My 2 year old will not eat Table Foods only baby food.

Hi, my name is Jessica and I have a beautiful little girl name Emma Grace, when we were ready to move to table foods she had a very hard time. Each time I tried she would throw it back up every time. Now we are in Speech and O.T. and we are making great progress with her speech we started on a 9mth level and we are up to a level that a 15 mth old would be on.

I have tried everything and some, anything anyone told me about I have tried it with Emma Grace. We know she has sensory issues with her touch and taste so how do we move forward in the eating table foods. One more thing she will suck on Hot Chips untill the hot is off the chip then she will get another one these chips are every hot so I think there is something to this so if anyones has any ideas it would be a great help to me.

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Jan 05, 2018
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Struggling with baby vommiting and not eating
by: Anonymous

Hey,

I’m really struggling with my 2 year old boy.

He’s had this throwing up issue since he was 8 months, he has Been eating GERBER stage 2 foods and still is when he’s over 2 years old.
He coughs then vomits, I have tried to make him eat then normal stuff and he gags and vomits.

I don’t know what to do anymore, he’s in therapy for sensory disorder.

If anyone else is in this situation please let me know becase I’m seriosly worried about his health. We have tried everything from X-rays and tongue movements.

Dec 09, 2017
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Thank You Kate
by: Nancy

Kate, you sharing your story has given me the faith to hold on and keep waiting. My youngest child is 25 months and is identical to every detail you described. I have never experienced this with my other children and have been feeling like a failure.

Thanks again for that little nudge of encouragement that desperately needed.

GOD BLESS you and your Family

Jun 30, 2017
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my story of an impossible eater
by: kate

My son was close to impossible. It started so early...maybe 6 months old when he began throwing up his bottle if you offered him even one more ounce than he wanted.

To say the toddler years were impossible is an understatement. I dreaded meal times...and they took hours. My husband would come home from work and I would be in tears cleaning vomit from the floors for the third time that day...the third meal he rejected after a few forced scoops.

I would walk down the aisles in the supermarket hoping I could find ANYTHING he would try. You name it, I bought it. Any little lump in his food was too much. Everything had to be pureed. He wouldn't drink any of the child protein drinks...he really survived on banana yogurt and we eventually graduated to pastina with sauce, instant mashed potatoes (watered down) and apple sauce.

We were close to bringing him to a feeding specialist but I was determined to see some progress with him. When I tell you nothing worked...I mean nothing. The advice of people who said "he'll eat when he's hungry" never applied to my son. We would go twenty fours with maybe half a yogurt. He never had much of an appetite for anything and if it had the slightest lump or offensive texture he would empty his entire stomach! Totally healthy otherwise. Doctors saw nothing wrong with him physically speaking.

As he got older and attended daycare and nursery school I would get the note sent home regularly "He will not eat, what do we do?" Around 2.5 years old he ate his first chicken strip and my husband and I were ecstatic

I am here to say hang in there. He is now 5 and starting kindergarten in the fall. He is far from a guru of foods...and is still a picky eater but we have come so far it is unbelievable. I never thought the day would come. He still needs encouragement and a constant reminder to eat during his meals BUT He now eats French toast sticks or his favorite cereal for breakfast and loves typical toddler foods like pizza, chicken nuggets, fries and pasta. He has even taken to a few fruits like watermelon and peaches and sort of tries vegetables.

We still have a ways to go to graduate to that next level of eating but I had sat up every night pouring through forums like this one when he was younger...hoping for a helpful tip or some advice. Just accept your child may never be the kind of perfectly well rounded textbook eater we all hope for. If you need to puree it to get it down that's ok too...Pick the high protein items you can get in them and if they are otherwise happy kids you are doing just fine. The frustration on you and your little one of otherwise forced and difficult meals is not worth it. Just keep offering and one day..one amazing day they will start to come around

May 23, 2017
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I'm going to lose it
by: Maritza

I honestly thought I was the only parent going through this issue. I have 3 year old son who will be 4 in August and won't eat table food and is stuck on Gerber 2nd Stage foods. I tried the stage 3, but as soon as he felt a little noodle or a piece of solid food in it, he'd gag and make himself vomit.

He just started attending a preschool/daycare where they offer speech therapy sessions, but will also work on trying to figure out why he reacts the way he does as soon as he feels a solid in his mouth.

He has been off the gerber 2nd stage for 2 days and is not eating his meals at school. They try to encourage him, but he still denies and won't eat till snack time.

