Help! Bub is only eating finger foods.

[Coupe's Mum]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this site today so still making my way around the many threads. I have a problem with bub only eating finger foods, she was eating custards and mashed vegies at first but now when I try to feed her, say her vegies for dinner she will spit them out. I then give her mixed vegie pieces, cheese etc which she will eat, but it does not seem like alot gets in her mouth so I am worried she is not getting enough from this. She has about 3 bfs a day. And I am also running out of things to give her, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. By the way she is 9.5 months old.
Thankyou!

[Chickadee]

A lot of bubs go through this phase of preferring to feed themselves. It may last months :) She's probably getting more in her mouth than you think. Unless she is tired she will eat till she's had enough and not a bite more. I tried to offer a good variety at each meal as sometimes DD would be stimulated to have a bit more if she was offered something new part way through.

Off the top of my head:

- sliced up omelet or scrambled eggs, or just use egg whites.
- mashed potatoes and/or other veg mixed in. She'll love digging in with her hands :)
- cut up grapes, watermelon, other soft fruit
- fingers of toast with spreads (jam, a tiny bit of vegemite, etc). She may just suck on them at that age so keep an eye on her.
- fingers of pikelets. Mix grated apple, zucchini or other veg into the batter.
- pieces of ham
- baked beans (very messy :) )

[Coupe's Mum]

Hi MarthaM,
Thankyou for your suggestions will give these ago over the next weeks. Thanks again!:)

[lucyp]

ooh - I had not thought of pikelets- yum - might give them a go for my fussy little person:) Great idea about the grated apple or zuch.

[kyeaj]

Hi there!

I have had the same problem with my bub lately and I have just recently found that if I offer him finger foods at mealtimes with a serving of his "main meal" I can usually trick him!

What I do is when he goes to take a mouthful or bite of what he has in his hand, I pop a spoonful of his meat and veg, etc in before he gets a chance. Sounds a bit over the top, but it works for me! At least I know that he's getting a few mouthfuls of what I'm serving. He doesn't mind as he's too busy playing with whatever is in his hand and then pops it in straight after.

Worth a try if you're quick enough; it took me a few goes to get the timing right!

Hope this helps....

[jembelina]

pikelets are yummy with 1/2 cup mashed banana added to the mixture too!

[tiynah]

hi i need help!! my daughter is not eating food...
she has just discovered crisps..she eats that or plain rice or bread
she doesnt eat any vegetables or meat, maybe try a bit then spit it out
shes 19months now and is very dependant on her milk
ive tried diluting her milk as the dr says to make her feel more hungry
when we go out tho, to a restaurant, she'll eat anything
do any of you mummies have 'special' recipes for toddlers? does anyone have fussy eaters at home?
tina.

[tiynah]

whats a pikelet? and a ttc? im new so dont understand the slang much :)