[rainbow_brite19]

Okay, so this is something we have been struggling with for quite a while and I figure I might as well post about it here in case anyone has had a similar situation and can offer advice. It might end up being kind of long because I want to specify the things I HAVE tried.

Jackson is 9 months old now, and the kid just won't eat solids. Sometimes I get him to eat 4-5 bites of something, (almost always pureed carrot with oatmeal) and for him that is a GREAT meal, while to someone else that would be a tiny amount and could even qualify as going on a "food strike". When I search this online (on JM and just on google in general) all I have found are things about 9 month olds going on food strikes, like they used to eat fine and now they won't, due to teething or something else. This is NOT Jackson's problem, because he has NEVER eaten well. This is not all of a sudden, this has been since we first started offering cereal at around 5.5 months.

Now, I understand that some kids just don't like purees/baby food. We tried making our own, using the jarred (Earths Best), mixing it with oatmeal, mixing it with my breastmilk, water, making it warm, cold, thick, runny, etc, and nothing has struck his fancy. We have been trying puffs and mum-mums now for over a month, and the most he has ever eaten is 3 bites of mum-mum or maybe 1-2 puffs. So, I finally gave up on that and for at least 2 weeks now I have been consistently giving him what I think of as table food, at least twice per day (breakfast and dinner) but sometimes 3 times as well, the third time being around lunch. Here is what I have tried (in little pieces): scrambled egg, cheese, bread, pasta, banana, cooked carrot, and probably more that I am forgetting. I have also tried to get him to eat a little applesauce, mashed potato, and baby yogurt, to no avail. I do get nervous about choking but the other day DF was eating a piece of bread and gave it to DS just to see if he would copy him and take some bites but all Jackson did was play with it and drop it on the floor. We put him in his high chair to eat and we almost always have family dinners (breakfast is usually just him and I but that still counts as family) where he can watch DF and I eat and we leave the food on his tray for him to have at it... but he doesn't touch it. Or if he does touch it, it just gets thrown on the floor, nowhere near his mouth. If I try to put the pieces of food in his hand or mouth, most of the time he will flat out refuse, he will tighten his lips, shake his head and cry. So I rarely try and feed him anymore, because I don't want to him to get stressed about eating. After about 5-10 minutes of him not eating I usually offer him his sippy cup and he will take that eagerly and drink the couple of ounces of water I put in there. I have not put juice in the sippy yet (and I won't until he is a yr old) and I have not put any bm in it cause I don't want him filling up on that, we nurse enough as it is.

I have been contemplating some theories but really have no idea if they could be possible. The first is simply that he may not be hungry enough. We are still BFing (from the tap, I don't pump, he doesn't take bottles) and he doesn't get any formula. I feel like my milk is pretty fatty, I guess, because he is off the charts HUGE. I admit he does still nurse usually every 2-3 hours, which I feel is a LOT for a 9 month old. Sometimes if we are super busy he will go 4 hrs without nursing, but not too often. I would probably try to nurse him a little less but the unfortunate thing is that the child is NOT a good sleeper and still nurses to sleep for bedtime and most naps, and if he doesn't nap he is SO fussy. I really am starting to hate this habit but I don't know what else to do. Once in a while he will let DF rock him to sleep if I am at class but not often, he will also go to sleep in the car but that's not realistic, most of the time I would rather just nurse him. But I feel like this is newborn behavior and I am getting scared that he will never learn how to fall asleep by himself. (Just an FYI, I won't do CIO, and it wouldn't work for him anyway, he would scream until he passed out.) Another thing is that he could have sensory issues with the food itself, I suppose? He is a sensitive baby, he doesn't like loud noises, etc. I don't know how to get him used to the sensations/textures though, besides letting him play with the food, which we have been doing for months. The other thing is that I believe he is stubborn, even at 9 months old. I try hard not to let my anxiety about it show through, but I think the second he knows I would like him to try something, he decides not to.