Snack time usually consists of ritz crackers or cheeze its, which he eats very well. He also eats Oreos, animal cookies, goldfish, smooth yogurt, drinks milk, juices, and water. Oh, and chocolate ice cream. When he gets home from daycare, I try offering him Mac and cheese, spaghetti, chicken, rice, mashed potatoes, but nothing makes it into his mouth.

I just feel so bad that all the other kids at his school are getting food in their tummies and my son isn't. What do you all think? I'm I doing wrong by not feeding him the gerber and just feeding him snacks? He's my only son and I blame myself for following the baby book.

May 02, 2017
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Picky Eater
by: AnonymousCharlotte

My son just turned 3 in March and we have been through all of the therapies as well. Breakfast is usually a toaster waffle or dry cereal. Lunch is a hazelnut spread uncrustable sandwich, fruit snacks, and a nut rig rain bar or peanut butter bites. Dinner is only Gerber apples & chicken, mixed veggies, and a fruit. He loves milk and flavored water, but he will not eat any meats, cheese, noodles, rice, beans, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc... My two older girls never had this problem. He just looks at it and says yuck. He won't even touch food. HELP! 😩

Jan 20, 2017
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Mommy of a 3 year old still on Gerber # 2 foods🤔
by: Maria

Hello everyone,
Reading all of these makes me feel better I am not alone My daughter has had issues too with eating. She has not passed #2 Gerber. She is 3 and will be 4 in March. We have had a test done with a scope we have seen OT and speech therapy. No one seems to have any answers besides its sensory. She eats 4 flavors of baby food Gerber only and for snacks it's banana puffs and banana yougert melts. That is it. 😳

Well just a couple weeks ago she has not wanted to eat many containers of the soft food. She prefers puffs and melts. We are going to start again on home OT. I am just frustrated and very concerned since she is little for her age. I pray we can find answers since I know she is hungry and this mama bear is worried and just gives her what she asked for till we find more answers.

Jan 02, 2017
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My son is 19 Months, No health Issues.
by: Lee

My 19-month-year-old son who is very bright (Knows his ABC and 1-20 in 3 different languages, Colors, Shapes etc.... Talk and does sign language) Yet when it comes to eating he wants Milk, Cheese, and Fruits. Mostly Milk and Cheese.

When he eats 0/1:3 meals will he almost finish his small plate. He takes 1 - 4 bites and wants to go free. So times he will come back hours later for 1 spoon then run back off. I can't get him to eat a full plate of food/normal portion for his age.

I too buy the growth Pediasure and the Similac for 12+ months but they either have too much sugar and goes against my all free range, antibiotic free, organic, chemical free foods I give him. I also blend oatmeal and other grains into his milk, even Farina to try to make sure he's full so he's not waking up twice during the night asking for milk.

But they have to be a better solution. He is a picky eating he may eat something one day and not again. I even try showing him a video with babies feeding themselves it works a little when he's eating but not always.

Sometimes I have a play date for him and she actually feeds him that too also works weird but yeah. He isn't in daycare. Or around other kids when there eating on daily bases so I wondering if he was would that encourage him to eat more?

We try eating at the table with him, that doesn't work. I'm hoping with all our stories we can see which solution works so we can try them to see if it will work for our young ones.

Dec 17, 2016
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2.5 year old food texture problems
by: Jaxon's mom

First of all I am so glad to find this thread. I'm not happy your kids are having the problems my son has but that I'm not alone.

I've noticed that several of your kids are in speech therapy as is my son. He has been evaluated for autism or any form of disorder but after 3 evaluations I've happily let that fear go. However his eating habits are awful.

Breakfast he has 5-6 mini pancakes from eggos. Only the mini ones. For lunch he has 2 gerber chicken and apples and yogurt. At dinner it's usually same as lunch but with a yeast roll. Every now and then he will eat chicken nuggets and fries but very rarely. He does, thank goodness, drink the pediasure grow and gain shakes 2-3 times a day. So he's getting the nutrition he needs.

He weighs 30 pounds and is 3 feet and 2 inches. So he's in the 50% in weight and 90% in height. The pediasure shakes have literally worked wonders. But they are pricey.

I'm just wondering if the speech delay and food issues is a sign that maybe his frontal lobe in his brain may be a little slower than the rest. He's so smart but the frontal lobe effects our speech, texture, impulse and many other things I see many of our children are having issues with. Any comments or suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you all for letting me know I'm not alone! Bless all of you!

