I also had issues with the finger food thing and the fork helped with this too. Don't know why. Maybe he had observed Mummy and Daddy had a fork? I will never know.
Actually, letting him eat most of his food with his fingers is a good way to avoid future eating hassles. Children with food aversion in the later toddler years usually have a fear of getting messy. So perhaps he's smart and not going down that path!
It is quite common for small toddlers to not want to sit still and eat for long periods. Letting him graze and offering smaller meals for often is the best way to meet his nutritional needs. As long as you are offering him a healthy variety of foods, then he'll get all he needs. Some eat less than others, just the same as us adults. You could try writing down everything he eats over a couple of days and you might be surprised just how much he's having.
Another thing that worked for me was to sit down with DD every time she ate. I would have a snack or a meal as well, even just a cup of tea if I wasn't hungry. I talk to her and that keeps her more amused than sitting by herself. Also, if you think he's ready, try asking him which spoon/cup/plate he would like and which food too. The more control he has over the process before sitting down, the more likely he will want to participate. Maybe try offering a few different foods on the plate for him to eat too.
Are you worried because he isn't eating much? Or because he wont use a spoon?
I wouldn't worry about him eating much at 12 months, he is still very little, and if he was BF till 3 weeks ago then that is ok. When they are BF food under 1 is just for fun. As they get older then it becomes something that they should get more into.
As for a spoon, who cares?? Just let him have it, offer a spoon, if he doesn't use it don't stress! It's much more fun with fingers
I would like him to eat more and it would be comforting for me- if I was able to feed him with a spoon for 1 meal a day- then atleast I would know how much he was eating.
I think I need to just relax abit more and ignore the rest of the familys comments about what a baby "should" be eating and how. He will do it in his own time and hes far from mal-nurished (sp) Thank you all for your suggestions and support. It means alot
Registered User
Children with food aversion in the later toddler years usually have a fear of getting messy. So perhaps he's smart and not going down that path!
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks