as soon as he saw his dinner. He does have some teeth coming in. I’m just so confused by this. Do I just keep serving him a variety of food to spit out or throw on the floor? Do I back up to the puffs stage and start over? I have’t tried him on puffs in a while because he’s on the small side and I was trying to stick to higher calorie foods. Do sensory issues just pop up suddenly like this? He definitely puts everything in his mouth and tries to eat every crumb he finds on the floor, just not his meals lately.
Hi Stephanie,
I’d think about expanding onto other crunchy meltables like graham crackers and cheese curls too. It sounds like he needs some more practice with those! And, yes sensory problems can develop for sure. Tooth brushing is something else that helps a ton, several times a day, getting the tongue and gums too- as strange as it sounds!
Hi Alisha,
I just came across your blog and I’ve found some useful tips. My son is 21months old and would only eat Gerber 6months cereal from his bottle and drinks. It’s a struggle trying to get him to eat Solid. Even chocolates. A friend adviced I take him to see a therapist. What do you suggest?
Yes, I definitely would. Feeding therapy can be so valuable. I also have a free workshop coming this week that might be helpful for you. You can check that out here!
Hello Alisha! I’m so glad I found your blog! I’m the mom of an almost 7 mo girl, and I feel like you described our situation.
We started trying baby food a month ago, with no success so far!
She keeps clossing her mouth every time she see me taking the spoon, and if She laughs or open her mouth with a toy, I give her the food, that she ends up swallowing, but she would never open her mouth for me.
I’ve tried BLW as well, she just mash the bananas or the scrambled eggs and throw them to the floor, but she doesn’t even show interest in eating them. If I give her a stick of celery or raw carrot, she loved to take them to her mouth and play with them.
I’m very desperate, I keep mixing the baby food with her milk and she has accepted pretty much all flavors, but no success with solids. What should I do!!! 🙁
Hi Maria, well, you’ve got some time, fortunately. These are some red flags, but she could out grow them in the next 4-6 weeks. I’d encourage you to keep trying, let her get messy, encourage touching the foods and biting on teethers. Those will help get her ready for eating!
Hi Alisha,
I find this site so helpful thank you for all the information!! My son is 11 months old almost 12 months and we have been through the wringer!!!! Our latest issue is table foods. We started him on purees at 4 months due to reflux issues and then moved towards table foods at 6 months we had an issue in the beginning and saw a SLP and we ended up getting some advice on types of spoons to use ect. But now he’s not eating anything basically besides bread toast pankcakes quesadillas and grilled cheese. Iv tried fruits steamed vegetables. He doesn’t pick them up so I will put them in his mouth so he can try them and then he just gag s on everything! Even pasta chicken! It’s seems like anything he has to chew or that has a lumpy texture just makes him gag. I’m not sure if it’s a sensesory issue or oral motor!!! Although to me it seems to be more sensory!! Idk what to do to get him to eat. He will eat any of those foods in puree form so I’m assuming It’s texture. He will eat puffs cheerios mums so he will eat crunchy stuff without gagging but those dissolve.
I would definitely focus on crunchy foods, check out How to Transition your Baby to Table Foods, if you haven’t seen it yet. Think about other types of crunchy foods, even freeze dried fruits if he’s able to chew those. I’d also check back with a feeding therapist!
And, while I know it’s not a huge help right at the moment, I have a table food online class coming out by September with lots of detailed info.
My 8-and-half-month-old still has his tongue thrust reflex strong and nothing that goes in his mouth gets swallowed. The most that has ever gone down him is three or four spoons of yoghurt that were gently prodded by me to the back of his mouth but he clearly did not like that and that was after a long time of trying. its been the most iv managed until his patience is totally gone. i have been to the doctor who claims that i should be slowing a lot his milk intake and advised what he called “shock therapy” – to refuse to breastfeed him and literally starve him so that he will be forced to eat solids! i found that far too extreme and can definitely not bring myself to do that to my poor little baby for goodness sake! He did also refer me to a Feeding Clinic but that looks like it will take quite a long time for us to be seen there. Besides for all your wonderful advice in the article, what would you advise being that his tongue thrust reflex is so strong still?
I really appreciate your response, Alicia, and of course all your wonderful articles and am waiting to hear from you. Thanks a lot.
