feeding babies

[Shuv007]

How can I get my 11month old to eat anything she has three mouthfulls and then doesn't want to know. She is now under the hospital as they are watching her growth. And her head size. She is very active but never fussed about food.Any suggestions please help

[stressed out]

My heart goes out to you. My little boy is 12 months now and has just recently started eating most things that he should have been trying at 6 months! until he was about 10 months he would'nt eat anything apart from 'cow and gate' powder food for 4 mths+! Even now he picks from mine and daddy's food (they like trying what you eat!) He also eats 'cow and gate'  powder food but no other brand! or jars! And even some flavours he spits out. All i can say is that if there is no medical problems your daughters appetite will improve. Try to find something she does like and if needs be, just stick to that until she is ready to try something else. I was told by my peadiatrician is that as long as the baby is making enough wet nappies and gaining weight then i should'nt worry.

I hope i have been able to help you a little, obviously i can only give you advice based on my situation and every child is different and therefore the solution will be different. x

[Hammer]

My daughter is 2 and a half and eats about 4 mouthfulls per day. THe doctor says she is fine and is growing well, she seems to be developing mentally and physically very well for her age, above average even

 

I wouldn't worry about it too much, we are pre-programmed to eat enough to develop and survive, so as long as she is healthy and happy, she'll be fine.

[mr. piper]

my son now 18, was in hospital 30 times. his eating habits were very disrupted. if you can't get her to eat sensible food, within reason let her eat anything she can get down. sweets, anything. it is hard to eat on an empty stomach as silly as that sounds. i recall my son at 2 not eating for 8 days, and his mother forcing angel delight down him in great distress, it was horrible and i wouldn't advise it, but it got him eating again. it is just an example of the fact that you may need to kickstart her appetite. kids like chocolate generally, but it would seem reckless to stuff a child with it, look in health food shops for CAROB bars it is a wonderful substitute for chocolate with less of the baddies in it, boots sell it, holland & barret. i am not a veggie but try a camomile drink sugar free to help with her appetite. it is a distressing time but it will pass, you will know if you are doing the right thing as a mother will, just discuss what i have said with your health visitor she will probably agree. god bless

[Kay]

There's a similiar question to yours on Body and Soul Shuv. Have a look at the replies.

[Kellygray]

Im a new mum, and have started weaning my child, Ive been to the library just recently and took some books out on weaning.  One book was called Finger Foods and I cant remember the author, but she had the same problem as you, and she used to make foods out of shapes and patterns so that baby could hold the foods and eat it themselves she started the child of like this and then eventually the child started to get more of an appetite.  Ive only just took the books back (Fri) Im mad now that I cant remember the author, the book was very good and full of recipies.

[Yinzer]

My son is 1 year and since he isn't completely enamored with adult food I still give him a few small bottles to make up the difference. I also try to pump him up with good juices and water just to make up for lost nutrients. I have found that he LOVES Cheerios. I let him spill the bowl on the floor then crawl around eating them one by one. He also likes whatever we're eating, so my husband and I get a few nibbles of soup or bread or yogurt into him before he realizes he doesn't like it. What are you feeding her? You can also try over-cooked pasta (those beads, or stars are good) in a variety of sauces, fruity yogurt, bread, various juices ( not orange yet, or anything citrusy) this may sound gross but I slightly chew a bit of roast meat and give it to him (that's what they did before food proccessors came along) or perhaps one of those friut cups will be good as long as you're prepared to wash sticky hands. We also got our son these biscuits that he can carry around with him and eat at will.
There are lots of options, just remember not to be too forceful or your kid will grow to despise mealtimes. As long as she doesn't seem lethargic and is alert and all, you'll be alright.