Jun 28, 2016
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Babty boy not eating any food age two year
by: khan

My baby boy two year now. just only take milk try to give any table food noting give him fruit any kind noting he is ignoring and shouting and always in anger and also crying if he want to get Any thing please advice .
just share one thing he has Tonsil, Now a days give him homeopathy Medicine. Please advise

Jun 07, 2016
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My 19 month old baby will not eat table food only baby food
by: Rose

My daughter almost two now won't eat anything outside cerelac,she will not eat regularly and her weight is not encouraging. what can i do?

May 01, 2016
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22 months old started chewing at slow pace..
by: Anonymous

It is very sad to here that many moms are concerned about their babies. My 22month old son just started chewing chips,nuts, fruits ,,etc. Try giving your babies foods in their hand and show them how to chew, they should mimic you. Cut out store brought cereals and start making homemade foods for them even if it's a hard job to do. I have been doing this since he was 1 year. Now I had cut out any store brought cereals like Gerber,cerelec,,etc. I give him homemade food whatever we have, even if I have to grind it- I do that. I think this will help some of the worried moms. You shouldn't give up, just try. Do not go to pedeatricians,,you know your child better.

Apr 01, 2016
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My 2 year old refuses any table food.
by: Anonymous

My daughter almost two now won't eat anything that is not stage 2 baby food. I'm so happy to have found this site I felt like no one else had problems getting their toddler to eat. She also has a dairy allergy so I can't giver her things like yogurt or ice cream. It makes it really frustrating to find things she will eat.

Feb 17, 2016
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22 month Doesn't know how to chew
by: Sara

Hi
My 22 month is still eats mixed food very soft and liquid shape things. She doesn't eat any kinds of snakes chips sweats jelly or nuts. She doesn't like even ice-cream. She doesn't know how to chew and if I give her something that is not mixed and soft she will throw up everything she had before. please Any one can help?

Feb 05, 2016
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2 YEARS OLD BOY NOT EATING SOLID FOODS AND PEPPER
by: Anonymous

My son is 2years old and he is not eating a sold food and pepper.
He only live on Golden Morn, Biscuits, Chocolate and fried plantain.

I will like to know if this is normal without any side effect on his health.

Jul 14, 2015
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my 16 months old only want eat garber food
by: yusnidar

Hy, I have a little beautiful girl she's 16 months old but I have A problem to feed her, she won't eat regular food she only like to eat soft food most everyday,, when i give her little bite for example cookies she will throw up....she has strong sensitives smell and when she smell or just eat tiny she will throw up everything she eats. Now im stuck i dont know what should i do?

Please helppppppppppp

Jun 17, 2015
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2.5 year old nephew
by: Anne Henry

Do not force feed your child. They will resist even more. My nephew only eats like 4 foods 3rd foods at that. But he is carrying around a peanut butter sandwhich and licking it cut it in square shapes I believe patience is the key. He is a sweet boy. obsessed with spinning wheels NUBY with a soft top for a cup. He is now taking a hard top cup. Which was not easy. I am not a picky eater but I do have a feddish with cannot stand anything on my bare feet when I am barefoot. I believe we all have things we are OCD about. Eating issues are just more stressful on the parent and the child. So please be patient. He is sucking on a Hershey bar square so take each step as progress

Mar 25, 2015
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Is jarred baby food the problem?
by: Anonymous

I have a blended family. My husband and I each have two kids from a prior marriage. His kids started with jarred food. They are 12 and 14 yrs. The older one was just hospitalized with an eating disorder (ARFID) and I expect the younger one to be also. They started with jarred baby foods, and are picky eaters. At least, I considered them to be extremely picky eaters; compared to others on this website, their diet is actually very varied. They eat some vegies, some meats, some cheese, some fruit, different textures and flavors, etc. But their diet is much more limited that anyone else I know. There are some restaurants that they can only order off the kids menu.

In contrast, my kids went from the breast to table food. I adjusted my diet, ate more liver and ground beef and no steak, mashed potatoes, pureed vegetable soups, etc., and the kids ate the same food as me from their first bite of solid food. My children have always eaten nearly everything. And I do mean everything. The only thing my younger one will not eat is raw shellfish, such as oysters/clams on the half shell. He loves sushi though.

