Not Sure If She Is Eating Enough...

Have you tried black beans or Hummus? My daughters love anything they can dip in on their own. Softened carrots- not mushy!!- dipped in hummus was a great favorite. Or if you're not concerned about salt try putting some ketchup on her tray so she can dip the chicken in that. But I wouldn't worry to much. Kids will not starve themselves!!! My pediatrician always tells be they go from birds to bears meaning they pick at things and hardly eat at all or they eat you out of house and home, often they don't eat as much when they are learning a new skill or making some transition. If she loses weight, then I'd give a call! Good luck!

I remember being in your shoes. My friends told me to relax that when they are hungry, they will eat. They say that they get the nourishment that they need. Keep offering the healthy food choices. Broccoli was a big hit. She also liked deli meat and beans. I also tried cucumbers. I think for sure it is a phase, because my daughter is two years old and thriving. Take pride in yourself for trying to give her the very best.

My daughter (13 months) has done this off and on for the last few months. I imagine it is likely just a stage. It's them asserting their independence at the table and experimenting to see what happens when they refuse food. Up to about 9/10 months DD would eat ANYTHING and it's like now she just figured out that she can actually refuse it :) And she would refuse things she had always liked, like bananas. But I just kept offering and eventually she'd start eating again. And then she'd stop again :) I get about a couple weeks good eater/bad eater. I think people are right when they say they will eat when they get hungry. Between 9 and 12 months their growth starts to slow a lot so they don't really need a ton of food. But, I would think it's probably just a phase. If there is anything she actually will eat (was she eating the jars?) maybe give her some of that for a day or two and then try some of the things she's refusing. I know where you're coming from about the protein concern and that must be hard with a dairy intolerance. But she is probably getting a good bit of protein with whatever 'milk' she has. Try not to worry, it's very normal.

I'm sure dr.'s have more of a say in the raising of babies these day. I raised 6 of those little critters and the youngest is 30 now. All happy and healthy. I've experienced every eating habit you can imagine. One boy wouldn't touch anything green. One wouldn't touch mashed potato's, boiled, ok, just not mashed. One didn't like pasta no matter what was on it. Or not. My daughter is going thru something similar to what you are going thru and the dr. Said as long as the baby is healthy, then she (my daughter) should stop making a fuss because he feels that is part of what is causing the problem with john not wanting to eat. John is 16 months old and will gobble a happy meal but wants nothing to do with table food at home. Go figure. The dr. Told her no happy meals, no treats. Nothing but 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. Offer but don't force and don't fuss. If it gets spit out, rest assured that some went down. Bring your problem and worries to the attention of your dr.. If he says the baby is healthy, then just put the food in front of her and wait till she's hungry.
My oldest wouldn't put a spoon or a fork in her mouth after she discovered her fingers could put the food there just a easy. She was three before we could get her to eat with a utinsel. Kids.

I had the same concerns with both of my kids! My pediatrician told me that a child will not starve themselves... they will eat when they are hungry. At this age, I would continue to offer new foods, but always offer some favorites if possible (although it sounds like she is transitioning through favorites right now). My other thought would be if she is still on formula, that is quite filling and has lots of nutrients- so take advantage of the time to keep experimenting like you are doing... kids go through so many phases and growth spurts- you are doing the right thing...just keep it up and monitor her. Good luck!

Ahhhh I remember 9 mo well. I have 3 children, all grown now but at one point the twins were 9 mo old. At that time THEY had decided they were done with nursing (much to my surprise, I thought I was the one to dictate that) so we moved on to baby food and people food. Baby food was a part of their diet for some time because they didn't get their first teeth till 11 mo! You might try a combination. If she snubs her nose at the baby cereal try the grown up cereal. She may still want the baby fruit but wants to suck on a chicken bone or a corn cob. Till they start talking you just have to be observant to what they are refusing. They will constantly change their minds and as they get older you may find they will only have peanut butter for lunch, or something they loved to have they now hate. Just roll with it and keep introducing her to many different foods. Food is a very tactile thing and if it doesn't feel good in the mouth it doesnt't matter if they liked it in a different form. For example a cut up apple as opposed to apple sauce. Do not worry about her not getting enough food and nourishment. They have growth spurts where at times they can't get enough and at others they don't want anything. You are at home with her, you provide 3 meals plus snacks. Believe me she is getting what she needs. If she doesn't eat it she doesn't. She will be hungry by the next meal. Don't make it an issue with her. If we are not hungry we don't eat and we don't waste away or become malnourished. Watch & listen to how she is communicating with you and think if you had 1 or 2 more children. You would have a lot more to do and the result of that is you become more relaxed around other things. So enjoy the time. She is expermenting.

Happy parenting
L.

My middle child was a fussy eater (and frankly, still is), but one thing that worked was she ALWAYS wanted MY food - instead of giving it to her at first, try sitting down with it as if it is yours... she'll most likely come over and be interested (esp if she is hungry!) I used to ask my daughter if she wanted to try mommys lunch and she always did! I would give her a nibble... its so funny - she would eat stuff that I KNOW if I had put it in front of her she would never have eaten it! Also, dont give her too much - try one food at a time - my fussy girl used to get overwhelmed with lots of choices on her tray. Try pieces of veggie burger - my kids loved these too... anyway - good luck! J.

Hi Kristin

I am a mom of 3 girls ages 10, 6, and 1 and have gone through the same thing with all 3. It is definitely a phase and it will pass. Definitely don't worry about her not getting enough nutrition (she would have to not eat for a long time for that to happen). If she spits something out, I wouldn't force it on her because she will only get mad and never want it. If she gets hungry enough, she will definitely eat what your giving her. Just keep trying and hopefully the phase will end soon. Good luck.