help my 5 month old son doesn't want to eat baby food

Melissa - posted on 03/25/2010

Just keep trying. Maybe mix a small amount of veggies in with his cereal? Then slowly add more veggies?

Kathy - posted on 03/25/2010

Don't rush it. He may not be ready yet. None of my girls had any solids before 12 months.

Many of my friends whose babies wouldn't take spoons, just put a little bit of mush on the tray of their baby's highchair. Bub will get it all over his face an hair, but he'll eventually get some in his mouth!

Jaimie - posted on 03/25/2010

My son is almost 8 months and started off the same way when i started baby food at the end of his 4th month. I backed off for a few weeks and tried again slowly incorporating it into cereal once a day. As he got more used to it he like it more and now he's reaching for whatever baby food i put around him. Your baby may not be ready..there is no rush.

Lindsay - posted on 03/25/2010

My son wasn't interested in food at all until he was about 10 months. All he wanted to do was breastfeed and his weight was fine so I didn't really see much of a problem with it. Your baby is still so little, I wouldn't put to much pressure on yourself or him at the minute. Plus, if he senses that you're stressed about it then he will learn to associate that feeling with food so try to stay relaxed.

Samantha - posted on 03/24/2010

Make sure you stick with veggies first, you do not want to give kids fruit first because it is naturally sweet and they would only want the sweet stuff. Keep trying to give your son the same vegetable once every week, his taste buds will change. You may also want to melt cheese ontop of his veggies just so it looks more interesting.

Amy - posted on 11/26/2009

I agree that baby food tastes awful, but that is because as adults, we have a wide variety of things we have eaten before to compare it to. Babies don't have anything to compare the taste to except formula or breastmilk. I don't know about breastmilk but formula is nasty too. Baby food is very bland. Homemade baby food does taste better.

Kelly - posted on 11/26/2009

My daughter is six months in a week or so and she has only been having plum baby porridge/rice for the last wk and she still sucks it off the spoon. My son was a lot easier but again only started him on the same, if you try to much to soon there digestive system cannot cope with it...

Kelly - posted on 11/26/2009

Sorry if its a silly question but have you tried just the plan baby rice to start off with then adding flavours? there is no rush just let them decide but i would stay away from diary for now.

Giverny - posted on 11/26/2009

your baby isnt ready then babies dont have to have food till 6 months.... and if your feeding jars try making them your self some babies dont like jars mine hates them

Rebecca - posted on 11/25/2009

I'd say the little guy likely isn't quite ready yet as the newest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, etc. say to wait until 6 months before even starting (though many docs still use the 4 month recommendation. That said, my little one is just over a year old and still doesn't eat much - her doctor isn't concerned because she is still growing and developing appropriately... Here are a few links with helpful information about starting solids:
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids...
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/solids.html
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_...
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_...

Barb - posted on 11/25/2009

Have you ever tasted baby food? ICK try buying a good food mill; food processor or blender and make your own. Texture is very important but then so is taste. A bit of salt, not a lot, in steamed carrots; a touch of cinnamon in applesauce; and get someone else to feed baby if you can, you may be so stressed and worried over his not eating certain food that he picks up on the anxiety and becomes fussy himself.

Amy - posted on 11/25/2009

Quoting Danielle:

Tania.... your comments are a joke! What you consider to be right isn't what everyone else considers right. And the whole breast feeding rant is a little old! Do you know what it is like NOT to be able to feed your child and then have people look down on you?

I agree with you Danielle. Some woman don't have the ability to breastfeed. They have no choice but to formula feed.

Amy - posted on 11/25/2009

Have you tried mixing some of the vegetables in with the fruit? Just start with a tiny bit at first and as they get used to it, gradually increase the amount of vegetables and eventually you won't need to mix any fruit with them.

Giacci - posted on 11/25/2009

when you make your own food for your child it is not only alot healthier but its alot better tasting.. think of it this way.. if you'll eat it.. so will your child. i wont eat that nasty babyfood in a jar. but i will eat the pureed vegetables and fruits that i make for my son because its alot healthier. and like someone said up top.. mix in some water or formula to make it not so thick.

