How do I stop the whining while eating?

Hi. My girls are 6.5 months olds, almost 5 months adjusted age. Juliet eats beautifully, Olivia is another story. She whines from the time I put her in the chair to eat to the time I get her out. She will open her mouth for the food and then whine as she's swallowing it. I can't take it anymore. Today she was kicking and arching her back to get out of her chair and she kicked Juliet's bowl out of my hand and the oatmeal and bananas went all over me, my sneakers and the floor. I was NOT a happy camper. I give her toys to distract her and that doesn't seem to help. I know she is not in pain because sometimes she is good and smiling while eating but the majority of the time she's whining. What can I do???

 

Hi. My girls are 6.5 months olds, almost 5 months adjusted age. Juliet eats beautifully, Olivia is another story. She whines from the time I put her in the chair to eat to the time I get her out. She will open her mouth for the food and then whine as she's swallowing it. I can't take it anymore. Today she was kicking and arching her back to get out of her chair and she kicked Juliet's bowl out of my hand and the oatmeal and bananas went all over me, my sneakers and the floor. I was NOT a happy camper. I give her toys to distract her and that doesn't seem to help. I know she is not in pain because sometimes she is good and smiling while eating but the majority of the time she's whining. What can I do???

 

I'd stop giving her solids for a while, she may not be ready. Put her in the chair, I will assume you are making sure she's not too straight up, while you give her a bottle or just for her to play. You could try giving her a little fruit or veggie after she is comfy in the chair. I bet she is just a little uncomfortable in the new chair, Shelby would only eat in her bumbo when we first started solids. My Olivia, on the other hand, would eat any where, anything,, any time! Give her a little time, she'll do it eventually!

 

Try feeding them one after the other. It really doesn't take a lot of extra time when they're first learning to eat because they don't eat a whole lot. Maybe hold her in your lap to feed her. I still do this with my DD. I tuck one of her arms behind me and hold on to her other arm to keep her from grabbing at things. She's just starting to get better. Also, maybe she's too hungry. Are you feeding solids before the bottle? The bottle should still be first at this age.

 

I have the exact same problem with DS. He fusses and puts his fist in his mouth with every bite. I think he fusses because I am giving DD a bite. Who knows . . . just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I'm just going to keep on with him.

 

quote:
Maybe hold her in your lap to feed her. I still do this with my DD. I tuck one of her arms behind me and hold on to her other arm to keep her from grabbing at things.

That's what I do with Sean, he doesn't like sitting up very much.

 

I've read that some kiddos just hate the texture of some solid foods -- so maybe adding more milk to her cereal may help?

just a thought.

Teri D

 

I don't know what to tell you except that I am right there with you....my girls are 7months, 5.5adjusted, and it seems like they just whine and whine when I give them their solids...it makes mealtime misera ble for me!!!!.it seems like all they want is their bottle...other times it seems like they are frustrated b/c I am not feeding them fast enough.....sometimes they are okay if i go really fast, but how fast can a person feed two babies?? if i figure anything out i will let you know...oh, and i tried introducing a sippy cup today like the pedi said and it was not pretty...one daughter thought it was a bottle at first and was PISSED when she found out it wasn't!!! maybe i'll try again tomorrow...i went out and bought some of those nuby sippy cups everyone is talking about....good luck!!!