I would also advise against withholding milk, especially when it’s obvious that there’s a reason for his difficulty. I would try to put bites on his gums, where his molars will be, instead of the center of his tongue. This will encourage active, not reflexive tongue movement. Also, I’d brush his teeth several times of day, as this also encourages tongue movement. And lastly, if you live in the states, check out the free in home early intervention services.
We also have a printable you can find above for kids having trouble eating- sign up so you’ll be first to know about some new resources I have coming soon:)
I’m very happy I’ve just stumbled across this website, dealing with the exact issue I’m having with my 8 month old. We’ve started weaning when he was 6 months and he just doesn’t want to open his mouth for food ever. He’s really only opening his mouth when I’m making funny faces. Once the food is in, he does swallow it, but he’s clearly not keen on it, often shaking his head in disgust even (he doesn’t spit it out though). He then gets impatient after a while and even the funniest of faces wouldn’t work anymore. I am guessing he doesn’t like the soft texture of baby food as he’s happily munching away corn puffs, which I’m giving him every day. I’ve also tried baby led weaning, giving him softly cooked veg and fruit. But all he does is mashing it all in his hand and smearing it all over the table, not even trying to put it into his mouth. (I’m always showing him, eating the same things he’s got in front of him, saying YUM and smiling – makes no difference, he couldn’t care less) We are definitely going to incorporate your tipps into our meals – let him get messy with porridge this morning:)
His gag reflex is very sensitive as well, if food is just a little bit too lumpy or doesn’t dissolve quickly enough in his mouth, he’s gagging a lot and often vomiting straight away.
I’ve got a few questions: I’ve recently been advised to cut down on the amount of milk he’s getting (he’s bottle fed), giving him just a tiny bit upon waking and also just a tiny bit inbetween breakfast and lunch. So that he’s hungry and would eat more of the solids I’m offering. I’ve tried this for a couple of days and it just made everything worse. He was super hungry and hence super impatient, literally hated it in his highchair and screamed his head off – he wanted his milk! Plus he woke up during the night for milk, because he didn’t get enough during the day. What’s your take on this idea, do you think it could work longterm wise?
And another question: when we follow your ideas, letting him get messy with the baby food etc., should we still try to feed him as we did before at the same time? Or just let him play and not really eat anything for a while?
Thank you!
Hmm, I think that it can be helpful at times, but how it’s working right now doesn’t sound like it is helpful at all. I’d try to give him half of his milk, and also serve it at meals. Then, I would give him the rest of his milk after his meal if he didn’t eat well or drink well from the bottle. These transitions can be really hard. BUT, it sounds like he has some underlying difficulty that’s making it hard for him to eat. I’d check out How to Transition Your Baby or Toddler to Table Foods. There are some steps in that post that will be really helpful. As well as seeking out a feeding therapy:)
Oh and I think it’s still good to offer food, just don’t force it.
Hello. My son is 18 months and only drinking juice. He doesn’t want other food at all and he is 9.2kg too much lean and doesn’t have power. I tried giving him vitamin syrup and still doesn’t want to eat. Plss help me
Have you tried some of the tips from the post? These steps should give you guidance. Also, check out How to Transition to Table Foods for even more tips.
Hi Alisha,
Thank you for taking time to answer all of our questions! It’s very interesting to see how each kid is unique.
I have a newly one year daughter who we unintentionally took the bottle from cold turkey about two weeks ago. I work FT and she was receiving 12-16 ounces of breastmilk with maybe tablespoon or two of breakfast (yogurt with fruit puree, oatmeal, smooth things) then lunch which has moved from pureed veggies to mashed/chopped table foods. Since removing the bottle she is slowly beginning to accept breastmilk from a sippy cup and also loves water from an open cup. I also think that during this time she is trying to “recoup” some of her lost bottle feeds by trying to nurse more at night (another issue). I’m happy that she will try most things and seems to like a variety of foods. My concern however is, is she eating enough? With the reduced breastmilk during the day she is having probably 2 tablespoons of breakfast, 2 tablespoons at lunch, snack (few cheerios or puffs, we’re still working on fruit bits) and then dinner maybe another tablespoon or two. When I search the web for one year old menus, the recommendations seem like full spreads! I should also say she is maybe a little smaller than the average 1 year old but not by much. Thanks again!
From what you’ve told me, it sounds like she’s doing fine, but I’d definitely check with your doctor for their recommendation. They are likely to say that she is all good, especially if she is getting dairy from other sources. I’d keep offering the milk at meals!
My 7 months and 10 days old daughter does not open mouth for solid food. I have tried different kinds of cereal, pureed food, and soft chunks of sweet potatoes on her tray. She locks her mouth and turns her face to other side to refuse food.
She’s exclusively breast fed and that’s what she only likes. She does lick the baby cookie and plays with it.
But she does put all of her toys/ everything in her mouth.
Why does she locks her mouth for solid food???
Sometimes babies don’t like the texture of baby food or they aren’t sure what to do with it. I’d follow the steps in this post, especially the steps that encouraged her to touch the food and get messy.
My daughter is 14 months old she will not eat anything she will drink her bottle with formula and baby food mixed into it but she will not eat baby food by itself if I try to put food in her mouth she gags or throws up she will not even try any table foods shes already lost 3 pounds since her last doctors appointment I can tell she’s hungry but she refuses anything but her bottle ive tried everything i let her play with it ive tried to force feed her ive tried a thousand different textures of food she wont even let me get a spoon of food close to her mouth she was such a chunky baby but now she’s lost all her rolls I can tell she’s lighter I asked her doctor about she just told me to try plain shredded chicken or plain white rice and that didnt work I dont know what else to do I’m a single mom of 2 doing this completely alone with no help and I feel like I’m failing her with her not eating its got me so stressed that I dont eat anymore any advice would help ive read all of the articles on this site and tried all of the tricks please help
Hey Lindsay,
You have not failed her as you are looking for options and how to help her!! First I’d keep letting her play with the foods, as this is a really good first step and having them explore the foods in a no pressure environment can be very powerful. You can always reach out for a feeding evaluation and if you are located in the US can look into Early Intervention, but learn about all the Feeding Therapy Options Here
Best,
Desiree
My newly 12 month old has always struggled with eating solids and also taking bottles. We started with solids when she was 5 months by introducing pureed avocado. She seemed to like it and then we introduced new food items every 3 days. Sometimes feeding her was a nightmare and some days she did great. She’s tried everything under the moon within reason. After 5 months she started disliking the homemade baby food, so we decided to buy pouches. We eventually stopped purchasing those after reading an article about baby food pouches. Then we tried little bites of food. She loves chicken, avocado, hearts of palm, puffs, mum mums and cheese. Over the past two months, I’ve noticed a lot of gagging and only a desire to eat one or two bites of food and no desire for anything like yogurt or applesauce. I bought a bunch of new foods last week and she won’t even try them. Today we tried a goldfish and I noticed she was having issues chewing. So, I showed her how mommy chews and she loved it. But she still continued to gag or choke. Please help! I’m worried she’s not getting enough nutrition and would really like to wean her off my milk. Could she possibly have a sensory issue? I’ve tried the pureed food on the try and she touches it and puts it in her mouth. Then pushes it to the floor.
It’s very possible that there’s a sensory issue going on! Did you sign up for the free printable above, I think that will be very helpful for you. I’d also check out this post on sensory issues with food, I think this could help too.
My son just turned 7 months. He still nurses on demand. We started with solids at 6 months. At the beginning fruits (mashed banana, raped pears, cooked and mashed apples). He seemed to love them. A week after (following our pediatrician’s indications) we started with purees at lunch (rice, potato, vegetables, chicken, following the 2 days rule). At the beginning he seemed not to like “salted” food, but he eat fruits on the evening. We thought we should discover his preferences. Nevertheless, things are getting worse and worse. In the last 5 weeks he has accepted 3-4 little spoons of food only three or four times. He refuses eating lunch. In the last few days, he didn’t even taste the vegetable/chicken puree. He cries. Sometimes I put some puree on his lips, so that he tastes it, but it’s even worse, he cries and won’t eat. He doesn’t seem to have issues with the spoon. He plays with the spoon and likes putting it into his mouth, unless with pureed/mashed fruits on it. So frustrating.
I tried a couple of times finger foods, but I’m really stressed about chocking.
Today I tried to put some potato/zucchini puree on his track, as you mention. He has touched it, but he didn’t want to put the food in his mouth (but all toys go to his mouth, it’s not a motor skill issue, I guess). He has played with the spoon. I gave him some puree with my finger, but soon after he wanted down. I try to be calm and positive, but I’m worried he doesn’t eat enough (and no meat, no cereal…). In a couple of week I start working, so I won’t be able to feed him at lunch most of the days and he will not be breastfed on demand, as until now.
