Baby will only eat if he also has a toy

[murphy36]

11m old will literally only eat solids if he has a toy, even when feeding himself.

Is it unusual? If he doesn't have a toy he screams and won't eat

I can sort of see why it might bother or worry you but it's probably fine. What about getting him something like this as it's a toy AND a plate/bowl.

my kids were both the same....I just gave them some random kitchen bits to play with. they grew out of it. We also read stories at the table - that serves a similar purpose in some ways. I really don't think it's an issue personally.

i remember my DS used to have to have a plastic iggle piggle bath toy when he ate. He soon grew out of it.

I stressed about everything and so wished I hadn't. Let him have the toy. He won't need it forever. Is it just at home or at friends or in cafes too?

My dd had to be holding something when she ate at this age, usually I gave her a rice cake or her own spoon. I think they get bored just having food spooned into them!

I used numerous spoons at this age. One for her and one for me and several on standby.

I think it is fine and eases the boredom

DD (12m) is exactly the same - has to have something to play with to be spoon fed, pots with lids, interesting bits of something (metal cafetiere plunger is a big hit at the moment!). I've been worrying about it too - so it's reassuring to hear it does pass. FWIW I think my brother was the same, he's 30 now and eats just fine without a toy