sweet tooth?

[Msita]

I started DS (6.5 months) on solids in early January - 2 weeks before he started nursery and 2 weeks before he officially turned 6 months. He was very into it initially, trying and eating up all sorts of purees (carrot, butternut squash, sweet potato, apple, pear, banana). I didn't try finger food to start with as he seemed happy with the purees. He started nursery in mid-Jan and seemed to be eating well there, albeit a little less than at home. Then, he got ill (probably a mix of a cold and teething) and went off solids for about 10 days. I didn't insist as the GP said to just give him what he wanted when he wanted it and that he'd be back to his usual hungry self soon.

Now, he seems to be feeling much better but is still refusing most solids, especially veggies. At nursery, the only purees he'll have are the fruit ones. Now that's better than nothing but I'm worried he'll develop a sweet tooth. I've tried giving him finger food instead but he's just not interested - even though he puts everything in his mouth, he just won't try finger food! Milk feeds seem to be more erractic as well, he used to down 5 big bottles a day and sleep through the night for 12 hrs - now, he will rarely finish his bottle and has started waking up during the night too.

I realise nursery is a big change for him (and he seems really happy there - doesn't cry and sleeps better and better when he's there. Food is the only issue really) and that I probably just need to be patient but I'm just concerned he's not getting the solids he needs, especially the variety.

Has anyone been though a similar experience?

They already have a sweet tooth, they're born that way (dc can tolerate sweet foods that make me want to gag). I think you're doing the right things, just keep persisting. Have you tried rice cakes?

Hi alardi,

Thank you. I haven't tried rice cakes yet. Any particular brand you'd recommend?

IMO it's normal for LOs to prefer sweet foods asthey are naturally higher in calories. As long as you are not adding sugar to the purees, just give him whatever he fancies.

I think the "encouraging a sweet tooth" thing is rubbish - I have never seen any evidence for it, anyway.

Children's taste buds are different to adult ones (I think it's something to do with which ones develop first) and bitter things taste more bitter to them - I was talking to my sister about this the other day and she vividly remembers how vile coffee tasted to her as a child, whereas she quite likes it now without sugar. And I used to love things like Frosties which I find disgustingly sweet now.

I just bought unsalted ones, Msita, Sainsbury's sell something suitable. Break off pieces and let them gnaw as they like. You can smear butter or tahini (or whatever) on them as they get older. The rice cakes sort of melt in the mouth.