Any further suggestion?
I know that is frustrating Sita, but you still have some wiggle room. He’s still very young and he may come back around on his own. Babies completely rely on milk for nutrition until around their first birthday. I’d keep an eye on this and if the problem still persists, I’d talk to your doctor. Also, make sure you signed up for the free printable in the post above, I think it will give you some guidance. I’m also creating a free workshop right now for babies having a hard time eating. It should by the end of the month!
We have an 8 month old daughter. We started trying solids at 6 months. She doesn’t like to have someone else put anything in her mouth, but will freely chew on anything and everything. We are working with a feeding therapist and doing some exercises twice a day at meals. We do some facial touching/massages, touching the spoon to her lips, letting her chew on a clean spoon, and dipping the spoon in some purées. If the purée gets into her mouth she will make a face and then doesn’t want it again. She will let me brush her gums with a rubber toothbrush and she laughs (I’m guessing it tickles). She is very mobile: crawling, pulling up, standing, and starting to cruise.
Do you have any other suggestions of things we could try?
Hi Julie, It sounds like you’re doing a great job! I love using the rubber toothbrush/Nuk Brush with a firm pressure right before meals. Keep up your hard work and let us know how it’s progressing!
I’m so desperate for advice. I have a 16 month old that wants to eat and is excited for meal times but chews and spits out everything expect for ice cream. Won’t drink anything but milk. Pretty much always been this way. I’ve been to gastro doctor and that wasn’t helpful. We are suppose to go for swallow test but I have mixed feelings. Everyone I have read or know that have done the swallow test have never gotten to the bottom of the problem from it. Part of me believes that he will sort this out on his own when he is ready but then I feel like a bad mom if I don’t seek medical help. Any advice is welcome.
Oh my gosh, I totally get the mom guilt but please don’t beat yourself up. When toddlers are having a hard time eating it can become totally consuming. As a feeding therapist this is something that I’ve seen many times.
The swallow test may or may not help, but I’d suggest getting started with early intervention, the link for more help is above in the post. Also, did you see the new free printable? I think that will be very helpful!
Hi! My daughter is 6 months old and she loves oatmeal and breast milk via bottle. We have attempted to introduce some puree foods and she has gotten to the point more where she won’t open her mouth (even with singing songs/distraction methods) and will cry if I try to bring it to her mouth. She loves pacifiers and puts anything she can in her mouth during playtime, but when it comes to puree foods, she refuses! I would appreciate any suggestions. I’m thinking we will put it on her tray next and let her play with it based on what I read on your post?!
Yes, that’s definitely what I would try! Then, I’d also focus on using a big raw carrot or celery too like I talked about in the post. She’s young and it’s okay at this age, I’d give her a month or so with these other techniques:)
Hi
With my 11 months old I never had any problem feeding her anything.puree food , breakfast,and chunky fruits.she was eating pieces of fruits like watermelon,banana apple anything by herself, she was eating so well.but when she was nine and half months she started being fussy with food I used to take an hour to feed her even small amount but now she completely stopped eating solid foods even fruits(only eats berries when she wants) .i am so frustrated, sometimes I even cry begging her to eàt a spoonful,I try to play music when she is eating ,I take her to deck to divert her mind,I sit with her to eat my lunch and dinner.it’s been one and half months off from solid,please help me what can I do?I m trying everything I could just not working.
I am always questioning myself what made her like this?
Okay, two posts I want you to read:
And:
I think this is going to answer you’re questions! But, I’d also follow the steps in this post to help her accept to eat and see the link for transitioning to table foods, there’s a tutorial there too. Have you looked into early intervention as well?
I just realized the links didn’t appear for you, I’m so sorry about that! I’d check out this post: https://yourkidstable.com/best-strategy-picky-eating/
And, this one: https://yourkidstable.com/how-to-transition-your-baby-or-toddler/
My son is 14 months and for 3 months he didnt eat nothing -solid food only drank milk-formula milk. I am so worried about him. He passed a cold moment but now he is ok and doesnt have problem with teeth but he doesnt eat anything. When he saw food he started to be angry and very nervous…. about the article -my son doesnt like keeping food or biscuits or bread in hand and also doesnt like taste them….please help me i am dissapointed and worried about this problem…
I know this can be incredibly stressful! Can you start by having him just play with the foods? Also, see how to transition to table foods, there are more details there that I think will be very helpful.
Lastly, do you have the option for feeding therapy? If so, I’d highly recommend it.
Hi Alisha. My son is 7 months old and he started out eating cereal at 4 months and loved it! Then at month 5, I gave him some mashed avocado mixed with breastmilk and he hated it. I gave him some cereal immediately after and he hated that. Since then I cannot feed him anything with a spoon. He will play with the spoon and teethe on it but he will only be fed a few solids via the squeeze bag. Additionally, he will only tolerate apples and pears out of the squeeze bag (not sweet potatoes or carrots) but he will eat puffs. I’ve let him play with the food but he won’t put it to his mouth, even when I’m guiding him.
Kam, I’d focus on more table foods that are solid for now! Check out the link in the post about “how to transition to table foods” You’ll find a lot of details inside!
my baby is 9 months old.last 2 day she is not eating Solids.just rejecting d food. before tat she was eating very well.don’t know wat to do?
Start with the 7 steps in the post as a starting point to get things back on track.
My little is being fussy now with food. He doesn’t want baby food anymore but whenever I eat he is interested in the food and even takes food from my plate and eats it. Should I get him off baby food and feed him table food? I’m worried about how the food should be prepared to make sure it is healthy for him.
It sounds like he’s ready for table foods, that’s great! I’d double check with your doctor to make sure he’s old enough, but it sounds like he’s ready!
Thanks i will check with the doctor. He will be 10 months in exactly 2 weeks
Hi, my daughter is 7 months old and she is still refusing solid food. I think she doesn’t mind the taste, but she just pushes it out with her tongue. Is it a reflex you mentioned in the text? How long does it take to lose it and to learn how to eat? Just to mention that she is breastfed, and always has refused bottles regardless of the content inside. Thanks
It definitely could still be her reflex. Give it a couple of more weeks and keep trying daily. If it continues I’d let her dr know!
HI my daughter is 1 and she will only eat 4-6mnths jar baby Food nothing with lumps she won’t put finger food or toys extra to her mouth she bites teddys and blankets only she holds her hands to her ears and eyes with certain noises and objects
Yup, those are all red flags… there’s hope though! Did you see the link in the post about how to transition to table foods?
hi my baby 1 and I’m trying to give her table food because that is what I’ve been told she needs now but she refuses to chew and swallow she eats puffs banana any purray what do I do
I know it’s overwhelming when they aren’t eating, this post will be very helpful, it’s step by step instructions: how to transition baby to table foods
I have a baby girl 5 months old, only milk is what she’s getting, I tried cereal she did kind a eat very little of it, two times a day, one in the morning and dinner, in between hours she takes bottles of similac. Now we tried giving her banana baby foods she don’t like it, one time she puke after tasting baby food banana flavor. I will try some of the routine that you guys are suggesting, and will let you know what worked best with my girl. I will also be praying for us all baby mama’s and dads. thank you all.
Wishing you the best. She’s still a little young so you have time but it will help her so much that you’re being proactive! Thank you for the prayers:)
Hi Alisha, my 12 month old daughter is just now being introduced to feeding herself. She takes a few pieces of food in her mouth and swallows/chews it just fine. The only issue is she will start crying after sitting in her high chair for 10 mins and beg me to carry her. When I do pick her up she refuses to grab the food and instead has me do it. That’s how she basically finishes her meals. How can I get her to finish feeding herself and sit in her high chair? .
It sounds like you guys are in a bit of a routine. I’d try (if your not already) sitting with her and eating at the same time, try to make it an event. Be silly, sing some songs to help keep her mind off of being held- before she starts to get upset. If there’s anyway you can change up her routine a little I’d think about that too. If you live somewhere warm, eat outside, or in another room if you can.
Hello my son is a year old he doesn’t eat solid, just baby food that’s maize cereal and milk, he fights when ever I try putting solid in his mouth, he hasn’t start walking, am thinking of weaning him so he starts eating solid, will it have effect on his walking ? Or his health, am confused..
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for reaching out! Weaning is such a personal decision. If you decide to keep nursing, your little one can still learn to eat table foods! We have a sample meal routine for 1 year olds that you might check out. We also have a table foods free workshop. It is really helpful in teaching your little one to eat table foods. You can save your seat HERE. I hope that helps!
Best,
Andrea
I really needs help for my 5 yrs old son who don’t want to chew or taking any solid foods. Have tried a lot from varying all foods, from rice to buns to veges just name it. He won’t eat solid foods. He can eat ‘soft’ plain rice porridge only. No meats or ‘hard particles’ inside that may triggered him to vomiting. He was so small compare to others. Please help me. Any body know other food that just like a cereal of porridge with high nutrition? Please let me know. Thanks.
Roy, I’d check out this post, it’s a step by step tutorial:
HI i have a premature baby 10 months old. he doesn’t want to eat solid food. he like breast milk a lot. i’m not the one looking after him during the day. help me i don’t know what to feed him anymore.
Hi Jenny, check out the above link for transitioning to table foods, I would start with one of those foods and still give him foods 1-2 to times a day. Keep it as pleasant as possible. I’d also check out feeding therapy in your area (link above for this too).
I’m having trouble with my 7 month old son feeding. .
Every time I go near him with puree food he refuses it ..
He will only ear finger food like puffs and buiscuit
I’d try the idea I shared in the post about getting them to touch the puree with it being spread on their tray and playing on it. Then directing their hand to their mouth!
My son just turned 8 months old. When we first introduced baby purees he loved them, had no issue eating them at all and ate a ton. That didn’t last long. He then refused it. I can sometimes get him to eat it, but not a whole lot. He doesn’t have any issue with the spoon and eats it very well. HOWEVER he mostly refuses it. So I’ve tried some finger foods. He just gags then throws it up. He shows absolutely no interest in it. I’ll put food in front of him and he picks it up plays with it but won’t bring it near his mouth. I’ll put a puff in his mouth and he spits it out. Everything I’ve tried he spits out or food like rice husks he’ll “choke” and throw it up. He really has no interest and he used to eat baby purees like a champ! Now he’ll only eat sweet potato puree and only a little and has no interest in any type of food whatsoever.
So frustrating Stephanie! I’d definitely head over to my post on transitioning to table foods. Pay close attention to use stick shaped foods and teethers for him to mouth on. Also, where to place the puff so decrease gagging.
I feel like such a awful mother. I listened to my husband when he didn’t want me to start adding cereal to breastmilk and only wanted him breastfeeding. Now he’s 22 months and won’t eat anything except oatmeal cookies or Cheeto puffs. I hate it! I tried to get baby puffs and he hated everything. I tried making oatmeal cookies and adding sweet potatoes and carrots but he knew. He won’t even take a bottle with breastmilk. I’m not into junk food! This is just him in the grocery store seeing this colorful bags and screaming bloody murder. I’m hoping to try any of these! Please anyone a prayer I would love oh so much!L! Will let you guys know soon!
Hi, I have seven month old twins, one of them eats puréed food really well but the littler one purses his lips when I try to feed him. He will put his own spoon in his mouth so I try to put food on that so he is at least tasting it. He loves loves loves holding onto chicken drumsticks (nothing left for him to choke on just the flavour) and he will “eat” carrots and rusks. I really want him to eat his purée! He sees his brother eat and seems interested in anything I’m eating or drinking but won’t have a bar of me feeding him purée. Thanks!
I’d trying that playing in it trick Penny! Sounds like your doing a great job though, keep trying without any pressure!
Thank you so much for this wonderful guide! After reading this, I believe my 8 1/2 month old (7 months adjusted age) has sensory issues with food. My question is should I move backwards to thinner foods to promote a positive eating experience for him and minimize his gagging (while doing the tethers, sensory bins, Whole Foods, etc that you recommend)? Or would it be better to push him to try more texture to stimulate his senses? Right now he breastfeeds and rarely accepts baby cereal (more likely to accept it if very thin, more likely to refuse if thick at all. Won’t tolerate any lumps, textures, rice husks, etc).
Ok, thanks very much, I will follow your suggestions. I forgot to mention that he puts everything in his mouth but just won’t let anybody else put stuff in his mouth.
That’s actually a good thing! You want him chewing on different as much as possible, definitely give a bunch of different teethers to use!
