Really struggling to get my 9 month old to eat enough

[AllyJU]

I'm really struggling with getting my 9 month old daughter to eat enough. Breakfast is the worse, as when I can get her to take anything it will only be a few spoonfuls of yoghurt and fruit puree - anything else is refused straight away.

Lunch and dinner are slightly better, but she will only eat things that are a smooth consistency.

I have tried giving her lumpier things, but she gags/vomits or just refuses them.

I have also tried finger foods, which she just plays with.

I am still breastfeeding frequently (approx 6 times a day - 2 of which are during the night) I know that this must be affecting her appetite and would love to reduce them.

Can anyone help?

DS3 was like this. I've recently banned him from breastfeeds during the day (he is 14m) which is helping a bit but I also found when he got moving, he was hungrier.

Playing with finger food is very normal and probably quite useful as it gets them used to the textures and feel of it all

It's such a tricky time isn't it? Not sure how to balance the milk and the food thing

Don't panic - it sounds to me like she is still getting most of her nutritional needs met from you
DD3 was the same about wanting everything pureed she has gradually got better (now 14m) but her favourite foods are still yogurt/mash/butternut squash puree etc!

Once she is eating something - even if it is a few spoonfuls here and there - I really wouldn't worry*

*I now this is easier said than done: DD1 was a rubbish eater and I was pretty much pulling my hair out; now with no.3 (who is so similar re food) I'm way calmer about it all, and she is doing fine really.

my ds is nearly 8 months and exactlt the same if that helps? he prefers milk to food (unless its something unhealthy like wotsits fed to him by his brother and sister)

My DD is also 9 months and is very similar. I end up giving too much milk because she is such a monkey about food. Anyway, have found a few things which work.

She has finger foods at every meal - lots of fingers of toast etc. She won't eat them but it distracts her by playing with them while I slip the spoon into her mouth. She also has her own spoon and we just swap IYSWIM so although she doesn't eat masses, she will now eat something. She is also starting very slowly to actually eat some of the finger foods which is helping a bit.

At breakfast, she decided she liked the Plum porridges with banana/ apple etc. She has now moved onto ready brek/ weetabix made very smooth with puree in them. Again, she won't eat a lot but will now touch a bit.

The other thing is that the odd ready meal won't hurt her. I spent hours making purees and then food for DH and I which baby badger could also eat just to have her start trying to make herself sick when I gave it to her. I now try her with something I;ve cooked and if she won't eat it at all, I try her with a pot of puree. If she won't eat that, I leave it and reckon she'll probably be hungry soon.

Sorry this is so long and I haven't cracked the weaning thing at all yet but I think the main thing is don't worry and don't let it become a battle because it will only get worse!

Thanks everyone - its nice to know I'm not on my own!