My 18 month old will not eat table food!!

Shara - posted on 08/17/2010

My son used to be picky when it came to table food until we started to let him feed himself. I got those bowls that have the suction on the bottom so he cant throw the dish and have him a baby fork and let him go to town! Now he'll eat anything providing he can give it to himself!

Amanda - posted on 08/05/2010

I was given a really great bit of advice on toddler eating as we had been suffering with our little one not eating any dinner. He diet consisted of sandwiches (peanut butter or vegemite, cheese, yoghurt or crackers). In order to get him to eat some meat and veges we had to do the following things: 1. his dinner time is 5.30 so Harrison was not given any snacks after afternoon tea which was at 3.00. At around 4.30 he was allowed a cup of milk in a sippy cup which is sufficient to get him by until dinner. 2. His dinner would consist of 2 of his preferred foods eg. half a sandwich and a small amount of cheese. This ensure he got something into him and didn't go to bed on an empty stomach. 3. I included just one vegetable and one bit of meat to his dinner. The same meat and vege for a week running. The consistency is what actually makes this work. Toddlers will avoid the new foods for a while then eventually pick at them and fingers crossed will start to eat them when offered. I often spoon some pureed apple over the veges or cook with a little honey and butter. Both really help when introducing as it sweetens and gives a flavour they recognise. Eventually I will remove the additions and just serve the vegetables. I have been using this approach now for a month and Harrison has adopted carrots, brocholli, corn, sausages and is trying peas. Hope this helps

Jennifer - posted on 08/05/2010

My daughter does the same thing! She will actually feed herself step 2 foods with a spoon. I just keep introducing foods everyday and I have found a few things now that she will eat such as cheese, mac and cheese and cantalope. Everyone keeps telling me to just completely take away all baby food but I don't feel like starving my child is the answer either. Instead we think of it as a suppliment after we have exhausted all our other tries. I also have come across the problem of her teeth coming in and it just plain hurts her to chew hard food. That could be something to take into consideration. also we noticed when we give her her own fork and spoon she seems to want to try more, even if it is just a bite. We still have a long way to go but hope that gives you some ideas.

Victoria - posted on 08/04/2010

My so does the same thing, and the food I put in front of him he just throws it.

Melissa - posted on 08/03/2010

my dr told us yesterday to just completely take the pureed food away. and he'll eat eventually. and getting rid of his bottle will help also since he is still on his. i know he shouldnt be still but im still learning. try not to give as many treats because that is all my lil man likes to eat too.

Andrea - posted on 08/02/2010

Maybe you can try (if you havent already) to give hime foods but just cut up really small...like a string cheese but cut in small bite size pieces etc.

Teresa - posted on 08/02/2010

My daughter is the same way but getting better. She'll eat lunch meat turkey and any fruit put in front of her. She just started eating cheese. I'm trying to introduce and make a big deal when she does eat something. We just lowered her highchair without the tray so she eats from the table like us. That seems to help a bit. But it's been frustrating!

Melissa - posted on 08/02/2010

i have the exact same problem. he'll still eat the step 3 and step 2 foods but not anything we usually eat. i like that ladies advice tho. may help us both!!

Angelica - posted on 08/01/2010

fro time to time try to introduce table foods on him.. dont force him to eat whaever you give him because he will only be stubborn about it.. make some boiled vegies or give him fruits instead of gerber snacks because he might be lacking on nutrients if that's the only food he eats.. i hope this helps..