Hi Alisha,
My son is almost nine months old and has never let me feed him any kind of puree with a spoon. He gets very angry when I get puree into his mouth against his will. He will take finger food to his mouth and chew off a bits very happily but then is unable to swallow them or spit them out so again gets very frustrated and upset. He will spend an hour with little bits of food towards the front of his mouth crying and getting frustrated on and off but will very rarely swallow the little bits of food. Sometimes I will take the food out of his mouth for him but he hates that too. He won’t let me put any food in his mouth. He won’t drink or breastfeed while there are little bits of food in his mouth. He gags occasionally but not often and rarely spits the food out. Once he vomited the food mixed with milk. Do you think that he has a sensory issue or motor skills issue?
Thanks very much.
Catherine
It could be both Catherine, but oral motor is most likely a component because he can’t get the food out and is having difficulty swallowing. I’d definitely get a feeding eval set up, this is the perfect age! A therapist will be able to give you some specific direct advice that could change things around quickly. I’d also follow the tips in this post and this one on baby gagging, even though he doesn’t gag this will be helpful too!
These are great tips! My son, who is almost 3, is averse to anything but his bottle. We are in feeding therapy as well as OT, Speech and ABA. Nothing except his bottle goes to his mouth, usually. Recently, though he is putting foods to his mouth and kissing/licking them! These foods are like crunchy, long, cheesy flavored foods. This is a great step, but now we need to move on to the next. He doesn’t know how to chew, won’t take anything other than his bottle and isn’t willing to try.
Hi Olivia, thank you! It sounds like he has some oral aversion, I’m sure you’ve heard that term! I’d also check out two other posts that have specific strategies for older kids the first is about oral sensory and the second is oral motor exercises.
I’d also really focus on toothbrushing! That can go a long way in breaking down that sensitivity.
My almost 1 year old will eat any kind of crunchy snack like cheerios, puffs, crackers, biscuits (sometimes he will eat cut up toast) and stage 1 and 2 purees. I’ve been giving him soft table foods for the last month but have made no progress, it gets thrown on the floor immediately. I’ve also stopped giving him the purees hoping he will eat more table foods but it hasn’t made a difference. We try to eat as a family together but he’ll scream in his high chair the whole time and throw all his food on the floor. I’ve tried giving him a preferred food (some kind of crunchy snack) along with the table food and he will eat just the crackers and won’t touch the rest.
I am only breastfeeding him 3 times a day now (after breakfast, after lunch and before bed) He is barely eating anything so he is hungry and cranky all the time. Sometimes before bed I will give him cheerios and he will eat so much of it, meaning he is starving. Should I give him baby puree food after he eats his crackers to fill him up? I’ve tried everything and I feel like I’m going nowhere.
Hey Natalie, I love how proactive you’re being, that’s really important. Have you seen my post: how to transition to table foods. I think this will be really helpful for you. It has step by step. I’d pay particular attention to the tooth brushing and using soft foods in the shape of cubes. I’d also expand on his crunchy foods, buying as much variety as you can. Think about breading soft foods and trying chicken nuggets, etc.
I observed with interest recently as my second-born daughter (who continues to nurse her daughter usually once a day, at age 20 months), waited to introduce solid foods until long after that 4-6 month recommended time, and then completely skipped the puréed stage of foods, providing first a large piece of carrot or some other food to chew on. Breast milk remained my granddaughter’s main source of nutrition, while regular, healthy table foods were introduced as she sat with Mom & Dad at their mealtimes. I thought, “Well, look at that! They certainly didn’t help out the baby food industry or the pureé-ing gadget companies like my other kids did!”
My son refused solids until he was 10 months old, and even then didn’t like them much and didn’t eat much. He initially started by eating purees off my finger at 9 months old and we progressed from there. We eventually (at 13 months) had to cut back on breastfeeding some to get him to take more solids. He didn’t gain weight between 9 and 12 months. By letting him play with foods, feed himself, and have other sensory experiences, he is now 26 months old and eats normally (although I would say he tends towards picky and isn’t a big eater). He is small but growing. It’s hard work and stressful but keep at it!
THANK YOU Tiffany for sharing your story! I love your finger tip, that’s brilliant! This will be really encouraging and helpful to other parents. Great work!!
Hi, I noticed that you only offer 3 breastfeeds a day in this plan.
My 7month old, feeds roughly every 2 to 3 hours day and night, how do you stop them from feeding so much to put them into this sort of routine?
Hey Sophie,
Every child is different! However starting to offer some meals as well throughout the day so they can start to work on that transition to solid foods can help, but you would be trying to offer the breastmilk with the meal (if you are working on decreasing feeding from the breast).
Hope that helps!
Best,
Desiree