My 8 month old daughter has suddenly started rocking, fussing, looking everywhere and playing while I'm trying to feed her. Yep she;'s in a feeding seat but all of the sudden it's almost impossible to get a spoon anywhere near her mouth. Feeding time now takes about 45 minutes. What can I do to control this behavior? Or is normal and I'll just have to get used to it?
I decided to cur some of foods out. I'm taking cereal out because she really hates it and gets her iron from her formula. I"m going to try giving her some toast instead.
Thanks for all the great advise!
This may be her way of telling you that she needs a break...... The MAIN nutrition for her should be coming from either breastmilk or formula. Just take a break from solids for a week or two and then try again.
Our son was strictly bf for 9 months before receiving any other food. Even after we introduced food, there were days where he would chose to only nurse. It's OKAY!
She is not hungry.
I would suggest not taking 45 minutes to feed her. If she did not eat after 10 or 15 minutes, I would let her down.
Children will go through different stages. Sometimes they will eat a ton, other times, they are just not very hungry.. Also their schedules change all of the time.. Just because it is lunch time to me and you, does not mean she is hungry at that time.
These changes can be a growth spurt, she is teething, she is not feeling well, she is about to meet a milestone (crawling, standing, walking).. Or has met the milestone and wants to do it over and over.
Just be flexible and let her lead you.
Food is just for practice right now so don't spend 45 minutes dealing with 8 month old normal behavior. Food is for practice, sitting at the table in her seat with the family at meal times is also for practice. Teaches her good feeding habits. But she's 8 months old. Sit her at the table for a feeding, give her what she will take in and then put her down. Again, don't waste 45 minutes. She won't starve and at 8 months she doesn't understand the process. It takes time and repetition for them to get it. Her primary nutrition for this whole first year should be breastmilk or formula so don't sweat it when she doesn't eat much in the way of solids. Heck I had one baby that wouldn't touch solids till she was over 9 months old!
I'll give you the same advice I received when my daughter was doing the same thing. This too shall pass. Kids go through phases and are constantly changing. The good news is before you know it she will be done with this behavior, the bad news is she will move onto something equally as irritating! : )
I wouldn't worry about how much food you get into her, they really don't need to eat solids at this age.
She's not capable of sitting and focusing on anything for more than a few minutes. And getting strapped into a seat and held captive is not a pleasant way to learn about mealtime. Try very brief sessions more frequently – it will be easier and more fun for both of you.
I used to sit with my daughter on my lap and eat my meal, which made her want to do the same, and I'd give her bites of her food. Worked much better than a high chair.
Hi D.-
Maybe you need to feed her when she's hungry...She's only 8months old, you can't make her eat if she's doing all that!! It's ok
sounds like you are still trying to feed her baby food... time to stop... give her soft foods in small bites, shes growing up!
