my son is almost 7 months old. hes recently discovered that he can feed himself. every bottle, he readily grabs the bottle with a killer grip lol. try and get that thing away from him, and you'll get it. my mother in law was over for the first time since hes acquired this new skill. she proceeded to tell my husband NOT to let him feed himself, as she thought it was cruel. he responded by saying she was being ridiculous. we're young parents, so she tends to be critical of our parenting techniques. we dont let him cry unnecesarily in his crib because hes not tired yet, we let him have his alone time "in a babyproofed space obviously) because we believe in learning independence. our techniques have worked for us. we have an amazing son. he only cries when he needs something (why we dont let him cry as a teaching method). we completely disagree with her. she says she never let her kids feed themselves. obviously, we're doing things our way but i want to know the opinions of others on this
2007-11-27 14:35:15 · 19 answers · asked by raspberry 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I would say if he wants to hold his own bottle, let him, From everything you described you and your baby seem to be fine and I would politely tell your mother in law (or tell your husband to) that you guys and your baby are very happy and that you want to do things your way. basically mind her own buisness but in a nice way. hes your baby, tell her to remember that.
2007-11-27 14:48:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of mothers go through this. You are in no way wrong for having your own ideas on how to raise your child. The fact that you actually have strong ideas about certain things shows a lot of maturity and parenting instinct. Keep doing things your way, that will be best in the end!
And seriously, I have never heard anyone suggest a baby shouldn't be allowed to feed himself! That is really crazy! He learned a new skill and wants to practice and use it...what harm could letting him feed himself possible cause?
2007-11-27 14:55:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's okay as long as he can hold the bottle himself! It's not like your propping the bottle up because you are too lazy to hold it. If he wants to hold it, I say let him! And, if you believe in your parenting methods, more power to you!!! Don't let anyone else tell you how to raise your child!
I have a feeling I am going to have the same problem with my in-laws. My mother-in-law picked out the nursery theme and bought everything so I wouldn't have a choice. My father-in-law tries telling me where things need to be in my house...to "make me more comfortable" even though I think the way I have it set up would be much more convenient for myself since I am the one who will be taking care of my child!
Sorry for the rant, anyway, good luck!
2007-11-27 14:43:02 · answer #3 · answered by Mikey's Mommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the above post. Have two different bowls. Make one in a higher or less easy to reach place, so the kids wont go near it. This is the easiest compromise, and you will both be happy. By the way, I forgot to add, you can even keep the punch somewhere not everyone will know about. This way your family wont even know it is there, but it will still be available for people who do want it.
2016-05-26 04:29:17 · answer #4 · answered by viva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she still feed your husband? Or is he now allowed to do it on his own?
I am sorry but that is the stupidest thing I have heard yet. How else does a baby learn and grow?
You sound like good parents that know what you are doing. Praise your son for being so accomplished!
2007-11-27 14:50:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Do you what YOU feel is right. Its your child. She raised hers and she needs to realize that she is just grandma. I had a disagreement with my mother in law also. We were just starting to spoon feed my son and he was doing rather well. And hubby and I left him there for a weekend bc it was our first anniversary and my birthday. And I had left him some food. Well I knew he wasn't going to eat it all. Well when we got there. I looked in the fridge and it was ALL gone. I had told her NOT to put it in his bottle. She fed him that the first night in his bottle. I was so mad. I ended up not leaving my son there until he was eating more solids. I feel your pain hun. I honestly do.
2007-11-27 14:46:15 · answer #6 · answered by Deborah P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if your son is holding his own bottle you should try to hold him during feedings for bonding and to make sure the bottle is staying upright enough to prevent ear infections and excess gas.
However if your son doesn't tolerate being held during feedings ultimately you have to do what he wants. There is absolutely no point in making a child scream because you are holding them.
2007-11-27 14:42:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 0⤋
The way I see it if he can feed himself and wants too then let him. How you and your husband bring him up is none of her business. As long as he is happy and healthy there shouldn't be anything for her to worry about.
2007-11-27 16:02:14 · answer #8 · answered by banditqueen1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is fine for your baby to hold his own bottle - especially if that is what he likes to do - as long as you are holding him while he is doing it. Don't leave him sitting alone with the bottle. Don't leave him alone with a drink till he is old enough to have a sip cup.
2007-11-27 14:56:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your doing a fine job with your baby and I would not defend or explain my parenting to anyone including my mother in law. Just laugh at her and ignore it. Life is to short to get stressed over non-sense.
2007-11-28 03:56:24 · answer #10 · answered by Kat G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