But seriously, they have always eaten everything. It is interesting that so many people think it is easier to feed jarred baby food than cheese, apple sauce, bananas, mashed potatoes, eggs, polenta, or shepards pie (ground beef, potatoes, etc.) I can understand rice cereal for the first few months of solid food, but why aren't all children eating rice by one year? I eat cream of wheat and oatmeal, and so do they. It seems that when children start with jarred food, the move to regular food can be very difficult. It is easier to do this earlier, as it is done in all other cultures, as our great grandparents did with our grandparents. The other thing that happened with my husband's children is that they moved from jarred food to kids meals. They ate out much more often, and when they did, they ordered off the kids menus. In contrast, we usually just shared our food, or had them split an adult meal. They tried a couple kids meals, and didn't like them. Do you? The mac'n'cheese is usually frozen, not home made. What is the point in eating out if your kids are eating a warmed up TV dinner?

Well, my advice to parents with picky eaters, is to break the habit now. The earlier the better. It gets harder, not easier. You do not want to have to hospitalize a 14 yr. old as we did. It is not fun. Learning how to eat properly at 14 is very different from learning this at 2 or 3, or even 5.

It is not easy. Get whatever help you need from professionals. But do it now.

Feb 26, 2015
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3 Year old on Baby Food
by: Chris

I have a 3 year old that still eats baby food. He likes the turkey dinner from Gerber (only). He also eats the Spring Veggies and Pasta from Earths Best. The doctor has told us that he is fine and might though thin and tall, he is getting what he needs. He also eats bananas, oatmeal with egg whites, cookies, crackers, ice cream, and popsicles. So, I know he's not as bad as other cases I have read on this site. I do wonder if this abnormality in eating could be associated with the baby food. Have any of you tried tasting that stuff. Very nasty. No taste. It almost reminds me of smoking a cigarette. I wonder if the food eventually kills their taste buds... Just a thought.

Lately my son has been eating Pho (Vietnamese Soup) with the white noodles. The noodles have to be chopped up very small. He has eaten Terriyaki chicken bowls with rice before but not very consistently. My wifes co worker has a son who used to be this bad when he was young. He's 23 now and is still pretty picky about what he eats. But by the looks of him, he eats. The only thing I can say about my sons current diet is that he is thin and healthy. I would rather him eat baby food than be eating french fries, burgers, hot dogs, and pizza all day every day. When I go to the park, I see a lot of heavy kids and their parents are heavy themselves. As long as he is getting enough nutrients, I'm happy. Still frustrated but happy.

Feb 08, 2015
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Going to turn 3 and yet doesn't know to chew or bite !!
by: Anonymous

My son is 33 months and is still on baby food.We have tried several therapies,nothing is working.Its so frustrating to see him go through all this.He doesn't know to even chew a small cookie or chip or anything for that matter.I am beginning to panic now.We have taken him to all the specialists and also got so many tests done.God alone knows what the reason behind all this.He is ready to starve for hours together and he would only eat or drink when i would offer him something and that too with a lot of fuss and gagging.Even water has to forcefully given.Has anyone else got any opinion to share about this?Please do share!!

Jan 20, 2015
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Accept It
by: Anonymous

I have read your many painful comments after finding this site today, and at this moment, our 4-year-old with Sensory Processing Disorder, who was always eating at least one "good" food (oatmeal, OR fish sticks, OR Carnation Essentials Breakfast drink, has one-by-one stopped all of them and of this week, will not drink milk. He drinks only apple juice and eats only dry Cheerios. Period. He is growing normally, but ha lost pound in the past two weeks (no Carnation Breakfast drink with milk now). We have had him in OT and Speech Therapy for two years and no help at all with his eating. Also took him to an eating clinic--nothing. No WAY would he dip a cookie in yogurt and put the yogurt on his lips!

So, as of this week, we are in a bit of a panic, what with his giving up his old standby, milk. I have ordered some calcium fruity liquid and hope to get a tsp. of that down him daily. So, I am not much help to any of you, except I want to tell you of an ADULT support group online which might help you somewhat. Bottomline, there is NO CURE FOR THIS CONDITION (Selective Eating Disorder, now officially called ARFID). Some of the very successful, well-adjusted adults on the forum eat ONLY FRIES, 3x a day. The group is called "Adult Picky Eaters" and I have told them I wish they would not call themselves "picky eaters" because the condition is farrrr worse than being "picky." The group is moderated by a 69-yar-old man, the founder, whose name is Bob Krause.

Throughout his life, Bob has eaten only 4-5 foods, runs his own company, travels, is married and a father and seems basically happy. So, you might benefit from reading the entries from this group. One appeared on "Dr.Phil" and you could Google that, also. (Dr. P., by the way, offered her lots of help, but she said he never came through!). They do have social issues (difficult to go out to dinner with friends, etc.), but for the most part, they seem to have adjusted pretty well to this condition, which basically seems to last a lifetime, so the least stress put on your (and our) children, the better. Google: "PICKY EATING ADULTS, Bob Krause," if you want to check out the group and be put on their mailing list.
Best of luck to ALL of us and our little ones.

