I’ve tried smooth purees and small pieces, but he always ends up rejecting everything or spitting it out. I wonder if I’m doing something wrong or if he’s just not ready yet. Sometimes I feel exhausted and even a little guilty because I see other babies already eating everything and I feel like we’re behind. I know every baby is different, but it’s hard not to compare when it feels like I’ve been trying everything. Honestly, I just need to know I’m not alone in this
you’re def not alone here I remember this exact stage with my first and it totally broke me for a while. I kept thinking there was something wrong with me because all these other babies on IG and my mommy group were eating spaghetti and tacos and mine was just crying at the sight of mashed sweet potato lol. It’s draining when you’re putting all this effort and energy into feeding and it feels like nothing is working. I didn’t want to breastfeed forever but I also didn’t want to force him and make it worse.
Something that helped was just stepping back for a week and letting go of all expectations. I still offered food but didn’t make a big deal about it, no pressure. I even ate in front of him and acted like it was just fun for me. Slowly I started getting curious again. Now he’s 3 and eats pizza crusts off the floor kidding but not really. It’s not about you doing anything wrongit’s just a tricky window and it’ll pass, promise
Been there. It really does feel like a punch to the gut when you’re trying all the right things and they still won’t eat. I learned a tune from following Feeding Littles on IG and taking their infant course. One big thing they emphasize is that eating is a skill, just like crawling or walking. It takes time and practice, and for some babies it doesn’t click until after 12 months. That’s still totally developmentally normal.
What worked for us was using a preloaded spoon and letting my baby just explore without pressure. We’d put a little yogurt or mashed banana and she’d usually play with it more than eat it, but over time she started bringing it to her mouth. Texture was a big thing too, she hated purees but loved soft finger foods like ripe avocado strips or scrambled eggs. We also had to remind ourselves constantly that food before one is just for fun and breastmilk was still doing the heavy lifting nutrition, wise.
Hang in there mama you’re doing better than you think. Just keep offering and try to stay neutral sooo hard I know. It gets easier
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Hahaha, this brings back memories. My daughter would spit everything out like she was auditioning for a role as a food critic on a cooking show. She once threw peas across the room like she was having a food fight with no opponent. I cried, she laughed, and we both had yogurt for dinner.
I started thinking she’d never eat solids and would somehow still be breastfeeding her when she went off to college. But seriously, what helped me stay sane was changing my approach to it. I embraced the mess, got a splash mat and two bibs per meal, made mealtimes feel like a party: music, snacks, different plates, etc., and stopped comparing them to other kids. My sister’s baby was already eating sushi at 10 months, and mine wouldn’t touch applesauce unless it was on my finger.
Eventually, he became curious when we stopped. Now he’s 6 and eats carrots like Bugs Bunny. You’re doing great, even if it doesn’t seem like it now
Hi Melissa, I remember talking to a pediatrician who told me not to worry too much until 15 or 18 months, as long as weight and growth were normal and there were no signs of oral aversions or problems. That helped me breathe a little. Sometimes we think we’re behind, but there’s a long timeframe for this. Keep offering, but don’t worry if he’s not ready yet. You’re doing great, even when it doesn’t seem like it
Totally normal! Mine didn’t start solids until he was 14 months old and now he’s eating like a king. Keep offering and trust the process, you’ll see how it works!
Honestly, I’m in the same boat. My little one just turned one and still acts like I’m poisoning him when I put anything other than the breast in front of him, haha. Some days I can’t even get a mouthful out.
We’ve tried everything from purees to soft foods to eating together, and nothing sticks. I’ve even made little food dishes with funny faces and shapes, and he just pokes at them and seems annoyed. Is it a texture thing? I’m starting to wonder if I should take a break or keep pushing. I’d like to know if anyone found that taking a break helped or if it backfired