What do you do about relatives giving your baby food?

Myra - posted on 05/19/2010

You can tell them the things she can and cannot eat. That's really about it if you want her to stay with them. She's your daughter, you are going to be protective. But, she's their grandbaby...if they divert from what you say she can or cannot have, just remember they aren't doing it to make you mad, nor are they doing it to hurt her. As long as they stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, salt, or anything she is allergic to, they won't be damaging her. I'm not against ALL of those all the time, but at her age, they should be avoided entirely.

Nikkole - posted on 05/19/2010

really is doesnt get to me when my family does is. My lil girl is 7 months old and she was 2 months old at thanksgiving and my aunt was giving her a lil bit of pie filling. the way i see it they all raised they kids and nothing happen to them i trust my family wont give her something that she cant eat yet. and i hate to tell you but if you let them babysit you cant control it when you arent there. good luck

Jessica - posted on 05/18/2010

my baby is almost 6 months and my dad has been feeding her since she was 3 months. when it comes to my dad i really cant say much. he and my mom raised me and my three brothers and fed us that young, and it didnt hurt us. but he also doesnt try to feed her anything she cant handle. so i just let it be. but she has been on solids for about a month now because she screamed everytime we ate cuz she wanted food too, and the bottle didnt cut it for her...

Danielle - posted on 05/17/2010

Be mean! It"s not their choice! My daughter chokes easy so I just reiterate that every time she goes somewhere & show them what I packed for her to eat!

Bethany - posted on 05/16/2010

I'm very vocal about this, when others offer Charlotte anything to eat or drink. I'll say, quite firmly and a bit louder than necessary, "I'd rather she didn't have that right now" and it stops everyone in their tracks.

People really actually admire a mother who is so switched on to what goes into their kid. They might poke fun at you a bit at the time, but they will admire you more for it really.

I don't have to give reasons, I just be firm, but if someone asks why, I tell them, as I've done my homework, and I know why I don't want her to have hundreds and thousands, or M and Ms or whatever.

Also, I know what she has eaten all day and they don't. I know what affects her and how. I know she's tiny and every bite counts, and I don't want her filled up with nutritionally empty food. If it's healthy, no worries, but if not, people who know me, know to ask me first.

You're the mother, you're the boss, if you can't trust someone, don't leave your kid with them anymore, until they learn to respect you.

Angela - posted on 05/15/2010

Maybe if you explain has a food allergy risk like Dana said and tell them that she can only be introduced to new foods at certain times so you know if she is allergic to anything they will understand. Even if that isn't the real reason. It is important that you know what she is eating in case she does have a reaction. Ask them to only feed her the food you brought for her.

Dana - posted on 05/15/2010

I agree. Be sure to be firm and you can also let them know it is not always safe to just give a baby any food. I'm not sure if food allergies are a concern in your home, but there is always a risk especially when it is something you yourself have never given your daughter.

Emily - posted on 05/15/2010

My family was the same way. I had to be firm with them and was very specific about letting them know what they could eat. I kept a watchful eye and was very protective. I also never let them watch them for more than an hour until my kids were older and could eat anything.

Just be firm and assertive with your family. Let them know that this is your kid and you will raise them according to what you feel is right. Don't worry about what they think or say. You are in charge!

Good luck!