I am fostering twin 11 month old boys and a 27 month old. I've only had them for 5 weeks. One of the twins is very fussy, mostly at meal time. I've tried alternating feeding him and his brother, feeding him first, feeding his brother first. i've tried orajel, mylacon, teething rings. It's very ramdom whinning which then turns into loud yelling and eventually real tears. He'll stop a little for a spoonful of food then go right bact to it. Then it will suddenly stop and he will start smiling, laughing, babbling and playing. He use to be more fussy at different times when we first got him but now its consistently at lunch and dinner, sometimes breakfast.
Thanks for all the great responses. Since his cry didn't sound like he was in pain, I tried something similar to what Claudine wrote. Instead of a bagel, I gave him pieces of sliced bread and he gobbled them up. I think he enjoyed the indepence of feeding himself plus it entertained him and kept him from being so impatient while waiting for the next spoonful. The only time he's been whinning and crying at mealtime is when he wants out of the highchair. Thank you soooo much!!
Maybe he's really hungry and isn't eating as fast as he'd like to. My daughter was like that. If I fed her a little faster she would remain calm. Especially with baby food. They swallow that bite really quickly an are ready for another one. I would give my daughter really quick bites of baby food. When she finished that I would let her self feed the finger foods.
Good luck!
I have an 11 month old going through the same thing. He is starting to cut a tooth again (can kinda see it) so that is part of it but he is a very fussy eater. One day he'll love peas, the next spit them out. I think it is just their need for independence. Lately, i have given him a quarter of a frozen bagel to naw at while I feed him or while he is waiting - that seems to help a lot as it is something that won't break off in his mouth too big and he can feel independent eating a big something.
good luck and thank you for your work! I'm glad there are people like you in the world! :)
I'll bet he's teething or has an ear infection.
The first thing that popped into my head was that mealtime was stressful in his previous situation and so all the feelings come to the surface at that time. When he sees that everything is ok he's happy again.
If that keeps up I would take him to a doctor. Sounds to me like he could be having some issues with his tummy or something. Try checking to see if his stomach is really hard during the times he is whining. May be that he's having some digestive problems, or cramping such as irratable bowel syndrome. Could be a number of things. I would definitely see if it pursists and take him to a doctor.
Wow! This sounds just like my situation right now with my 11 month old. I can't get her to eat anything. She also won't sleep at night and cries and wants to be comforted all night. So, you are not alone. I also would like to hear any responses.
It could be his tummy. Try gripe water and jarodophilous baby probiotics .
do you know if he have a history of food allergies, reflux, physical eating issues ie. digestive problems, intestines etc? i know that if there is a specific food that is causing discomfort while eating that some kids will associate the pain of eating that particular food with eating anything - not just that food. you can google food aversion therapy and there are lots of helpful ideas. this is just one http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/feeding/feeding-hin...
otherwise i would just say it's going to be a battle of wills. good luck!
Poor little guy! Has he been checked for reflux or some other gastrointestinal issue? Sounds like it could have to do with some discomfort when eating. My daughter fussed a lot when eating and turned out that she had reflux – once the reflux was treated, the fussing stopped. I think it is more typical in younger children, and that most outgrow it by 9 months, but it’s something to check.
He could have a food allergy. Common triggers are milk, dairy, wheat, eggs, nuts, etc. Consider doing a food elimination diet and reintroducing the food commonly linked to allergies back in once a week. He also may not have a complete food allergy, but a food intolerance such a dairy. Ask your pedi.
I would pay attention to when you are feeding him. Maybe try to feeding him a little earlier than you normally would. Like 30- 45 mins so that he is not getting hungry enough to holler. Then, when you are feeding his brother, you can give him some finger snacks to munch on and keep him busy.
Otherwise, I would start a food diary (I know, a big fat PITA) but it may narrow down if he is having a reaction to something he is eating.
Good Luck and thank you for your precious work!
I would get him checked put. I saw something like this on discovery health. The kids stomach was messed up and hurt him to eat. He was hungry but it hurt him to eat food. There could be something going on inside that you just don't know about.
