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“Hi, my son is 8.5 months old and it has been a fight to get him to try solids. Initially I started making his food but after him constantly rejecting it, opted for some commercial food. This seemed to work. Now a few weeks on I’m trying to introduce food with few small lumps, but he spits the entire lot out. I then got some purees I had made from the freezer, and wouldn’t eat it. Spit it out.” What do you do when a baby rejects food?

Posted by anon, 14/04/13

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  • Just keep trying and don’t stress too much about it. Always offer food and have meal times together!


  • relax, he’ll get there ! when starting solids it is initially all about getting used to flavours and textures and it shouldn’t replace the milk feeds yet, but see it as an addition


  • I think they say offer the same thing up to 10 times. They change all the time they surprise you and start eating things they never did


  • just dont acknowledge it and keep trying, offer it again another time.


  • Go back to what you know he likes, then re introduce new foods a bit further down the track. You need to offer different foods a couple of times before they accept them, if they do


  • Just keep trying! It takes between 10-20 times for a baby to take to a food.


  • Patience in spades. My first wouldn’t stop eating it was easy. My second is 14 months and we still struggle to get him to eat. We do find letting him feed himself seems to work better when he doesn’t want to eat but when he is in a co operative mood I try to feed him to make sure the food actually goes in his mouth.


  • Finger foods that he can eat by himself and persistence may help. When he sees you eating similar foods, also helps them get interested.


  • I went with baby led feeding. mainly just finger foods they can feed themselves. I’d also just give my girls the bowl of yoghurt and let them go for it, once you get over the mess it all gets better. my girls are 4 and 18months old and both eat everything you give them without fuss. also keep persisting with the same foods for a while, it took my 18month old 2 weeks before she would eat a tomato but now loves them.


  • you just have to persist sorry ..


  • I’m afraid that you need to persist.


  • How did it all end up going ?


  • It wont hurt for him to eat food without the lumps for a bit longer, sounds like hes just not ready yet.


  • What did you end up doing with your baby that rejected food?


  • If they are not ready, their not just keeping trying and eventually they’ll want it


  • Sounds like he is not ready to move on to this. Go back to your normal food. My girl didn’t like the lumps til around 12 months


  • My daughter was the same. It just takes time. Hope it has improved for you!


  • 1 for mummy 1 for bub that’s a good one


  • Try airplane spoons or 1 for mummy 1 for bubby vise versa :-)


  • When Baby Refuses to Eat from a Spoon – Why your baby won’t eat from a spoon and what you can do to make mealtimes relaxed & fun.

    Suddenly, your baby has refused to eat when you try to spoon feed her. She may refuse to eat from the spoon in a variety of ways, expressing her displeasure in ways that may be upsetting to parents. Relax Mom & Dad, your little baby is growing up and refusing to eat from a spoon is just part his natural progression to feeding himself.

    When Will My Baby Refuse to be Spoon Fed?

    There is a period between 8 and 10 months of age (may be earlier), that your baby may begin to refuse being fed food from a spoon. It is around this age range that babies really begin to become more aware of themselves and what they want and asserting independence by refusing to be spoon fed is just another milestone.

    Why is My Baby Refusing to be Spoon Fed?

    As mentioned, babies begin to find their own independence in a variety of ways. They may show favoritism for a certain toy or lovie and become insulted when you offer them a toy that is not the “toy du jour”. Being able to assert their own preferences for eating is another way for babies to head off down independence lane. They may try to grab the spoon away from you or bat at the spoon as it comes close to their mouths. Many babies will simply clamp their lips shut and refuse to open up for a bite. These behaviors are perfectly normal and going with baby’s flow will help create positive food relationships and experiences.

    note Please note that many babies will also refuse to be spoon fed if they are feeling ill or if they are teething. Tiredness may also affect baby’s eating habits.

    What Do I Do When My Baby Refuses to be Spoon Fed?

    Take a few deep breaths and relax.

    We have found that when our babies reach this new milestone, offering them a bowl and a spoon is one of the simplest ways of appeasing and encouraging them. We mix up their meals as usual and let them try to feed themselves. You could also experiment with a Baby Led Weaning method – simply offer baby’s meals in finger food form.

    Oh yes indeed, this is quite messy and you’ll be cringing as food flows down the highchair and over those plump, cute little baby legs; the food will make it’s way through baby’s hair and probably into the ears too. And just when you think your baby will never manage to find her mouth – Success. Sit back and watch your baby delight in her newfound sense of independence and accomplishment.

    When Should I Stop Feeding My Baby With A Spoon?

    Only you will know when your baby is ready to stop being spoon fed. All babies are different and will refuse the spoon at different ages and stages. There are many babies who have never been spoon fed. Baby Led Weaning is an approach to infant feeding that is catching on around the world. Babies who are fed via this method never eat “traditional” baby food purees. Instead, babies are offered age appropriate foods that are soft cooked and mashed or smooshed or diced very small. The foods are offered to baby and baby eats the foods as he or she sees fit.

    Read our Baby Led Weaning article to learn more.

    Offer More Self-Feeding Meals

    You may begin to offer your baby more meals made up of foods that baby is able to feed herself whenever you feel she is ready. Don’t worry too much about the amount she eats. Offering a variety of nutritious foods during the day will ensure that your baby is getting all the nourishment she need. Remember, breast milk and/or formula remain important sources of nutrition until baby is 12 months of age.

    Always consult with your pediatrician about introducing solid foods to your baby Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.


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