Dec 26, 2014
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Weight not according to age
by: Anonymous

The most common problem we all speak is, age of the baby is 2 years but only less weight ( may be 10 to 11 kgs) and how to increase the weight.

The factors of body weight depends on the body condition and harmones and also digestive conditions of the body of the baby. If a baby is active, need not worry about the weight of the baby. I have seen some babies who are normal in weight according to their age but will not be active. So please do not worry about the weight. Everything will become normal during growing.

Dec 14, 2014
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2year old boy didnt gan weight
by: Anonymous

My son have 2 year old.the problem is he only weighs 10 kg.am so much worried.he is very active.but my friends and relatives always talking about this to me.help me.

Nov 04, 2014
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Reply to Disha...
by: Anonymous

Hi Disha..... our Son is 16 months old and he recently started eating our food.He still eats gerber food atleast once a day. As you said if yr son is eating rice puree give that twice a day with lentils and veggies in it..add some ghee and salt to taste..my son loves it.I try to fed my son egg daily in small quantities, we give him bananna mixed with milk every alternate day.

We prepared a healthy mix roasting sprouted raagi, wheat,lentils , made a dried powder and boil in water until it boils and become thick paste....add salt and ghee to taste you can even add roasted dried fruits powder n feed.

When comes to milk, he drinks 4 times a day, half a cup each time with jr. Horlicks

hope this helps you atleast..

-Cherry
hope this

Aug 13, 2014
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2 year & 4 months old
by: Disha

Hi , mummy of 26 months old daughter anishka,
Very healthy weight20 kilos , but don't eat anything :( , morning eat porridge , and then 11. Am 250ml milk, 1 pm lunch a gain biscuits & milk, afternoon 4 pm again 250ml milk , 7 pm purred rice, lentils purée & again 9 pm 350ml milk. Try to stop milk after breakfast no progress in eating , try to give rice & veggi but only eats one bowl of yogurt, tired to give everything best we can but no progress :( plz help

Jul 25, 2014
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1 year and 10 month old not eating regular food
by: Anonymous

My almost 2yr old does not eat regular food at home but at daycare, she eats whatever is in her lunch bag (all kinds of regular food).

Am I doing something wrong? Its frustrating. Any advice?

Jul 06, 2014
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eating trouble
by: Heather

I have a 2 and a half year old who only eats baby food also and won't chew. If he eats regular food he throws it. Does therapy really help? He is a stubborn kid so Im not sure how well he will do. I don't want eating at school to be a bad experience.

Jun 30, 2014
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jar foods
by: Cassidy's mommy

My daughter turned 5 in Feb 2014 and she still eats baby food, stage 2 only.....3 jars for lunch consisting of a vegetable and 2 fruits and 3 jars for dinner consisting of a "dinner", a vegetable and a fruit. She does eat "crunchy, salty and sweet".....dry cereal, graham crackers, crackers etc.. I always feel panicky until her doctor informs me that it's healthy and that she is getting the right portions of the different food groups. Best of luck to you :)

Jun 26, 2014
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My 3 year old son with DS is choosy with solid foods.
by: Phuti

My son is very choosy with solids.He ate purities up to stage 4 but was choosy with flavours. He is now off baby foods.When we give him adult food, he first smells the food and if he doesn't like the smell or is not familiar with it,he won't eat it.He currently eats different foods for breakfast like weetbix, soft porridge,a couple of small spoons of corn flakes.

The main problem is with his lunch and supper.He doesn't like his veggies. He previous ate mashed potatoes very well but it started giving him lot of gas and I stopped feeding it to him.I also fed him pumpkin and he ate it but now he doesn't want it anymore.He likes pap/porridge with milk a lot.He doesn't want to eat gravies with meat but will chew a piece of meat and then spits it out.He loves simba chips, cheese curls and sweets and he drinks well.

I think patience and persistence and slow introduction of different foods will eventually work with this little naughty one.
All the best with your special babies out there.

Jun 26, 2014
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My two year old son refuse t o eat food
by: Anonymous

My two year old does'nt want to eat food, he ongly like chicken polony , cheese curls and juice . I have tried to give him several kinds of food but he refuses and im worried about this situation.What can I do because I am worried that he gonna lose weight.

