hungerstrike or ready for self feeding?

Question

I have a 12 mos old son, who has no previous history for feeding problems. He BF, drinks expressed BM from a bottle and he eats homemade baby food as well as commercial ones. We went on an overseas trip and have to deal with a 9h jetlag since Wednesday. Ever since the plane trip he refused drinking from the bottle or straw cup and he does not want to eat any food offered from the spoon.
I offered the same kinds of food and even cooked food for him.
All he would eat is Gerber puffs, chunks of bread and shreds of chicken or meat off our dinnerplates. He does not act different otherwise, but this has me worried a lot since I feel he is not eating as much as he usually does (he wets his diapers, but does not do a number 2). He only accepts BF otherwise.
I was attributing this change to the new environment and I already tried to stay consistent with where he eats and who is feedign him, but so far no luck.
Is this a sign that he is ready for selfeeding or is this just the jetlag? Help!

Thanks for the great suggestions so far. He eats bite sized cheese, chicken and breadcrubs as well as Gerber puffs. Will try some meat, peas, corn, egg scrable, button mushrooms and little fruit. I hope this is a short phase only...

Answer 1

Yes, your motherly instincts are right, he's trying to let you know he wants to be more independent. I know is so messy, but give him a very small amount of baby food in a bowl and give him a spoon. Also, offer lots of finger foods for him. Whatever you are having for dinner, just cut it up into small chunks and give it to him.
As for the refusal of liquids, offer him a sippy cup with milk or water--no juice--and continue to offer at each meal and snacktime. Don't hold it for him, just put it in front of him, he'll get the hang of it.

Answer 2

I have a 13 months old son, and know that sometimes he goes through phases. Some days he won't let us feed him, so what I'll do is put his meal in front of him on his high chair, and he gets a utensil and I'll have one. I fill up his utensil and he tries to get it into his mouth. Initially, we would guide it into his mouth, but he's gotten pretty good. When he's busy stirring up his food, I will attempt to put a spoon full in his mouth.
Set him up with a bib and see if he'll feed himself. I would also try a lot of little meals throughout the day.
He might be tired from the travel, so give him a few days to adjust, and he should be fine.
You're a good mom for caring. He'll be fine. If he's eating anything (puffs, chicken, etc), that's a good sign.

Answer 3

My little girl wont take anything from a spoon (unless she is holding the spoon). She wont even let me feed her icecream! She refuses baby food. So, she eats what I eat. I just cut really chewy things like steak into little bites. She manages everything else pretty well. It is sad and happy at the same time, but he is ready to move on!

Answer 4

Travelling may have constipated him a little (think how YOU'RE feeling after sitting for 9 hours!) Perhaps a stool softener is needed.

Best wishes for the rest of your trip!

Answer 5

let him go for it. my kids (twins) went through a similar thing .they were 1 week shy of a year old. it was Thanksgiving. we gave them a small plate with traditional American Thanksgiving feast food. they ate some of it, but after that they had to do it and, well, forget the bottle, baby food and an adult feeding them.

Answer 6

My son did this too. He was growing and ready for self feeding. Good luck!

Answer 7

Talk to your doctor, you'll feel better, maybe hes become a picky eater?