Getting 7 Month Old to Eat

Updated on September 14, 2010
K.T. asks from Fitchburg, MA
5 answers

I have a seven month old daughter who has been on solids since she was 5 1/2 months. She never really seemed to want to eat much, no matter what I gave her. She has tried cereal, veggies and fruits. I make all my own baby food. I let her try cherrios about a week ago, and now that's all she'll eat! She'll take maybe 3 or 4 bites of her food, then refuses to eat anymore. Should I be worried? Any ideas?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Columbus on

At 7 months, and up to 1 year, the idea is just to introduce solid food and gradually move toward more textured food (they have to develop the muscle control over time to be able to handle "lumps" and more solid (adult-like) food).

A bite or two is fine--don't force it. Just try to get her to try a spoonful or two. And if she doesn't like it today, try again tomorrow. And keep trying. Most kids have to try some new foods 10 or 12 times before they'll eat it (very frustrating, I know).

If you're making homemade baby food, be sure you are puree it really, really well. And if needed, put it through a fine mess strainer--Some babies, especially at first, really hate any kind of texture or lumps in the puree.

Try not to get too frustrated and keep trying new foods with her. Its a learning process for them, as much as it's an eating process. So its not so much about nutrition as about exposing her to new things. Making your own baby food means you can make literally hundreds of varieties and combinations and things that the store bought brands don't, and it's more tasty & nutritious. Kudos to you for doing it! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Cleveland on

It sounds like she wants more finger foods! I would suggest chucking the purees and getting her more things she can pick up and eat herself! You can get fresh peas and steam them until soft, or roast up some sweet potato and butternut squash and cut into tiny cubes, little pieces of bread really just anything you have on your plate that is firm enough to pick up but still soft enough to mush with her tongue and gums. There is nothing saying your daughter has to eat baby cereal and jarred purees. Just follow her lead and have fun with the food.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

At that age, eating is more about learning & trying. She still gets the bulk of her nutrition from formula or breast milk, so just keep offering things & letting her try stuff.

A.G.

answers from Pocatello on

she's fine. Remember for the first year of life your babies diet should be mostly formula or breastmilk. Baby food is to just teach your baby about chewing and getting used to textures. So if she just likes cheerios thats ok. She will get bored with them soon too and then she will move on to something new.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Boston on

She will not starve - guaranteed. Try different foods and don't worry - they pick up on worry vibes.

I cannot say too much more. Some nasty person on here complained about me on here, when all I said that the parent worries more about putting on an (expensive) party than the child. So if that parent is complaining about that, then I see it as a violation of the freedom of speech and I may no longer be contributing on this site. - I don't care if it is adios. I do not have much time anyway.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions