Question about feeding

[Rainbowbrite]

Help needed again :rolleyes: You all must get sick of me.

If MJ refuses to eat any more than a couple of baby spoons of food, should I persevere with her & I ending up very stressed out, or just give in & live by "if she's hungry she'll eat?"

I've offered finger foods like vegemite toast & sandwiches, banana etc but all she does it squeeze it till its mushed. Very rarely she'll put it too her mouth, but according to the CHN MJ should be eating finger food :confused:

Is it true that up till about 1 yr solids are just about experimenting?

Thanks
RB

[drewid]

Hi there :)

I go by what Andrew wants in terms of food - when he's had enough, he's had enough and I let it go. He is still having 4 breastfeeds a day and I know he is getting plenty to eat with 3 solids and a few snacks a day. SO if he doesn't feel like eating everything I serve up, thats cool.

I am very much a believe in the 'if they are hungry, they will eat' mantra. :D

It took a while for finger foods to take off her as well. I have been offering for a few months, although basically he has been eating off a spoon. Its really only in the last month that he has really developed a liking (and the coordination!) for finger foods. He adores grated cheese, chopped up fruit (esp grapes!!), little tiny bits of bread. Basically anything really.

He does like to play with it, but he does eat quite a bit of it too.

I wouldn't pay much attention to your CHN's saying that she "should" be able to do it by now - they all do it in good time. Just keep offering, and she'll get the knack of it eventually.

Yes, I would agree that solids are experimental in the first year - some bubs love it, some take a while to get into it.

Anyway hope that helps! It will all work out in good time :)

[JanetF]

Yes it's all just a taste and an experiment right now :) MJ is already receiving everything she needs in the way of nutrition from you and is very little in eating terms. My son is only starting to look like a meal eater now and he's 2 but he's been a very dedicated boobmeister so I know he's perfectly well fed. Give MJ tastes of what is on your plate and if you really want to offer her own plate of various things.

Solids info.
http://kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/index.html

Watch your baby, not the calendar!
If baby refuses solids, try again later (maybe a week or two), and maybe with a different food. Some babies who are prone to food allergies may refuse solids until 8-9 months or even longer.

Should solids replace breastmilk?
No. Solids during the first year are only meant to complement breastmilk, not take precedence over it or replace any breastfeedings. It is more of a way to add textures to the baby's diet, to allow the baby new experiences, and to help her develop hand/eye coordination through finger feeding. Your baby should still be allowed to nurse on demand, as your milk should be her primary source of nutrition until closer to the end of the first year. Continuing to allow on-demand feedings also better ensures your milk supply.

This is on the great benefits of extended bfing although really you're not an ebfer just yet, only in Australia where most babes are weaned by the time they're MJ's age :(
http://kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

[Sarie]

I agree, if he's not interested give it a rest. But also too if he seems to not like something give him a break for a couple of days then try again.
I've also found if they're not expecting a particular taste or flavour my boys will reject it, then when they realise what it is they're quite happy to eat it.