i have a 16month old daughter that is scared to swallow solid foods?

Question

she shows that she is really into eating it but then she spits it out after she grinds it with her teeth do you think that its a problem and i should talk to a doctor or give her time and just keep mashing her food?

Answer 1

It sounds like she could have an oral aversion of some type. It's very common in preemies (my daughter was a preemie too) but not unheard of in full term children as well. The first step would be to mention it to the pediatrician. He/she could make a recommendation for you to have her go to a specialist. In the meantime; you could also contact your local Early Intervention Office and request an evaluation. The eval is free and they'd send over a Speech/Language Pathologist (who works with oral aversions and swallowing difficulties as well as actual speech). Should your daughter qualify for services, they are free as well.

I wish you luck in finding answers for your daughter.

Answer 2

Actually, I would stop mashing her food (except for things that should be mashed, of course). I have learned through having a VERY picky younger brother and cousin that the best thing to do is make them eat what is in front of them or not eat at all. She'll get the hint once she gets hungry and has to swallow. Tell her that big girls need to eat big girl foods--I always found that that worked on my babysitting clients. They always wanted to be big girls and boys! Good luck!

Answer 3

definitely talk to your doctor. if she has an oral aversion of any sort she needs to see a therapist about it ASAP. the longer you wait the harder it will be to treat. was she a preemie by any chance? ventilated at birth for any reason? that can sometimes cause oral aversions.

Answer 4

its okay sweety try feeding her nothing.....