Oh and one more thing, I have tried feeding him when he's hungry and he screams to nurse, and I have also tried when he is somewhat full from breastmilk and he won't eat then either, like maybe his tummy is too full?


I really don't know what to do. His 9 month well-baby check up is on the 27th, so about a week and a half away, and I certainly plan to ask him/her about it then. I have contemplated putting a call in earlier but the thing is that the child is OBVIOUSLY thriving and growing and strong, so I can't be too worried. We estimate him to be about 30 lbs (the size of an average 2.5-3 yr old), he is babbling, sitting, crawling, can stand holding onto things, can drink from a sippy, etc. I also know the whole "food for fun until they're one" adage, and I know my bm should be his primary source of nutrition and I don't expect him to eat 3 meals per day. Just a LITTLE of SOMETHING would be nice. I can count on one hand the times he has opened his mouth for food. I will be honest and say that after 9 months of EBFing, I was really looking forward to nursing a little less and having a little bit of freedom, but now I feel like that will never happen and my biggest fear is that he has deep-seeded issues with solid food, for some reason.

ANY advice appreciated.

[noworries]

I'm sorry I don't have any advice but you are right, as long as he is thriving (and it sounds like he is) then he's fine. Your breast milk is giving him the nutrition he needs.
Isaac still nurses every 2-3 hours day and night too. I know it can be frustrating but it will eventually get better.
I hope others can give you some advice about the solid food.

[jrsygurl4life]

I don't really have any sound advise but I also agree that he seems to be thriving and meeting all other milestones. Have you tried baby snacks like puffs, cheerios, yogurt melts? Maybe its a textured thing. I would make a call to the doctors just to see what they recommend and then you can have something else to discuss at your appointment such has if what they recommended worked or not.

[Irish_Wristwatch]

I dont have any advice, Ross really isnt big on solids either, he refuses to let anyone else feed him and he will eat a few bites of things he is able to feed himself, but even then he would rather play with his food than eat it.

When you can get him to eat how thick/thin is the food? It sounds to me that he much prefers liquids to other things, so maybe its a texture/sensory thing? But then again he could just be a picky eater, so maybe he just doesnt like the taste of other things. I was extremely picky as a baby/young child but grew out of it slowly as I got older and now il eat most things, so that could be the case with Jackson...

Hopefully your doctor has some answers for you on the 27th! KUP

[Trish36]

Aimee I wouldn't worry about him. Yes it may be frustrating for you that he wants to nurse rather than eat solids, but he will eventually, just on his terms. Some babies are just like that. He is a healthy and happy baby and really doesn't need solids until after 1 year old anyways. I mean yes, you do want him to get used to the tastes etc. but he's obviously not liking it right now.

My nephew was like that and he was skinny and small on top. My sister didn't know what to do because that boy would not eat anything besides his milk and some cheerios and chicken soup. That is pretty much what he grew up on. He refused all other foods and he also had a really bad gag reflex, whenever something smelled or tasted funny to him he would throw up. But he is a healthy 3 year old now and still a picky eater, but will definately eat more than he used to.

You could try cutting the milk supply down and see if that would motivate him, but you'd have to do it for a few days. I don't know if I would be strong enough to listen to my baby screaming for food but refusing to eat anything but bm. I know this is frustrating for you and you don't want to have people think you are starving him, but as long as you think he's doing great tell everyone to mind their own beeswax!!!!

I hope the other mommas have better ideas for you.

And I would agree that it may be a texture thing as well. try a soup and see if he'll eat that for you or a yoghurt drink.

[rainbow_brite19]

Originally Posted by noworries

Isaac still nurses every 2-3 hours day and night too. I know it can be frustrating but it will eventually get better.

It actually makes me feel better that Jackson isn't the only one! It is frustrating but a little less so when I know it can be normal.

Originally Posted by jrsygurl4life

Have you tried baby snacks like puffs, cheerios, yogurt melts

We have been giving him puffs (tried 3 different flavors) and mum-mum baby crackers/rice rusks for over a month now, he doesn't dig them. I might try yogurt melts soon.

