Weaning. Baby suddenly refusing solids

[applesauce1]

I started weaning my baby at just over 5 months as he showed many signs of readiness. Trying to grab my food, watching us eat, able to sit etc. He initially loved both purées and baby led finger foods. He'd put everything he was offered into his mouth and would give it a good chew. He'd launch himself onto the spoon when offered readybrek or veg purées. His poos were basically solid grownup poos. I was weirdly proud of them, but that's another story.

About a week ago (he's 6.5 months), he started to refuse food. He won't open his mouth for a spoon and just throws finger food straight onto the floor. His poos are back to being runny baby poos. I don't want to force him and make him hate eating, but I know his iron stores are now depleted.

He's breastfed and I feed on demand. I always offer water (he still enjoys this). He will still suck on toast sticks but that's it.

Any ideas as to why my hungry baby is now on hunger strike and what I can do to help him?

It’s probably a very short term phase. My DD stopped eating and I was really worried, and then 4 teeth came through in 3 days. Then she went back to eating normally. Could chewing currently be uncomfortable?

I’d try to avoid making a big deal out of it. Leave some finger food on the plate and see if anything happens, and if it doesn’t, just don’t stress and leave some more food at the next mealtime etc. It’s not unusual for babies to go on short eating strikes.

@crazychemist I did wonder whether it's teething. He has no teeth yet. He's dribbling manically and chews on anything he can get to. I can't see any sign of them in his gums though. I've been giving him calpol when he seems in pain but it doesn't give him pause to eat.

I'm trying not to make a big deal of it, but I can't help but worry.

Bump

Honestly, although I know it’s very worrying, it’s also very normal. It’s not at all unexpected for them to go off solids and it does them absolutely no harm. They are still fine on a mostly/entirely milk diet. Lots of babies haven’t even started eating food at this age.