Feeding issues-has anyone experience fussiness with their baby when introducing solids at 6 + months?

Question

For some reason, my husband and I are having difficulty reading our son during feedings. He does extremely well during the first few bites--opens mouth wide, etc. But, then he starts to make fussy sounds. During fussiness, he continues to open his mouth wide when the spoon is brought to his mouth. But, since he is fussy, it seems like he does not want anymore food, however, he continues to open mouth. I have tried feeding him faster, but this does not help. I also stop feedings when he starts to get fussy, thinking that he is full, but he then cries, making me think he wants to eat more! Has anyone experiened this dual behavior before and/or have any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

hi! My daughter was the exact same way when she was first introduced to solids. The reason she did that was because first of all, she was ruled by hunger and expected an instant fill (which is normal since she had only milk from birth and it always filled her instantly) but for her learning to feed from a spoon and to do it at a pace was a strange concept in the beginning especially. He is not intending to give mixed signals, he is hungry and he wants to feel full instantly. With time he will want you to feed him faster but for now he just needs to get used to the new process. Let him hold his cup or bottle while you feed him, so that he is busy with something. If that doesn't help then offer him a soft finger food. Gerber makes little crackers that are called Fruit Puffs and they disolve in the baby's mouth but have a good flavor. That will keep him busy and also make him feel more secure about this new feeding. Sometimes when my daughter would cry and nothing would calm her (but I still knew she was hungry and had to be fed), I would turn on the TV or turn up the radio and sing to her. When he is like that and fusses then try these things but be sure to stay by his side so that he understands that its time to eat and also its good to sit together and eat together as a family. It makes him feel secure. Also I put my daughter near a big wondow in the kitchen and she still enjoys to look outside while eating.

Answer 2

my sugesstion wuld be get finger foods for yur child....things like hot dogs cut up small....mac & cheese ....things of that sort. see children like to explore and wid finger food thet can try to feed themselves ....it will be messy ..but it will also help them improve their motor skills..once the child is old enuff to do things on its own let him try to feed himself and get is fingers all in da food..its a fun and learning experience for the child