Originally Posted by Irish_Wristwatch

When you can get him to eat how thick/thin is the food? It sounds to me that he much prefers liquids to other things, so maybe its a texture/sensory thing? But then again he could just be a picky eater, so maybe he just doesnt like the taste of other things. I was extremely picky as a baby/young child but grew out of it slowly as I got older and now il eat most things, so that could be the case with Jackson...

I have tried many different consistencies for the purees, from watery to chunky. I think you're right, he does prefer liquids, so I think he may have some sensory issues going on.

[rainbow_brite19]

Originally Posted by Trish36

Aimee I wouldn't worry about him. Yes it may be frustrating for you that he wants to nurse rather than eat solids, but he will eventually, just on his terms. Some babies are just like that. He is a healthy and happy baby and really doesn't need solids until after 1 year old anyways. I mean yes, you do want him to get used to the tastes etc. but he's obviously not liking it right now.

My nephew was like that and he was skinny and small on top. My sister didn't know what to do because that boy would not eat anything besides his milk and some cheerios and chicken soup. That is pretty much what he grew up on. He refused all other foods and he also had a really bad gag reflex, whenever something smelled or tasted funny to him he would throw up. But he is a healthy 3 year old now and still a picky eater, but will definately eat more than he used to.

You could try cutting the milk supply down and see if that would motivate him, but you'd have to do it for a few days. I don't know if I would be strong enough to listen to my baby screaming for food but refusing to eat anything but bm. I know this is frustrating for you and you don't want to have people think you are starving him, but as long as you think he's doing great tell everyone to mind their own beeswax!!!!

I hope the other mommas have better ideas for you.

And I would agree that it may be a texture thing as well. try a soup and see if he'll eat that for you or a yoghurt drink.

Trish you made me feel a lot better, seriously. Hearing that your nephew was like that and is fine and perfectly normal is reassuring. He will eat eventually, he will have to when my breastmilk is no longer enough food to satisfy him, I suppose. I guess I just constantly hear about all the different foods babies eat, and how often, and it makes me think something is wrong with Jackson, when most likely nothing is.

Oh and no, I could never deny him breastmilk (at this point in his life, anyway) or cut down my supply (which is currently adjusting itself to his ever-growing body, by the way, and is out of control big right now) if that's what he wanted. I would never try and force him into eating solids, I just wish he were willing to explore them a little.

Thanks ladies!!

[austlanabmv]

I know wyatt doesnt like carrots ... I like the consistancy of the mango and squash by beechnut ... they arent runny but arent thick and chunky....

My daughter only ate a bite or 2 of food ... we mentioned it to the doctor and ended up going to occupational therapy for eating... they check thier tounge movement and all .... evrything was fine... and it was a waste .. it was her habits not her tounge.

I dont think there is anything else to try that you havent .... i know wyatt would not do good on puree unless i could get it without chuncks... he hates texture

I wouldnt worry to much... maybe he loves nursing and isnt ready to back off yet ...

[Juliebird18]

Well no 15 year old is still only drinking BM. He will when he is ready. Stevie still drinks from the breast every 2-3 hours. I have read that the amount of milk they drink at three months is the same amount of milk they drink at 10 months, even if you have introduced solids. It shouldn't decrease until a year.

I know it must be frustrating. Have you tried giving him and orange slice to suck on? Stevie sucks on lemon slices or pickles. He likes the juice. Maybe sucking the liquid out of a fruit will help Jackson get used to the texture.

Good luck with your appointment. KUP.

[mommydiva]

I honestly wouldn't worry at this stage. He appears to be thriving and BM or formula meets all their needs for the 1st year. While she eats 2x a day of solids I don't really push it at this point either. For me its more out of texture, playing and tastes rather then actual eating.

DD loves all food she has had but she hates avocados she will not open her mouth for nothing and spits it out.

[mshah]

I agree with the others, it seems he's quite healthy, so I wouldn't rush him. When he's ready he'll eat. I know it's frustrating for you, with all of the nursing but just hang in there. I bet once he decides he wants solids that's all he'll want. I bet he's an all or nothing kinda guy!!