Loren - posted on 11/25/2009

Not sure if anyone else has said this one- but it worked with both my babies, Now 1 and 5. Instead of just nasty formula or babyfood alone- put them together! Babies like it. Just fill a baby bottle half full of formula and maybe a scoop of cereal, add a babyfood jar and SHAKE! Babies get everything they need and seem to enjoy it.

Samantha - posted on 11/24/2009

Quoting Kelley:

Your mommy instincts are right on if you feel worried, so dont ever let anyone tell you not to worry. That is your right as a mommy and with good reason. That said, my son didnt so much care for foods right at first. My dr said babies get ALL the nutrition they need from formula and breast milk and the solid foods are mostly for training purposes. I agree that starting with a fruit would work better, or maybe even sweet potatoe. Try one food for three days in a row. Then try something else for three days. Always work back to the disliked food as babies like to change their minds. >>> It is best to start off with vegetables first because you dont want your baby to only want the sweet stuff, they will get use to it.

Katie - posted on 11/13/2009

DON'T force the issue. Most babies do not start eating solids until they are late 6-7 months old. Babies can live on just milk for the first year.

Yalena - posted on 11/12/2009

could he have a throat infection?? sometimes they do not want to eat because they have an infection in their throat.. so essentially it hurts them when they swallow

Georgia - posted on 11/10/2009

I agree with making it yourself my daughter stopped eating babyfood at about 8 months, its not hard at all, just boil it and mash it with a fork , things like sweet potatoes add a little milk to smooth it out or add some applesauce it actually taste really good, or regular potatoes and instead of butter what I did was if was cooking dinner for the family was add a little of the juices from the meat after its cooked , she loved it..or carrots the same way, the baby food was to loose for her she needed mor consistency. But at 6 months he might not be ready yet, give him another month or so, all babies are different my daughter started at about 6-7 months

Vicki - posted on 11/10/2009

hi my names vicki and i had my first child last nov. she was on solids from 4-5 months but she used to love carrots then all of a sudden wouldnt eat anything with it in. she has fits and starts with things so i tend to try her with something and if she likes it i just tend to give her that then slowly give her other things. i also found mixing to many flavours togeather put her off. you may have the opposite as in he might like a couple of dif flavours togeather rather than just one. dont beat yourself up though he will eat when hes ready too. if he only wants to have yogurts and cereals then stick with it. good luck

Jenny - posted on 11/09/2009

My doctor actually wanted me to wait until my son was 6 months old to start baby food. I tried introducing him to it at 5 months because I was worried too, but the doc reassured me that they truly don't need baby food nutritionally until they're older. I would give yourself a break and just wait if you're comfortable with that. If not, I agree that trying some fruit purees may give you better results. My kids both loved bananas (I mashed them myself and I personally think this tastes a lot better than the jars and does not take much effort) and they also liked squash and sweet potatoes out of a jar. The three-four day introduction wait rule is important (to check for allergies).

Another thought may be when you are trying to feed the baby the new food. I've heard/read different thoughts on this: some say feed after they've had a bottle/breastfed and some say to try it when they're hungry. Have you tried both? I think I tried after naptime more as a "snack."

All kids are different. My daughter really was not interested in baby food until she was almost 8 months old. She just kind of played and interacted with me and the food during that attempted feeding time until then. My son really did not seem interested in baby food until he was 7 months old; he also did not need the calories though - he was very big. I think they're all just different. I still tried with both of them once a day, but after my doc's advice, I just let it be a time of interaction until they were truly interested in eating it.

Best wishes. Trust your instincts. You know your child best.

Danielle - posted on 11/08/2009

Tania.... your comments are a joke! What you consider to be right isn't what everyone else considers right. And the whole breast feeding rant is a little old! Do you know what it is like NOT to be able to feed your child and then have people look down on you?

Laura - posted on 11/08/2009

please, don't be in a rush with the solid food, milk is the best for his little body to digest right now. you can wait still.

Kourtney - posted on 11/08/2009

My baby NEVER likes something the first (or sometimes second or third!) time. We always offer things a few times, and with most anything, she'll eventually eat it. He also might not be ready yet. Try giving up for a week or two and then trying again. Good luck!

Nilmari - posted on 11/08/2009

Hi! I will not push starting solids at 5 months. Wait until baby is 6 or 6 1/2. I tried when my baby was 5 months 3 weeks and he refused the food!!! Then I tried one week after, same food and he loved it!!! Do not start with fruits because then he will only eat fruits.Start with veggies like peas. If he doesn't eat the veggie then add a little of fruit. Have you tried home made baby food? It is way healthier. Have you tried cereal? Did you tried several types of spoons? sometimes kids don't like the texture of the spoon, that is way you can find several spoons in the baby food section. Hope this works.

Raesha - posted on 11/08/2009

sometimes babies just dont need to eat solids, my dr told me that if my baby didnt want to eat then dont make her becasue they dont acctually need solids untill a year old. and you son may just be satisfied with his milk. just dont stop trying cause he may one day eat it he might just not be ready. hope this helps alittle! good luck!

Oh and my daughters favorite thing to eat is yogurt and cereal too!

Tania - posted on 11/08/2009

What I find interesting is everyone who formula feeds and gives cereal at 4 months (or earlier) boasts about how healthy their child is. The fact of the matter is, we don't know what those children are going to look like as older children or adults. America has the lowest rate of breastfeeding and we also feed horrible foods (i.e. those wonderful infant cereals). And as Americans, we are the largest, unhealthiest people in all the developed world. I don't think it is coincidence.

Lauren - posted on 11/08/2009

I had to do that with my son. Keep to the same food for 5-7 days for one to make sure they are not allergic. I had a chart of foods we tried and checked them off when we knew he was not allergic. Didn't care if he didn't like them at that point... just keep offering. Thanks, I forgot about this! ; ) Good Advice you gave.

Lauren - posted on 11/08/2009

Oh did I mention my son was eating pureed venison at 9 months old.... My son still eats anything! Although they go through their picky stages! LOL
And he loved home make chicken soup pureed as well and it always helped if he was under the weather. Best of Luck!

Lauren - posted on 11/08/2009

Again, every one is different with what they choose to do and provide their child. Every pediatrician is different, and every child has different eating habits.
My son started on cereal at 5 months old (very little once a day), then eventually veggies then eventually fruits and I nursed my son till he was 15 months old.
My son is 3 feet tall, skinny and healthy as a horse. He is only 27 months old and in the 90-95% for his height and weight is perfect. So obviously what I did for my child worked. No allergies either. : ) So please read what people have to say but you need to work with your child's doctor and go with what you feel, no one knows your child like you do.

Tania - posted on 11/08/2009

That simply isn't true. A child can thrive on breastmilk alone for two years. You do not need to give anything until then. That said, it just isn't realistic. The AAP and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding (meaning nothing but breastmilk) until at least 6 months. Starting a child on foods at 4 months is way early and totally unnecessary. It can create food allergies. My son did not receive a drop of anything but breastmilk until he was 10 months. We started right with veggies - no cereals, which both my doctor and myself consider junk food. He is now 32 months and eats very well - and a variety of foods.

Lauren - posted on 11/08/2009

PS: when puree meats, use chicken it purees better and don't use water, use chicken stock... I even used it for my veggies. : ) it works really really good

Lauren - posted on 11/08/2009

First of all every child is different. All I can do is tell you about my child. I filled him up on breast milk first like his doctor suggested. Then try veggies etc. Don't push it, he doesn't want it. As long as the pediatrician is not concerned about your sons weight I would not worry. Also I started my son on veggies first and waited a long while before the fruit otherwise he would not have eaten the veggies which I think is the best thing I did for my son.
Buy the store food veggies, they are packed with vitamins... or puree yours real good but if you boil in water you lose the vitamins.
Good luck!

Andrea - posted on 11/08/2009

I've been told that babies may need to try a food 10 times before they like it. So perhaps try the same food for a few days. I would also mix a small teaspoon of fruit or vegetable puree with the food he does like and gradually increase the amount you add. Good luck

Diane - posted on 11/07/2009

Blend real food with just water it break it down. By real I mean no processed food. Back in the day, baby food wasn't available. Take fresh fruit and veggies and blend them with water, you may need to add a tiny bit of salt, I suggest sea salt, it's not as bitter as regular salt. With meats keep about an ounce out of your regular cooking with no seasoning, blend with water to a texter he enjoys. He may be a natural vegan (Yuk (sorry vegans) some kids are. He won't starve himself. Try this. I'd love to see how it works. Nana D

Eva - posted on 11/07/2009

i was having the same problem with my 11month old son he didn't want to eat any baby food and is allergic to the cereals because of the soy. Then I tried the earths best organics and he loved it. it took me a while to get a brand he would like but i finally got it.

