We have been serving our son pureed foods and he makes no effort to chew. He doesn't enjoy eating, but he is in fine health, and is neither too thin nor overweight. He has most of his baby teeth. If we give him foods to chew, but he plays with them and never gets around to eating. Where do we start? He will be going to the pediatrician for his two year check up, and we are a little embarrased about it. His little brother is almost eight months old, and he will gnaw on any food he can grab.
Try not to puree the food until it's smooth. Leave it a little chunky. Every few days make it chunkier, but be sure it's not hard. After a few days start to give him small pieces of vegetables cooked very soft in small pieces (but not pureed).
Call Early Intervention and get him evaluated. I'm surprised he is not underweight. My baby was on purees until 18 months because of oral motor and sensory problems. He was falling off the growth chart. He is 26 months now and does chew, but still hoards food sometimes. Your son probably needs some feeding therapy and occupational therapy. The state provides if for nearly free, you just have to pay a monthly "family fee" which is based on your income.
Oh, and don't be embarrassed; you've done nothing wrong.
Here is the link for Early Intervention and the contact info:
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31183
i know 2 kids now that were evaluated for these types of issues and it turns out they had a sensory issue of the mouth. With some early intervention they had people come work with them at the house to overcome these issues. It is freee and provider for by the state. I believe you can call easter seals or your doctor for more info on how to get evaluated. good luck and dont worry with some assistance he will be fine!
Talk to your pediatrician for sure. He may have a sensory issue and needs ot to solve it. Don't be embarassed, be proactive.
I'll second what Acadia said, there's nothing to be embarassed about. All kids need a little help from time to time. That's part of the reason for the checkup.
