my 11 months old won't eat...HELP!

[Momo24]

My 11 month old ds was a really good eater until the last 6 or so weeks when become ill with the flu. Since then he has been refusing to eat anything has just been living off milk. It doesn't matter what I offer him, he either has a small taste and then shakes his head or outrightly rejects the food without even tasting it. I've taken him to the GP who says that kids do this apparently and he will start eating on his own, but I'm really concerned as there hasn't been much improvement. I've tried everything I can think of - offering different types of food, taking him out of the high chair and feeding him sitting on my lap, letting him play with the food and spoon, trying to feed him while he's playing...

Not sure what else I can do. Is this normal? How can I get him back to enjoying eating?! HELP pls.

It got to the stage with my daughter after she had the Winter vomiting bug and wouldn't eat, that I'd eat my dinner on my lap and she'd help herself to what she wanted. She seemed to eat more that way! I'd have CBeebies on in the background to distract her so she could wander back and forth to my plate as I sat on sofa. Seemed to make it less daunting/ threatening for her.

I basically cooked all the things I knew she used to love and sometimes she'd eat them and sometimes not. It took ages before she got back to her usual self.

I know that doesn't help much but it will get better in the end. Hope some other lovely mumsnetter comes along with some more top tips for you x

Thanks for your advice teaandcakeplease. Other babies I know ds' age eat pretty well come rain or shine so I've been feeling like a bit of a failure lately. Its reassuring to know that he will get better - fingers crossed!!

Will see if tv helps catch his attention but if anyone has any other tips please let me know

Thanks again x

Have their children been as ill as yours though? It really does knock their confidence on food.

I am sure some other mumsnetter will see this and have some more ideas. Try bumping it tonight once all the little ones are in bed x

Were you giving any finger food, I seems to remember my DS was still putting his toys in his mouth all the time so maybe the odd snack when he is on the go might work?

I always find it takes my DS quite a while after being ill to get his appetite back properly again and he often goes through phases of just not wanting to eat. Don't feel like a failure though - I always compare my DS to children who seem to clear their plates in seconds whatever they are given too, but just because your DS doesn't that doesn't make you a failure at all!
I always find when I try to relax about it a bit it gets better, just giving him little plates with lots of various bits and bobs on it for him to choose from, breadsticks, cheese cubes, grapes etc., he'll come and have a nibble then you can feel like he has at least had something. Is he drinking lots of milk and water still?

Thanks everyone, he is getting a bit better but still hasnt managed to finish a whole meal. I guess I can't expect too much too quickly right? I've tried the finger food advice and after messingabout with the food DS does eventually put it in his mouth. Its better than nothing, well thats what I keep telling myself!

And yes, I've stopped comparing him to children who finish everything. It was driving me round the bend.

Hope all your babies are well. I think I offically hate the winter now

xxxx