I can't seem to get my daughters dinner time on a regular schedule. Some days she decides she wants to eat other days she nibbles. She loves to feed herself she'll eat her fruit, and her snacks; but when it comes to dinner time it is a whole different story. She plays and spits her food out. Any sugggestions from anyone on how you handled this situation? I know all babies are not the same, she's not under weight sometimes I feel like I'm doing something wrong.
2006-07-11 17:18:45 · 12 answers · asked by Lil's Mommy 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
WOW! Your eight month old is already feeding herself? That is a HUGE accomplishment in itself. It sounds great that she has favorites. As for a set dinner time, yes all babies are different and she may not be as hungry at that time of day. Whatever you do, don't make a battle of it- it could cause eating issues later in life. They really know what they need. I have a 21 month old and he doesn't have much of an appetite in the morning. He is quite tall and thin, but we followed APA recommendations to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then slowly began adding in foods.
If you are really wanting her to have a "meal" I guess you could offer less snacks, but that isn't much good for the baby, just more convenient for the parent. Since our son doesn't have a huge appetite, we sometimes give him a pedisure. But don't do that until your daughter is one, and you have talked to her doctor.
Your daughter sounds perfect, there are way too many obese infants today due to parents force feeding and non stop formula feeding. Keep up the good work!!
2006-07-11 17:28:44 · answer #1 · answered by VANESSMC99 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well first i would need to know what time you are feeding her the snacks and if they are within 2 hrs of her dinner i would make snack time earlier so she is more hungry at dinner. from past experience with my own children i have found that children will eat when they are hungry and her only being 8 months old i would not worry to much about anything, you said she is not underweight or anything.. Babies go through many growing spurts in their first yr. and sometimes she will eat and eat and others she will just pick.. Just keep attempting to feed her dinner so she stays on a schedule of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.. but i would not worry to much about this. My children at that age always ate breakfast at about 8am, then at about 10 had a morning bottle, then at about 1 i fed them lunch, and at about 2 they got a juice bottle or snack, then dinner at 6 and a night time bottle before bed.. maybe you could try a schedule like that with her...
2006-07-12 00:29:46 · answer #2 · answered by sassy_girl200501 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her eat when she wants to eat. I have a 9 1/2 month old and she has a very healthy appetite. Her dinner varies too, anywhere form 530 to 730. But the point is that i get it in her. it is good that she at least does that action of feeding herself, whether or not she spits it out, the fact of that matter is that she does it, or tries to anyway, LOL
2006-07-12 00:26:09 · answer #3 · answered by harrio84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's kind of hard to expect an 8 month old to eat constistantly. If it really bothers you, grab a multivitamin for kids under a year, and *poof* worries gone.
Your kid is just normal. What's missing but a few tablespoons of cereal and some fruit? Your kid will eat when hungry and that's it. Continue to offer it, though, because there are those growth spurt days when she'll eat everything!
2006-07-12 04:41:35 · answer #4 · answered by mithril 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told to worry about what my baby eats over a two week period and let the day to day routine work itself out....I have 3 boys 10, 8 and 4 all well fed, all healthy they even make great food choices (for the most part) Relax you're being a real Mummy :)
2006-07-12 00:26:33 · answer #5 · answered by verybusymummy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope..very normal. My son's pediatrician recommended not giving too many choices at dinner time - only 2 foods - that way, they get used to that food's flavor and texture, and will also not have a choice about what NOT to eat. She'll eat if shes hungry whether she likes the food or not!
2006-07-12 02:07:12 · answer #6 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is she snacking too much before meals?
anyways, my father always told me that when they get hungry, they will eat. do not worry about it. they will eat until they are full. don't give them options at dinner if they do not eat wat's on their plate then they must not be hungry. but don't be like "would you rather have this?" or "do you want to have some of this instead?" if they wake up in the middle of the night and say that they are hungry just give them some milk.
but it's true::: whenever a child is hungry, they will eat.
2006-07-12 00:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by Pearlz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think an 8 month old can be a picky eater lol. Everything is so new. My son has phases like one week he loves something next wont touch it. Doctor told me it was normal just to give him what he wants. You cant spoil a baby at 8 months. What is most important is getting them nourished
2006-07-12 00:27:14 · answer #8 · answered by Rachel J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
babies are naturally picky eaters, their tastes will change and they will be hungry sometimes and not at other times. Try to stick to a regular feeding schedule and work in new foods, look for favorites and go around that.
2006-07-12 00:23:29 · answer #9 · answered by Kiko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your little angel is not underweight and is nibbling on healthy foods, she is probably just fine. You would be surprised just how much food is actually being eaten. And just to let you know that feeling of doing something wrong never goes away. My kids are much older and I still question my choices. Just follow your instincts and if you have to, ask for advice. Good luck
2006-07-12 00:27:34 · answer #10 · answered by eeyoreshunni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