Hello fellow moms! My 6.5 month old son was doing really good with solids since we started him at 6 months, now whenever I put him in his highchair he curves his back and pushes like he’s constipated (which I know he isn’t) and makes it REALLY hard to feed him. Should I just push through it and keep him in the highchair or try to feed him on my lap?
I would wait a month or so and try again. It sounds like he's not ready and I would never force it. It should pass soon but it's still pretty early.
Try sitting him in a bebe pod or bumbo.
I would hold off on the food.
I was always taught that babies will tell you when they are ready for food-when they grab it off your fork or reach for the table then they are ready.
My son was 3 mo and my niece was 9 mo. Try giving him mushed up bites of what you have when he's ready he'll let you know.
Good Luck.
Hi J.!
Yes, I agree with the other postings; let your baby be the guide; wait a week, or two, or more. I am a bit passionate about this area, since it can be tough, and I know what was modeled for me by my family made it tough for me to change my understanding of how this all works, but trust me, it's worth it! Forgive my passion, I promise, not pushiness, just passion! And maybe you already know all of this:
I highly recommend a book called "Child of Mine - Feeding with Love and Good Sense," by Ellen Satter. Barnes & Noble & Borders usually have it in stock. She is awesome! and describes how children will let you know when they are ready, and how also, feeding is a sweet conversation between the feeder and the provider: food is offered, child leans forward and/or opens mouth, mom puts spoon in mouth in "answer" to the request, and so on and so forth. The healthier "communication" you have early on and every day with food, the better and healthier eater your son will be. Since food is such an area of control for a child, and really, should be in a way, it's vital we respect their need to control, to be "in charge." Don't hold his hands down to shove in the food! Please! Can you imagine his experience in that?
Basically, we provide the what, the where and the when, and kids provide the 'if' (as in, if any food is eaten), and how much. Be patient! - this philosophy will pay HUGE dividends as you allow your child to have a choice in food, and don't stress about how much or if your child eats. They WILL eat enough. And snacks, bottles, breastfeeding (if you are) and other meals come regularly, so, no worries, really. REALLY.
Also, please remember that at this age, the ONLY purpose of solids it to get the hang of eating. THE ONLY PURPOSE. Filling him up, providing extra iron, etc, will gradually happen as he accomplishes more food milestones. Every child wants to grow up, and "accomplish" good eating skills. We just have to set some good, safe parameters, and allow them to thrive! (ie - too much milk will fill them up later on (10-12mos), so they'll be less likely to try to new foods, so, take your child's tendencies into consideration in terms of timing of milk, etc.).
Hope this finds you well and that you continue to enjoy this new area of "conversation" with your sweet little boy! Before you know it, he'll be signing or squealing for "More, mommy! More!"
