How do I get my 10 month old to take more finger foods?

Aishwarya - posted on 12/14/2009

Hi destiny,

I too had same prob with my 10 months old daughter. She refused to be spoon fed. So I tried out with soft dices of veggies; she did not find it interesting. So then, I tried out eating along with her. I too would bring some snack or veggies and would playfully eat those. My daughter loves to imitate thus she began to eat some more. Then once I offered her Noodles too; I dont know whether it meant to be served to baby or not; but I wanted my baby to develop taste and interest in eating finger foods; so i offered her that too, and believe me she simply loved it. Then came the chance for Muffins; its her favourite sweet dish! :)

Since last one week, I have been offering one loaf of wheat bread with Peanut butter. My baby is allergic to dairy products but not peanuts. So far she is enjoying it. Also now she has managed to eat 3/4th bread on her own. I guess she is liking it.

If you want your baby to enjoy the meal time, eat along with him and even if you are finished with meals; then just eat some crumbs of snacks or anything light. You can even add some claps so that he feels encourage to eat more and more. Or else keep aside the bowl and play with him and then you start putting one chunk of food in your mouth; by that time, his hunger would have increased and would come to you asking for more food, understand this cue and offer him one chunk after another; till he starts enjoying his meal.

My baby too is underweight; but I am helpless too. If your baby is low on iron; then offer him Jaggery with wheat.

also check these links:

http://blog.homemade-baby-food-recipes.c...

try out this recipe as well:

Your Baby Food Ideas - High Iron Teethers

From Nadine in the United Kingdom

4oz (1 cup) whole wheat flour
1 tbsp butter
2-3 fl oz (1/4 - 1/3 cup) milk
1/2 tsp blackstrap molasses

1. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the molasses, then gradually add as much milk as you need to give a soft dough.
3. Knead for 2 minutes, then roll out to 1/2 inch thickness.
4. Cut into fingers.
5. Put on a baking tray and cook for around 30 mins at 360 deg F, 180 deg C, until lightly golden.

Jennifer - posted on 12/14/2009

I am having the same problem as well, only my son isn't underweight..10 mths and weighs in at 26 lbs...any other suggestions on how to get him to eat on his own...he seems lazy, he won't even hold his own sippy cup or bottle lol!

Destiny - posted on 12/10/2009

We are a sit down family and he only has one tooth right now. I have a mesh bag and he has been using that since he was 7 mos old. I will try those other ideas. Thanks for your input. I am just a little worried cause his pediatrician wants him to eat more cause he is very underweight for his age. At 10 mos check up he was only 14 lbs 6 oz. and his iron was low.

Tawny - posted on 12/09/2009

well i don't know if you've tried any of these ideas. put the food on his high chair table. let him play with it. some of it will eventually get in his mouth. i don't know if you are a sit down family. if not try to attract him with food at a distance. have him crawl to it and eat some of it your self. put it in his hand and let him play with it. does he have teeth? if he has very little of them then he might not want the meat yet. even though he has teeth to chew it might not agree with his stomach and he's associated that with it. try getting one of those mesh bag food holders. it has a handle and the baby can suck or chew on it and it won't overwhelm him like the full thing does.