Trouble eating cereal and fruits

We started DS on oatmeal and fruits about a month ago, but since then he doesn't really want it. I tried giving to him before a bottle, after a bottle, in the middle of that time frame, nothng works.

He clenches his gums on the spoon and will not open his mouth. DH had to do a dance and sing to him while I shoved food in his mouth while he wasn't paying attention the other night. (Quite a sight I must say ).

DS went to the doctor and they said that DS should be eating 2-4 tablespoons of cereal twice a day. Right now I'm lucky if I can get 1 down him. Any ideas on how to get him to eat more?

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

How old is he?

I would just keep trying. DS hated cereal when we first started trying and I think it probably took a full month before he really started to accept solids and enjoy them.

Until they are a year old, they should be getting their nutrition from formula/BM anyway. Solids are just practice for eating.

I say just keep at it! he'll get there eventually.

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

Just keep trying and don't worry that much about how much he is getting.
He's getting 99% of his nutrients from the formula/BM anyway.

I've read that it can take up to 15 times on one food for a baby to actaully start eating it.

ETA: Is he eating any fruits yet? If he is, put a little on the spoon w/ the cereal.
Maybe you can try rice cereal instead? He might like it better than the oatmeal.

Message edited 3/26/2009 10:11:24 AM.

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

He's 5 months old. I've tried applesauce, peaches, bananas, all with and without oatmeal. He makes that funny 'yucky' face, then clenches shut.

See, that is what I believed that 99% of the nutrition was from the formula, but the doctor made me when she said that he needs the oatmeal bc that it where he gets his iron. I thought he got iron from the forumla.

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

I wouldn't worry about. That stuff is nasty.

My sister never ate baby food, all out refused, so my parents gave her little bits of table food.

He is getting his nutrition from the formula

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

Posted by KateDevine

I wouldn't worry about. That stuff is nasty.

My sister never ate baby food, all out refused, so my parents gave her little bits of table food.

He is getting his nutrition from the formula

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

my ped said the same thing about the iron - but truthfully i don't worry, because i know he is getting all his nutrition from the formula.

there are days where DS barely gets any solids because we are out and about. i would just keep offering it. DS has days where he wants no part of it, and days where he gobbles it up.

i would definitely do it before a bottle to make sure he in hungry but don't force it (not that you were! )

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

My DD hates it..makes her really fussy but i am dealing with allergies..so, i tried veggies, not a go so we went to pears and bananas and she is doing great! I talked to the GI about it and he told me that they tolerate the fruits and veggies better sometimes..i was trying to mix fruit for awhile too in it and it was just a no go..lol..she is picky, ugh..
now, she is taking a jar a day and it really helps her out..she is double her birth weight at 4 months and eats like a maniac..they told me i could start her on fruits and veggies but hold off on protein until 6 months...

BTW-GI doc told me that sometimes the cereals can be tougher on the bowels and my DD was a pooping mess, lol..she just got constipated..we mixed prunes and that helped a bit..

Message edited 3/26/2009 8:56:37 PM.

Re: Trouble eating cereal and fruits

My DS is just over 4 months and my ped told us yesterday we can start on solids now. She said that after two weeks of trying if he still isn't wanting/getting it off the spoon he might not be ready. Maybe he's not ready yet?

There are many peds that don't even recommend it til 6 months, so maybe take a little break and then go back to it?