10 month old - what is going on?

[SarahOxon]

My DS had a slow start to weaning but then got the idea at around 7 months and started to eat good quantities at every meal time, opening his mouth for the spoon etc. His milk intake went down to three bottles a day, he slept better at night - all was well. Then he was ill for a few days about a fortnight ago and since then he been so contrary. He will only eat breakfast (and evn then not much), is back to guzzling milk and refuses to entertain being spoon fed at any other point of the day. It doesn't matter what is on the spoon because he just tries to grab it and throw it or whip his head away. He never finds out what's on offer. He now and then can be tempted with a bit of finger food but most lands on the floor and he screams for milk. Anyone else experienced this sudden change in feeding pattern?

Bumping...

If the glands are up in his neck, he may be finding it hard to swallow any sort of lumps.

Is he teething? In which case he may have sore gums and generally be miserable.

He may even be demanding independence with feeding - messy, but he's got to learn spoon control sooner or later!

My DS1 did this, similarly after being ill, we just perservered and let him feed himself as much as he wanted. Things were soon back to normal.

could he be tempted if he was allowed his own spoon at the same time? does sound a bit like he is testing you! but then my dd is much more difficult with food at teething periods too so perhaps its that. do you give a bit of water with the meal? sometimes dd likes a sip before starting her meal (dry mouth??)

lots could be happening and we can just guess at them.

at 10 mos my dd wanted her own spoon eventhough she still gagged at lumps. so one spoon for me and one for her and it worked.

also they see food as another interesting learning material. and it is so break out the floor wipes.

also dd, dh and i came down with what must have been the same bug that had all of us feeling not our selves for two full weeks - not like dh to feel like this at all. dd's appetite was gone for at least 2 wks. maybe your ds had something similar?

also, refusing food may be a way to let their digestive tract mend from an illness so don't get too upset about it. who knows. he will eat though. these things never happen in a straight line like we wish it did.

If he is still happy to have a lot of milk, don't sweat it. Just keep calmly offering food (finger and/or spoon) and don't worry if it is rejected, provided the milk still goes down well. He'll come back to it when he is ready / feeling better.

Thanks. NorksBride you may be right that he is interested in spoon control. He loves playing with them but doesn't attempt to get any food with it. Equally, all attempts at me with spoon him with spoon are met with utter resistance. Today, has eaten 1) LOADS of milk 2) about a centimetre worth of cheese sandwich. Am holding onto fluffyanimal's philosophy!!

My dd (just 10 mths) has started refusing ALL food on spoon pretty much - only considers finger food. Is eating much less than she did when I was feeding her (although sharing much more with the carpet - but seems happy enough. I seem to remember ds's appetite tailed off about this age too.
Plus teething is a real option...

My DD (10 months) is at the same stage. She prefers finger foods especially if it is off our plates and will only take a spoon if I let her hold her own. I give her a loaded spoon and sometimes she lets me guide it in her mouth or she just waves it about. I can usually get a couple of spoonfuls in while she's distracted. At least he's taking his milk so don't worry.