weaning from baby food cans to real food
My 36 month old toddler is extremely resistive to trying new foods and now refuses to eat all canned baby food that isn't pale in colour, meaning we're down to the chicken and tuna pasta/rice flavours only. He rarely agrees to try new things, won't even taste them, just closes his eyes and turns his face to the side. Doesn't help that he has a seriously delayed speech development and can't tell us what he does and doesn't like, or what he does or doesn't want to eat or drink. I know I need to cut down on milk but it can be quite expensive making little meals just for him, only to have him refuse them on sight. Sometimes he's willing to try our food (we eat quite late at night so he can't join us fo the meal) but it's rare. Any suggestions?
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My little dude went through
My little dude went through this also, seemed to show an intense dislike for just about everything. I eventually found that he was responding to eating alone as we frequently don't get to eat until bub goes to bed. It was suggested to me that if a child does not observe mealtime behaviour from his parents, how will they learn what is normal? Why would they try food they haven't seen you eating?
I quickly instigated regular mealtimes for us all in the evenings, and lo and behold he would only eat what we ate - big boys food. Suddenly I have a 20 mth old baby who enjoys mealtimes! Maybe you could give it a try and see if it helps, as at 3 years old, these pre-packaged infant foods do not contain enough nutritional content to support his growth and energy requirements.
Another idea is to get creative and turn nutritional meals into finger food. Some babies just hate the idea of being fed, and relish independence, but cant do the cutlery thing (like spooning sloppy jar foods) There are lots of things you can make in massive batches, and freeze in tiny portions. That way if he turns up his nose, you can wait a week or two and try again. Persistance is the key! A really easy, freezer friendly meal we use is the Heinz Dinosaur pasta, and home-made bolognese sauce. The dinos are finger or fork sized, so he can give both a try, and meal can be used for Mum and Dad too! (minus dinos!)
I really hope some of this helps, it's horrible to feel helpless at dinner times, I know!
I have to say Coopsmum gave
I have to say Coopsmum gave some really good advice there! Spot on really. My Tahlia was never a fussy eater (think an 8 yr old who loves smoked salmon, tofu and sushi, not to mention the wheatgrass..ew) however, my little niece who i have over on a weekend basis, is a VERY fussy little one, and we found spag bol a huge hit with her, as she refuses to eat vegies, we "hide" them, purreed in hamburger patties. She wont eat any other fruit than bananas so i make "special" juices and dont let her know what i have put inside. However, Yazzie is now 6, and im not her mum, im her aunt, although i have tried to help the best i can persistence needs to be constant, and her mum was not persistent in getting her to try new things. While he is still at an experimental age,keep trying, dont give up! Your child wont like to be hungry for too long, and if he sees you and your family with a similar dinner, he will be curious.If you can get him curious about what you are having,that may make him interested to try the same. Also you can try to involve him in minor tasks of the food prep... Kids love to help, and he will probably be more inclined to try something he has "helped" to cook. Be very encouraging and give him lots of praise,and also ask him what he would like to make for dinner...Give him one night of the week where he can choose the meal and help you prepare it... Fresh food with a little one his age is really the best way to go, and at 3yrs old there are so many textures and flavours for him to enjoy! It may very well be that he has simply tired of canned food, as there isnt as much variety,or flavour to it, and thats what children love... Im sure you and your family can come up with a suitable time for you all to sit and eat dinner together, as its a problem for my hubby (he works late) i eat with the girls, and his is waiting in the nuke for when he gets home! Good luck with it all...