I Year Old Refuses to Eat Table Foods!

My son was the same way. He turns 2 tomorrow and still isn't good at biting off a piece of hot dog or what ever food it is. I have to cut everything up for him. Don't worry, just let Caleb go at his own pace. Look at it this way. He is getting his veggies, hidden in the jar.

I wouldn't worry about it too much just yet, especially if you already know he's the type to do things at his own pace. I still give my 3 year old baby food sometimes because she'll eat it - she has a rather limited repertoire of food and hates the textures of regular fruit, meat, and some other foods. I figure she'll grow out of it eventually. I still offer when I have the chance, but don't push.

My daughter is almost 2 and on a good day, if I'm lucky and she's in a good mood, I *might* be able to get her to try something new. If you know of anyone who is slightly older and your son looks up to them, invite them for dinner. My daughter refused to try apples until she saw our neighbor's daughter eat one. Then she had to have one exactly like that. She wouldn't take pieces, so I gave her the whole apple, thinking I'd eventually have to cut it up, but she surprised me and ate the whole thing. Although I watched her to make sure she wouldn't choke.

Don't panic. One years old is not that old so as to worry about his eating habits. I agree that you should try mashing or blending your own foods for him in the next couple monthes. If he wont eat your own home made baby food, try blending it with a store bought baby food that he does like that is similar to the one you want him to eat.

L. T

Oh I so know what you are going thru. My lil one is 14 months old now and she is so picky sometimes. She does not like any fruit that is in pieces cause it is too slimy for her-so I usually just mix up some stage 2 fruit in with her yogurt or oatmeal. She loves cheese but many days most of her food ends up on floor. I am going to try those mashed potatoes with some vegetables and meat and cheese blended together and put on top of it. Many days I feel like pulling out my hair after trying to get her to eat. I am just telling myself to be patient and keep trying. At least I know now I am not the only one going crazy and about to tie her down just to get some food in her mouth-lol. Good luck! Keep me posted on any food that is working for you.

Oh boy, do I know what you're going through! I feel like my daughter will never eat table foods...at least not the ones I want her to eat! She only likes crackers, cheese, tortillas, and grapes. Trying anything new is out of the question most of the time. If I put something new out, she just stares at it with a yucky look and then fusses at me until I give her something she likes. She also gags on stage 3 foods....a lot of kisd do because it's confusing. They're used to just swallowing food from a jar and the pieces just throw them off.

One trick I have heard is to crush up cheerios or crackers in a baggie, then put the food you want in and shake so the food gets covered. It's a good suggestion if your son has a an aversion to slimy foods. Good luck and pass on any info that works for you! My best advice is to just keep offering it and when he's ready, he'll surprise you and just eat it.
Good luck and God bless,
J.

Hi L.
I have twin boys and one of them refused to eat table foods. Don't give up! Keep offering different types of food. For some reason, fresh fruit worked best. Just be careful with choking. Also, my daughter did not like stage 2 foods at all. She went right to table food. He will get there. If not, don't worry. If he's hungry, he will eat. I would talk to your pediatrician though. By the way, all 3 of my children are great eaters now. They love fruit and vegetables!

L.,
I have an 18 month old who still refuses to even try anything beyond a smooth texture. My advice is to keep trying. It can very frustrating, especially if you are like me, and watch your friends children eat everything that is put in front of them. A few foods that my little one finally began eating were bananas, gerber graduates ravioli, jello, oatmeal, pears, mandarin oranges and toast. I began giving my daughter toast every day, cut into small pieces. Even if she just played with it, it gave her an understanding of new textures. I didn't mind wasting a loaf of bread, just to get her used to the idea. Eventually, she began to eat small bites off the toast, and now every once in awhile, an entire piece makes it in her mouth! Another mom on this site, gave me advice to give her veggie chips. That texture and flavor has also helped her discover new textures. I can only find the veggie chips at Tom Thumb and Central Market. Keep trying, and remember, it may be a slow process, but eventually, when your little one is ready, he will try new things. Good luck!

He could be sensory sensative and just not like the texture. I would just hold out for a while and try again later he might change his mind soon.

AJ