Mine eats solids eagerly, but he STILL wants milk every 2 hours including nighttime. Solids have done absolutely nothing to make him go any longer between feedings.

[rainbow_brite19]

Originally Posted by Juliebird18

Well no 15 year old is still only drinking BM.

Haha, so true! This is what I have to keep reminding myself. Oh and no, I haven't tried any fruit slices, but that's a good idea. I think I might pick up some oranges soon and see how he does, since he loves liquids so much.

Originally Posted by mshah

I bet once he decides he wants solids that's all he'll want. I bet he's an all or nothing kinda guy!!

This makes a lot of sense to me, especially because he already has such a stubborn nature. I would not be surprised if you were spot-on.

[inyourhonor]

It looks like you got a ton of great advice. You're a great mom Aimee I know it's hard not to worry but I really wouldn't. He's obviously thriving, he weighs as much as my 2yo!

[krsnow]

I know you said you already tried apple sauce & banana, but I was just going to suggest to keep trying sweet stuff like that. My LO loves pears. Some days he eats everything with no problem, other days he fusses with vegetables & chicken, but he will always eat fruit, I'm guessing because of the sweetness. Also, sometimes when he doesn't want to open his mouth to eat, my DH will try to make him laugh then I quickly sneak in a spoonful of food. Maybe it sounds bad, but I'm too paranoid to let him skip a meal. I'm also noticing that he wants to be entertained while eating, so if I play toys with music or turn on cartoons, he is more open to eating.

This is probably against the rules, but can you try a little rice cereal or oatmeal really runny in a sippy cup?

[mommydiva]

I wanted to add that Rosie did not like bananas or applesauce at first either. She loved pears and peaches. I also have given her chunks of cantaloup to suck on and she loved that as well. Even now she isn't all that crazy about applesauce unless its mixed with some oatmeal.

[momma2princesses]

I think you are doing great! Keep offering food to him and he will slowly like the taste and texture

Avis never ate a lot of baby food either. She was a booby/bottle baby.

Also, Suzannah will eat 1/2 a jar of baby food over the period of about 3 days. She is just not that into it. She still nurses or takes a bottle every 3 hrs

[KMH]

If he doesn't mind cold things, maybe you could even try a BM slushie?

(((HUGS))) I know it is hard not to worry about your LO, but he sounds really healthy. One of these days I bet he'll decide he is ready, and then you might not be able to keep enough solid food around the house for him

[rachel_anne]

I don't have any first hand experience, Holden will basically eat anything that comes even remotely near his face. But maybe if you tried giving him super runny cereal/purees mixed with BM so the taste/texture is familiar and slowly introduce more cereal, or purees and less BM, kind of trick him into eating.

[NCRG2010]

i had the same problem with my third child. he was huge, doing absolutely fine on breastmilk and wouldnt eat solids at all. he would spit them out, turned out to be a texture / sensory issue. get yourself a vibrating toothbrush and everyday put it on his tongue. it worked like a charm. also put the food on the side of his mouth between his teeth and cheek.

good luck believe me i know the frustration

[TeresaSuperMama]

Okay, lots of thoughts. First off I'm just going to say I don't think it's a bad idea talking to your pediatrician, however, please keep in mind that a lot of them don't have a lot of experience with breastfeeding so take what your doctor has to say and weigh it out with your own feelings & experience.

Now onto my thoughts. I wouldn't worry about it at all. I do not think it is abnormal and I would not worry. It sounds to me like he prefers milk. I had one that just preferred drinking over eating. I'd just keep offering it to him and let him eat it on his terms. Natalie will not eat baby food. She is not big on me feeding food to her and really wants to feed herself. I just put food on her tray for her and what she eats she eats and what she doesn't she doesn't.

If he was malnourished and not meeting developmental milestones I'd be concerned, but at 30 lbs no way. He's probably just not interested. He obviously likes his breastmilk. I'd just keep offering and eventually he'll get interested.