Picky Eaters

Hi everyone,
Does anyone have any advice on the types of first foods to give 11 month olds? My girls are still eating the level 2 gerber foods, but I know they should start eating real food. THey are very picky and at most meals, push away my hand or cry. THey do like the puffs, crackers, and a few other finger foods, but I'm afraid when I take them off the formula, they won't get enough nutrition from just a few slices of cheese and crackers. Did anyone else have picky eaters? How did you get them to eat what they needed too?

 

How much formula/milk are they getting a day? I would cut back if you are over 20oz a day, and my guess is that they won't be so picky anymore! Just keep trying, it takes up to 15(?) times of trying a food to develop a taste for it.

 

Do they sit with you and you all eat meals together? I found that mine wouldn't eat well until we started doing that. Plus, if they are taking in lots of formula try cutting that down.

Mine now eat whatever we are eating, and normally lots of it. We eat a really well-rounded, variety of food.

 

They do have about 25 ounces a day, maybe I'll cut back on the amount in each bottle,
Thanks!

 

I am going to try this tomorrow- its always been easier to just feed them, then eat while they nap, but maybe its time to include them with our meals. I guess this means I'll have to eat healthier!

 

my girls are a little younger but my advice is to bump up the finger foods. I'd offer a wide variety and let them pick and choose what they want to eat. Steamed veggies, fruit, whole wheat crackers, cooked brown rice, fish, meat balls, cheese, etc. Remember at that age 2 oz of cheese is all they need in one day + a few whole grain crackers. that will take care of all protein, fat, calcium & vitamins for the most part. Dairy has almost all nutrient needs, which is why it's such a great food for children. Also don't worry about how much they eat per sitting or even per day. Look at it over a week. They will "graze" and select the foods that have the nutrients they need as long as you're offering a wide variety. Stay away from low nutrient foods like puffs.

My girls feed themselves almost exclusively (besides nursing 4x a day) and rarely take food from a spoon now. Even though they still have NO teeth! They love finger foods and chew very well. Maybe yours are just trying to tell you they are ready for something more grown up

 

This was my face when I read this just now: :shok:
Why? Because I was thinking of posting the same EXACT thing today!! My girls are 10.5 months and still on Stage 2 also. They absolutely refuse Stage 3 and lots of other finger foods. I did call the pedi about it and I was told at this point to just give them what they will eat and to make sure NOT to cut back the formula until after 12 months. I know everyone, and every pedi, have different opinions, I'm simply sharing what mine said. This is the extent of what my girls eat for regular foods: pancakes, toast, cheese, yogurt, peas, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, bananas (yes, they do love their fruit), crackers, puffs, Cheerios. I have tried tons of other things without success. So I am right there with you and THANK YOU for posting this!!!!!!

 

Finger foods can be more nutritious than baby food most times (depending on what the finger food is) There is a Feeding sticky at the top of this forum with lots of good ideas and the basic rule of thumb is that if you can squish it between your pointer finger and thumb then a baby can easily mash it with their gums. Just start with pea sized cubes or crumbles and let your babies' appetite guide you! My boys love canned beans, they think those are the best!