When do they actually start consuming food?!

[Muse84]

So it's early days, 2 weeks into weaning now 24wk old EBF baby

He sucks on sticks of fruit and fruit in those special mesh holders. But let's say out of 100 spoons to mouth, he's actively tried to eat maybe 5. I let him play with food, he gets nice and messy, sucks his hands after, holds spoon etc. and on 2-3 occasions he's been noticeably enjoying (usually sweet fruit). But not repeatable.

I can't imagine him ever consuming enough to replace a milk feed! And it's frustrating because that day's opportunity is over in just 5-10 mins! (I try to pick good times btw eg not too tired, not too full)

I know all babies are very different but I don't want to plod along doing the same thing for weeks, when in fact he should be starting to actively eat. When do I know that I have a picky eater on my hands?!

Ps before I started a HV recommended a weaning clinic to share stories and I thought "ha! How many questions on spooning food into a baby's mouth/handing them sticks of food can i actually have?!"

I like.to think there's some truth to the saying "food is fun until they are one" I started weaning DD when she was about 25/26 weeks but it was more of having her at the table with us at meal times n giving her a bit of what we were having to touch/experiment/play with than it being a meal for her. She didn't really stop dropping some milk feeds for a solid food meal till about 7/8 months

My son was completely on food at 7 months, started at 6 months, but some kids aren't ready till one.

Ah that's good to know thanks! 7-8 months is a long time off! I'll stop being impatient and ensure we're making baby steps in the right direction

It can take a while. Mine’s been weaning about a month and he’s started eating some things but a lot still goes on the floor/all over him. He’s better with finger foods than purees. Some other babies I know are eating loads, other practically nothing.

He's 2 weeks in! And you've weaned earlier than recommended. Honestly, chill out a bit!

My 2 were weaned at 6 months. DC1 had 2 weeks of playing with food and then we went on holiday for 3 weeks and he wasn't interested. We couldn't be bothered, so we abandoned it until we were home and he was around 10 months old before he was properly eating.

DC2 was probably 9-10 months before she was properly interested in food over milk.

It's really early days, he's doing just fine.

It is frustrating and time consuming and messy but it’ll get better eventually!

My kids were 8/9 months old before they had a proper appetite for food. Until then it's all about practicing the tongue movements needed for eating (which helps with speech) and improving fine motor skills (picking stuff up). Their stomachs are the size of their fists so even a tea spoon is a success.

when in fact he should be starting to actively eat.

How ridulcous.

I think as long as you're encouraging as much as possible over the next couple of months they'll be fine.
'Food is fun before one' has now been discredited but two weeks in is still very early!
My DD took to food well and was on three meals at seven months and down to just one milk feed a day by 9.5 months. Most of her NCT baby pals were barely touching food at 8 months probably because they were mainly given purée and no chance to actually eat

We weaned much earlier 20 years ago. My two started solids at 8 or 9 weeks. They were enthusiastic feeders from the start - DD1 was trying to lunge face first into my dinner plate while I was eating, so I gave her a smear of mashed potato on my finger, and was surprised when she hoovered it up and wanted more!
Later when she was 18 months, she wandered over to 9 week old DD2 in her baby chair, and started spooning peach yogurt into the baby’s mouth. DD2 guzzled that up eagerly, too!
They’re both now adults, healthy weights, no allergies, and enjoy a wide range of foods.
I think people worry too much about the whole weaning thing - your baby will eat when it’s ready, and they all eventually learn to manage hands and cutlery etc. Just keep it fun and relaxed, and offer a good variety.

My two started solids at 8 or 9 weeks.

Stupid .
More fool you .
I'm 24 and the advice was 4 months in my red book.

What a foolish choice

Thanks everyone.

It was definitely a general question, I'm honestly not stressed just curious. Doing something I've never done before! All your advice is great and much appreciated.

Apart from absolutelycrackers, who I have seen post in many different threads, (I notice that sometimes your posts are deleted by MN) generally your replies are disparaging, often downright rude and always with bad grammar. Just stop it, it's not helpful to anyone. Maybe do something more productive with your time

Later when she was 18 months, she wandered over to 9 week old DD2 in her baby chair, and started spooning peach yogurt into the baby’s mouth.

Goodness .
Your lucky as adults they don't have major tummy issues

Oh look crackers got another dig in while I was writing my last reply. Does it give you a thrill? I wonder what you're like in real life.....I'm not starting a two way conversation, so this is my last comment to you.

notice that sometimes your posts are deleted by MN)

Maybe your a bit to invested in me .
Meh I still think that part of your post was ridiculous

Does it give you a thrill?

No