Breastfed Baby Won't Open Mouth to Eat Baby Food

Hi M.,
My daughter wouldn't eat solids at all until she was more than 7 months old. Starting around 6 months old, I tried to feed her solids almost every day, but she would clamp her lips together and turn her head every time. Total refusal. I was very worried! But it turned out fine. Now she is eating a lot of different things. She's over a year now and fine, and has had no issues with anemia.
So, I don't think you should worry.
A suggestion: Perhaps try different types of spoons or plates to entice her! (My daughter has always insisted her food be in "adult" bowls or plates or she won't eat it. Even at day care.)
-R.

Let her play with the spoon. Feed her yummy stuff like yogurt with the spoon. Supplement with an oral-liquid vitamin.

Most peds recommend not starting solids until six months, so don't worry if yours isn't ready this soon. As for the iron issue (or any other vitamin), if you are eating properly, then your breast-fed baby is getting all the nutrition he/she needs. DO NOT give vitamin or iron supplements without discussing with the pediatrician first. It is possible to get too much iron.

Dear M.:

No, please don't worry. Neither of my kids ate anything until they were over a year old! Yes, they nibbled on a Cheerio here and there and MAYBE a spoonful of something at a time but never a "meal" of any kind, not a serving, nothing but "tastes". All they wanted was breastmilk.

And they lived! Yay! Seriously, about the iron, that may be a concern but I think it's not a huge problem until after the first year. My daughter never had a problem with low iron. On the other hand, my son was eventually found to be low in iron (at about 18 - 24 months) and needed supplements. (Cream of Wheat would've taken care of it but he was allergic to wheat when he was little.) Both are healthy and strong now with great appetites. Your daughter will be fine, too!

Best wishes,

M.

just take your time when introducing. some breast fed babies dont start eating solids till 9+ months. she will catch on when shes ready if she can pick up finger foods try gerber puffs or you can even feed her them.

this age is for trying out new things. Your breastmilk is her primary food source. If she doesn't want it then don't force it. it will only cause other issues. If you are concerned about iron give her some cream of wheat... it has lots of iron in it... or spinach or lentils. but don't be in such a hurry to put your kid on solids as that can lead to more allergies and problems.

Hi M.!
Thanks for the smile! You helped me to remember that no matter who we are or how many kids we have we still have "nervous mom questions". I think that will be my next talk to my clients, how to trust what you know and know what you trust.

You see, you are a nurse and your husband is a dentist (which means you are well educated), you already have 3 other children (which means you have loads of experience)AND you are still questioning your parenting. Thank you for the reminder that we are all still just human.

As for the food - don't force it. She is so young. "the books" say solid at 6 months, I know both of my girls wouldn't even give baby cereal a try until after 8 months.

Every baby is unique, every baby goes at their own pace. I have a client who has 7 children. When you as her what they all had in common, you know what was the same for all of them and she will think long and hard, scratch her head and say, "their father". And she means it. No 2 kids are alike.

Go with HER flow, allow her the time that she needs. She will do what she needs to do when she needs to do it.

And most importantly, HAVE FUN!

B.
Family Wellness Coach