Crying at teatime?

[joy56]

Hi there. I'm really struggling with my little boy who goes into meltdown just before tea time. I've tried to give finger food just beforehand to keep him happy but he literally screams his way through the whole meal. I have resorted to playing nursery rhymes very loudly which helps a bit as a distraction but tbh, I'm fed up with row row row your boat at top volume.

Incidentally, by the time we've struggled through his main meal he's ok for his pudding and happier afterwards.

I'm not sure there's anything I can actually do but wondered if anyone else has had the same experience and if so, when it gets better. He's 8 months old. Thanks
J

is he knackered? in the early days of weaning my DD was often all in by 5pm-tea-time - really only wanted quiet cuddling etc before bedtime - the high chair made her roar.

I wouldn't push eating if he's really screaming - doesn't seem worth it. maybe try moving tea-time earlier - or make sure he gets his solids at other mealtimes and then re-visit tea-time in a couple of weeks.

I'd second him potentially being tired? What time is teatime?

Does he cry with the finger foods too? At other mealtimes?

Would also suggest tiredness.. sounds like my nearly 8mo dd today - she didn't have a nap this afternoon (normally has half hour or so) so had mega tantrum when I first put her in high chair. I think all she wanted to do was sleep but got worked up to start with and calmed down when she actually realised she was hungry - through the tantrum.

If he is fine at other meals you could try seeing if he'll nap in the afternoon for a bit or even just "chill" so he's not too worked up. Or as valbona says try moving tea time or leave it for a while. You could also try him with with finger food (if you haven't already) as he's maybe getting to the age where he wants to do it himself?

good luck!

oh sorry just re-read the beginning of your post - so ignore my comment on finger food!
another suggestion - is he thirsty, does he have water with his meal or are you bf? You could try giving him some water/ bf/ formula beforehand if you are just before to see if that helps. I guess babies are still working out what is hunger and what is thirst!

really good advice thank you. ive started 10 or so mins earlier which is helping and am offering water beforehand too. i think it def is tiredness but maybe a combination of these other factors too. thanks for your help. x