Problems feeding my 12 month son

[Saadia1234]

Hi there, I am a first time mum to a baby boy. I am finding it really tough as I am also struggling with depression and feel really lonely and isolated. My son also doesn't eat three meals a day like my health visitor said he should and he mainly drinks milk. I am really struggling because my son is fussy and spits food out and I lose my temper a lot. I just wish things would be easier. My mum said that when I was younger at that age I only drunk milk so it is nothing to worry about.Is anyone else in the same boat?

They go through stages, try feeding at different levels of hungry mine often wouldn't eat if too hungry so would feed about an hour after bottle.

Also what are you feeding? Avoid whole nuts but otherwise dish up a small portion of what you are eating often food on my plate is much better than food on his plate

Ps I find ignoring the Hv the best plan

Food is fun until one and then after one 3 meals a day what happens on their birthday does a switch suddenly change

Your mum is right and I would not pay too much to the health visitor as sometimes they have set ideas about what children should be doing at different ages when really we are all individuals.

Hi I totally agree that the health visitor has set ideas and we are all individuals. She has scared me by saying that too much milk can cause anaemia and other health problems. But what am I supposed to do when he doesn't eat food properly and he is crying because he needs feeding. I can't leave my baby hungry and crying. I wish this problem with feeding would end. I am so exhausted.

They go through the stages in their own time OP I wouldn't worry too much, could you try and cut down his milk so he would be hungry enough to eat what's put in front of him? Or water the milk down?

I also found it much easier to give DS (14 months) the same as what I'm having. I'd make him something and he'd just want what's on my plate.

What about introducing milky foods like cereals that have been soaked so aren’t crispy. Would he eat that.

I would forget his age and just try to wean based on what he will eat. He may well pick up on your feeling upset and frustrated so don’t make a big thing about it if he refuses.

Only offer very small amounts do that it’s not overwhelming and praise praise praise if only a tiny mouthful gets eaten.

We eat to sustain ourselves but for an infant you can add the fun element by using colourful cutlery and bowls.

You could try distraction by feeding in front of the tv.

Babies and children are very strong willed and if they sense you are trying to make them do something they often refuse!

Use a teddy or other toy and set a place for teddy and pretend to feed teddy. One for teddy, one for baby etc.

I was a very fussy eater as an infant and now I’m old so please don’t fret too much at the moment as it’s still early days.

Hi, Yes you are right, babies pick up if I am feeling distressed and anxious. I do give him cereals in cows milk which he eats but he doesn't eat much fruit or vegetables. I could cut down his milk so he eats more food. He likes rice. I was told to keep persevering in giving him food but I get fed up easily. I do distract him with the TVs or give him a toy to play with. I get jealous of other mums who manage to get their babies to eat everything they give them and they are not struggling like I am. I am just wondering are their other mums out there who are going through what I am going through?

Never compare yourself to other mums or your child to anyone else’s.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things

I put this into google and got lots of threads so you are definitely not alone in this matter

mumsnet fussy one year old