Kim - posted on 11/07/2009

My daughter has extensive feeding and swallowing issues. First see your pediatrician. They can order what is called a swallow study to make sure your child can swallow properly. Sometimes it is not a problem with the muscles used to swallow. It could be a sensitivity to the texture, thickness or even the temperature of the food. Also some children have problems with being able to transfer the food over there tongue to either the side of the tongue to the teeth. Or over the front of the tongue to the back of the teeth. The tongue also needs to be able to lift itself to the roof of the mouth to transfer food to swallow it. Some children, especially those that had to be on a ventilator or had a NG tube, do not like the feeling of anything touching the roof of their mouth. It could also be a condition known as GERD or reflux. Some foods cause this more than others. Do not fear all of these things can and will be overcome. My daughter is almost 4 years old and she is thriving. Only until 3 months ago her main source of nourishment was with Pediasure. With the help of a Speech Therapist, GI doctor and Nutrionist she is overcoming this obstacle. She was born 3 1/2 months preemature, so she has had many issues. I have no doubt you will get through this. But the first place to start is with your Pediatrician to rule out any physical causes.

Lisa - posted on 11/07/2009

My son rejected baby food until 1 week ago. He is 8.5 months. It took for his first tooth to come in and then he became a little eating machine.
The best advice I can give is keep trying a little every day. Don't force it, eating has to be fun for them otherwise they may reject it even more. I also found that my son would eat things that he could put into his mouth himself; Cheerios, Puffs, very small diced cantaloupe and banana.
I know how you feel, my son had not gained an ounce in 2 months. I was constantly worried and stressed about it that my milk supply dropped making things worse.
Again, just keep trying and one day he will surprise you and become a little eating machine too.
Hang in there!

Becky - posted on 11/07/2009

My daughter didn't start with cereal until she was 5 months, and I only gave her that for the first few weeks. Then I was told by a very good friend who is a director of a preschool to do the following:
*introduce one food every three days. Sometimes, they don't like it the first time, and that it may take several tries for them to develop a taste for it. Also, if there is any food allergies or sensitivities, it is easier to figure out what food is causing it.
*alternate orange & green veggies. Start with green, because they are not as sweet, then go with an orange, back to green, etc and continue the three day rule with this. I really didn't start alot of variety of fruits until after she was eating the veggies. I started with bananas, apples and pears because I could combine them with the cereals.
Probably sounds crazy but my daughter did great with this. She absolutely loves green beans, squash, sweet potatoes and green peas along with most fruits. It took longer this way, but now, she eats good and now enjoys most of these as finger foods. Truth be told, I am eating better now because of her. You should see her eat the green beans.
As the others have said, follow his cues, not what all the books say, especially if he isn't swallowing very well. That was the advice that I was given as well, and so far, mine is eating good. Also know that some days, he won't eat as much as others. That is also normal, so don't be alarmed. My ped. told me that they can regulate themselves better than we can so don't try to feed him if he doesn't want it.
Good luck and hope this helps some.

Rachel - posted on 11/07/2009

hiya! my son henry is now 7 1/2months old now and i no how you feel, he was eating really well at 5months then all of a sudden i couldn't get any milk or food down his neck, so good old mum surgested to stop with the food all together and make sure he has his milk, henry was having problems with that to and he was teething, cross cutting his back one's so i found if by changing his baby teats a little sooner to number 4 6mths+ it's a lot softer on his gums and bigger holes so not so much effort, give it a week or so and try again right from the start with food also i made sure that i eat in front of henry as he only started to pay an interest when he sore what i was doing now 2mths later he's still not quite there with other babies but he is getting there as he still is having trouble's with his teeth. i hope it's something nothing. try not to worry to much as you will make them worry with pressure and put them off! xx

