15 mo ds still struggling with finger food

[startouchedtrinity]

My ds has a v. sensitive gag reflex. Up until recently he was a very sicky baby, but that has got better. However, he is still struggling to eat anything but the smoothest of purees. I tried introducing texture in his mush but he vomits it up. I've tried finger foods - at first he vomited these too but now he will have a chew on something like a biscuit or an Organix puff, and he has even had a go at a bit of toast, but once he's pulped it it comes back out. The lovely veggies, cheese and fish that go in his puree he won't even put in his mouth but just chucks straight on the floor - he loves them in his mush though. He is happy to feed himself his puree with fingers and a spoon.

I don't know what to do, I am so fed up with pureeing two meals a day, but more importantly I am worried about his developement. He is putting on weight okay so I don't think he has an allergy. Tia!

[Isababel]

HAve you talked to your doctor? Wonder if there is something that can be done to help me him with the gag reflex.

[startouchedtrinity]

Thank you. He also has a tongue tie and my GP just says to leave well alone. My hv is getting concerned about his developement but doesn't have any solutions other than keep on trying.

[Habbibu]

Can you ask to get referred to a paediatric speech and language therapist? They're experts in swallowing, and may be able to offer some advice.

[startouchedtrinity]

Thanks for your reply. The GP did say that he could be referred to a speech expert at a later date, but the thing is his 'speech' is actually pretty good - he can make most sounds and says a few words - the latest being tickle! So I don't know if they'd actually be all that chuffed about us turning up.

[Isababel]

Well, the fact is that you need help with the swallowing not with the speech and if the same person can offer advice on both, surely there shouldn't be a problem if you just use one part of their expertise?

Unfortunately, GPs are not exactly specialised in children development milestones, I would try to get a second opinion or try to get a referal for a paediatrician who may have more experience in cases like this. I'm sorry but you would expect those problems swallowing in a 5-6 m old baby, but not in one that is 15m old.

[startouchedtrinity]

I think you may be right. I am so worried they will want to snip his tongue tie.

[startouchedtrinity]

Okay, ds had some Organix alphabet biscuits at breakfast time and definitely chewed and swallowed the lot. So it is more a case of getting him to eat 'proper' food and not just processed stuff. Does anyone have any ideas?