My little girl was a pretty good eater till a few weeks ago. She has no problem drinking (she is combo fed breast and cup), but will refuse food. She does eat puffs and sometimes yogurt melts in small amounts, but will not take food from a spoon. She will quickly get upset and start yelling "up"! I tried giving her more finger foods but she throws them on the floor. I am not sure if it is teething, a control thing or a little bit of both. I don't remember this with my son, so I am at a loss on what to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Stop the food for a bit. Our 2nd was strictly bf for 9 months before we tried ANYTHING. Even after we introduced baby food and table food, there were days at a time where he would choose to only nurse! It's okay! Just let her lead!
At 10 months her primary source of nutrition is still breast milk/formula. Food is for practice. So, it's no big deal if she doesn't want to eat regular food.
We usually start babies this age out with finger foods because they are easier to eat. At 10 months she is wanting to be independent. The foods you mention are finger foods. You could try giving her other foods to hold in her hand. Steamed veggies, a piece of whole wheat toast, cheerios, bananas, avocado, etc.
She's simply not ready... which is fine since she's getting breastmilk. Don't think of it as a race - she'll get there when she is able.
My 2nd wouldn't even begin to entertain the idea of solids till she was 9 months old. She gagged if I tried to give her anything. And you know what? No big deal! There is absolutely no rush for solids. I really feel like breastfed babies are very adept at letting mom and dad know what they need and what they don't. She is getting the absolute best nutrition with breastmilk. When she is ready for solids she'll take them without any problems.
I have to respectfully disagree with the advice that when she's hungry she'll eat. She's 10 months old. She is not a 4 year old refusing to eat anything. Breastmilk or formula is primary nutrition for the entire first year. Food is merely for practice and never to take the place of breastmilk or formula so the waiting till they're hungry to get them to eat solids is not an ideal solution for an infant.
Now is when you set healthy eating habits and if she isn't ready or doesn't want solids you needn't force the issue. There is no rush for solids in an infant. It will come as a natural progression as she begins to self-wean at some point over age 1.
I would take a few days off foods. Both of my kids have done this and I am currently struggling w/ my 14 month old right now.
He's bored, I'm bored...
Right now milk is all she needs.
Take a break. Then start fresh.
Some little ones will not want a spoon because it hurts their gums, but if she's drinking OK, which can also hurt their gums, she may not be teething.
If you don't think that's it I would offer milk, yogurt melts and puffs after you've offered her the other foods you'd like her to eat, not even let her see them. 10 month olds can find out they like certain things and just want to eat those, my guy was lazy at that age and didn't like to chew so would go for the soft and easy to swallow foods first and fill up and refuse the harder to chew foods. If she's strapped in her chair she can get upset but can't get up even if she says "up!" and I'd just keep trying to get her to eat. Just let her see the rest of the family, even if it's just you, continue to eat and enjoy their food.
And if she continues not to eat I wouldn't worry unless it affects her health. Out pediatrician says that they can eat as little as a teaspoon or less of food (literally like a bird) and it can be enough, their bodies tell them when to eat, and if their health and development isn't compromised they're fine.
I'm on the opposite side of the fence.....don't give up... & don't give in & offer just milk. When she's hungry enough, she'll eat! Save the food & reoffer it at a later time....