Liz - posted on 11/07/2009

I would just wait a week and then try again, and if not, wait another week. I wouldn't worry. My children's pediatrician told me that they typically don't recommend starting until a minimum of 6 months. With my first, he was ready around 5 months, but every child is different. Just keep on with the cereal, and add a small amount of whatever food you are wanting to try to it, and then add a little more every couple days. Eventually he might like it. That might work. I was also told to start with orange vegetables and do one for 1-2 weeks before trying something new, and only one thing to check for allergies/upset stomach. He might just not like the combo foods. Just like with adults, certain foods might just not taste good or combinations don't taste good, or they upset his tummy. And as long as your pediatrician thinks he is healthy, that is a good thing!!

Rachael - posted on 11/07/2009

my son wasn't much into baby food either...he wanted to do it himself, you can do the same mushy vegetables cut into little squares and let him do it himself. Also, try tofu for a great source of protein that they can easily eat!

Valerie - posted on 11/06/2009

hi i found keeping to the same food every day for 4-5 days in a row healped as my son got used to one food before moving onto the next. pureed apple is great as to start off with, also give him a bottle about an hour before feeding so hes not too hungre! good luck

Krystal - posted on 11/06/2009

I started my son at 4mths on rice cereal. Next was pureed apples & pears. (i did all my own purees at home. cheaper and tastier) Then we added carrot, zucchini, pumpkin, potato.....he is a great eater now at 8mths. But he has had a few weeks where he stopped showing interest at all. Also when he was teething he didnt like the spoon in his mouth. I now use a combo of BLW (Baby led weaning) and spoon feeding. Dont stress hon. Like some have said, Bubs only nutritionally need milk to 6mths and from 6-8mths is only experiment and taste. I certainly arent going to start so early next time.

Katie - posted on 11/05/2009

Good job on the yogurt and cereals. That's great for a baby 5-6 months. As long as he's eating some solids by 8 months then he shouldn't reject food in the future. My first child didn't start any solids until 6 1/2 months. The second started at 5 1/2. I made my own baby food with my food processor. They definitely like the home cooking better. I also think it helps to stay consistent. Introduce only one food at a time for several days in a row. It can take up to 20 or so times before a child gets use to new food. Consistent and simple helped me. My second daughter seemed very picky at first and then came around after a rotation of foods for her to get use to. After that I just kept introducing more into the rotation. She's now 11 months and pretty curious about most food.

Sagari - posted on 11/04/2009

Hi Aminatou, This is a universal problem . Do not get so upset about it. Everybody faces this one or the other time. If the child is happy and playful you need not to worry so much. He might be having colic pain . this problem is common with the babies of this age. You have to observe what kind of food he likes than the other. You have to work towards it with lot of patience. Happy motherhood.
sagari das

Erika - posted on 11/02/2009

From the start, I usually gave my children ground up versions of what we were eating, in very small prtions.

Tiffany - posted on 11/01/2009

Well, I can understand your concern. Have you talked with the babies pediatrician about it? If so what did they say? Every child has their own time doing everything. So the baby drinks formula and eats cereals and yogurt? I'm no doctor, but to me the baby will eat solid foods in his time. God won't let your little one go hunger and starve. He watches out for all of His children.

Julianne - posted on 11/01/2009

Hi, every child is different but with my kids they started on solids (tastings) from 6wks but i have 1 very fussy eater (now 5 and still is) if could try adding the veges to the cereal & yogurt - just very small amounts at first then increase slowly (Just like mum's pumpkin soup - generally every vegetable that a kid wont eat hidden inside but they love it anyway). With my daughter we found out that she had aspergers last year which was/is the reason for being a fussy eater (because of the different colour & textures) so there may be an underlying issue that maybe found later on....

Sarah - posted on 10/31/2009

five month old babies should not be eating yogurt or any other dairy products for that matter. Baby cereal is suppose to be introduced at six months with breast milk or formula. You always want to introduce vegetables first when giving solid foods, otherwise babies develop a sweet tooth, and reject the good stuff. Which we want to avoid at early childhood ages. Make your own pureed veggies and add some apple sauce if needed, it works great.