My son, Hassan, is currently 15 months. I waited until he was six months to start him on solids. Waiting to start solids has many benefits for the infant. Delaying solids helps the baby’s immune system become stronger. Babies received many immunities from breastmilk and continue to do so when they are exclusively breastfed. In waiting to start solids, the digestive system also has time to mature. Starting babies too early on solids can cause reactions such as constipation and gas.
When I started my son on solids, he was a great eater. Although there were a few things he refused, on the whole he ate everything. His favorite item was butternut squash. I was excited that I had such a great eater. Sometimes he would be so hungry that I would have to feed him two servings instead of one. By the time he turned 1, things were different. Introducing table food gave Hassan a sense of independence and he loved it. He wanted to feed himself at every meal. My son, the once easy eater, was also now extremely picky. The only thing he would now eat was pizza and hamburger. I was worried because I try to have a very holistic and organic approach with food especially with Hassan. Speaking to other parents with the same age toddlers, they told me they had the same concern. One child would throw out everything and only wanted milk! I subscribed to alot of parenting magazine and came upon an article discussing the protest toddlers like to put up including … of course eating. It talked about my situation down to a T. Overall, parents shouldn’t worry too much about this stage. It too shall pass, but as a mom I can not stand seeing my son not eat. Therefore, while this stage shall too pass we need to get through it as best as we can. I’ve always tasted everything I give to Hassan and trust me half the food is not even edible. I know, babies’ palate are totally different. But think about it, if you don’t like it how can they like it? My solution to this is to start giving them food that they like. Explore a variety of options. My son loves, soup with bread dipped in it of course, pizza, hamburger (meat and bun only), baby chips ( I have to look up the brand, but it is organic), apples (cut up in slices) and rice. I let him taste everything and let him make the decision if he likes it or not. Like today, I discover that he loves smoothie by accident (although I research alot, half of my parenting is also very accidentically). I happened to have an extra amount smoothie and when he asked for it of course I gave it to him. If he doesn’t eat his meals, at least he drinks it. I make the smoothie from scratch (can’t really trust McDonalds on it). I also discovered that if I spice and marinate chicken a certain way he will eat it. Hassan doesn’t always like chicken, but he liked it tonight with the way I cooked it.
Obviously, my son knows what he likes to eat and doesn’t. He can distinguished good food from bad food. It’s just a matter of making the not so tasty food tasty. Another tip I found to work and distraction when feeding them. I always give Hassan an extra spoon so that he feels like he’s feeding himself.
For the original article in Parents magazine, please click here
I hope what I had to share here will get you through this fussy eating stage if you are experiencing it.
But don’t just take my word for it
Namaste
