Almost 12 Months Old and Doesn't like Almost ANY "Wet" Finger Foods? Help!

Sounds like you're doing the right thing with EI - I would say let the speech folks make their diagnosis on whether he has any physical problems with his mouth (for eating). If not, I don't know, I wouldn't worry too much yet. My daughter is just 12 months and she's eating the same way. But then 3-4 days ago she just started refusing the purees and wants to finger feed everything. She still won't eat pieces of green beans, peas, etc - she's not big on vegetables. But the finger food fruits and grains are going over well. I think she's just 'ready' all the sudden.

I think, barring any problems with ST, your son will just move the finger foods when he's ready. Does daycare refuse to feed him purees? If not, I'd just keep offering finger foods for exposure and then make sure he gets enough nutrition with purees. When he's ready, he'll be ready. And of course ST will give you tips on how to encourage him.

If this helps any, i've had some experience with this. My oldest child had the milk/soy protein allergies (though he outgrew his at age 1) and was in ST and physical therapy due to multiple heart surgeries until 2 1/2. I found that while he was catching up/ mastering one skill, he didn't make progress in others. For instance while he was really working on gross motor skills (ie walking), he wasn't progressing at all with speech. But he caught up with everything by 2 1/2. So perhaps your son developmentally is focusing so much on speech that he's not focusing on feeding right now.

I don't really know - I'm not a doctor or therapist so take all of this with a grain of salt!!!

Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to email more.
Good luck!
A.

When you get EI, mention this to the OT. It could be a sensory issue. However, since he will eat it, maybe it's just a preference of textures.

We've had a similar issue with textures. It's a hard one. We've moved past it now but at the time my daughter was a freeze dried queen. We found freeze dried peas and corn at Whole Foods. Trader Joe's has freeze dried green beans which we still enjoy as well as many freeze dried fruits. One more favorite of ours was/is bacon. Oscar Meyer sells precooked bacon that's very thinnly sliced. We cook it in the toaster oven until it's well done and pat it dry. Once it's done, it's very light and crispy, almost crumbles to the touch. There is a cereal and fruit bar out there, though I can't remember the brand that has no milk. Thankfully you'll have help because it sounds like you'll have your work cut out for you. Both my kids have food allergies and are very picky eaters. I hate feeding them the same things over and over but the only one bothered by it seems to be me!

Is it possible he doesn't like the feel of wet/sticky things in his hands? I knew one toddler who loved smearing wet/sticky foods all over his body, and another who had a positive aversion to getting his hands dirty. It was funny to see how different two kids can be in that way.

I don't have any specific suggestions for foods to try, but along the lines of the Sneaky Chef you could try some dairy-free baking, muffins or something, with veggie or fruit puree in the batter?