Jun 20, 2014
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l could not get my baby to chew any solid food
by: Anonymous

Hi when my son Josh was a baby he would not chew any solid food would only eat certain pureed baby foods I was at my wits end did not know what was wrong .He got a diagnosis of autism when he was 7 after a lengthy accessment.I would say to any mum with this problem to not be fobbed off by health professionals like I was and push for your child to be looked at properly

Apr 26, 2014
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3 year old with SPD and feeding issues
by: Tera Fendley

Hi, my name is Tera Fendley. My 3 year old daughter has Sensory Defensive Disorder tactile and oral defensive. She will not chew food. And finally able to get her to eat pureed foods and/chopped noodle consistency. She drinks boost 3-4 times a day after meals and snacks. And we use an iPad with various apps to get her to eat. I have a FB page that that talks about NWA Children w/ Sensory Processing Disorder.

Mar 13, 2013
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10 year old!
by: ee

Still will only eat gerber rice cereal with gerber bananas or mixed with yoplait vanilla yogurt.

countless specialist and zero progress makes this a hard road to not give up.

did get him to drink liquid centrum before each meal now. his hair and nails and weight are all coming back nicely.

im sure im in the wrong forum but i like to check these and see if there is anyone out there yet with a similar situation.

Jan 31, 2013
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SPD & food issues
by: Kelli

Hi. I have a 22m old son who will only eat Gerber Stage 2 & 3 fruits and plan veggies only. I try pasta, diced fruit, diced veggies, cheerios, cheezits, goldfish crackers, crackers, tuna, shredded cheese, mini pancakes & sausage. He has only ever chewed two things: a bite of a cheezit & one cheerio. That's it. He refuses everything. I even try forcing it in. He gags and comes close to throwing up, but doesn't always. He loves his milk.

**For those of you having a problem transitioning from a bottle to a cup, NUBY has a type of cup that comes with a nipple top & sippy cup top. I started my little man on juice in the cup with the nipple top and kept milk in a bottle. He did great. His bottles are also by NUBY, so the nipple top was the same. Finally when I switched milk to the cup, I got a new, different colored cup to try to have him learn the difference. He took the milk, but has never accepted juice again. I even tried to go back to juice in a bottle. Didn't work. Now, I'm about to switch to the sippy cup top.
He's been having OT twice a week for awhile now. He's doing better with skills and will communicate using either sign language, verbally or a head shake. I keep trying different foods. If it's too lumpy, he gags & refuses. I've tried everything I can think of. He won't eat. I'm trying not to get so down on myself or be jealous of other moms but it's hard. He's healthy and growing well and I'm so thankful for that. I talk to him and try to explain things, because I know babies understand more than we know. I tell him he's missing out on such great flavors in foods and if he would try something and like it, I would always get it for him. Next week, our OT is coming to start working with him and food. I kow it's gonna be a trying time, but I pray I can do it without crying. I'm so happy to know that I'm not alone and that I'm not doing anything wrong. Oh, and he had breastmilk for 2m, then I had to start some medication that was bad for him, so he took to formula just fine.

May 01, 2012
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therapeutic listening
by: worried mom

i have previously posted sensory defensiveness by worried mom about 6 months ago. my son is now almost 25 months old and we continue to struggle with eating. he still primarily eats smooth baby foods ie rice cereal and yogurt and will eat french fries, goldfish crackers, and an occasional chicken nugget. i can no longer convince him to drink milk. he will drink about 4 oz of blueberry pomegranate juice and 4 oz water a day but nothing more to drink (we have tried everything). when he plays with dry beans, playdough, grass, dry rice, or any dry food mixed with wet food he holds his hands open with fingers stretched out real wide and sometimes shakes. (he used to shake and growl always when presented with these, but now he only occasionally does, so this is a plus). we have made some progress since he started ot. he will now lick yogurt off of a goldfish cracker.

one day his ot got him to eat a teddy graham cracker when dipped in his yogurt and i cried. i was so happy to see him eat something new. i have tried the willbarger brushing technique(spelling?) and he loved it but i'm not sure how well i did it. he has now been going to sensory links ( an ot who specializes in spd). turns out this is VERY common and we are not alone. the therapist would like to start a therapeutic listening program which involves listening to certain kinds of music which is designed to improve sensory defensiveness as well as possibly his sleep /wake cycle. have any of you tried this type of therapy?

i am also curious if a weighted vest helps with eating at all. let me know. i wish i could meet someone who went through this with their baby/toddler and can give me hope that with therapy this may pass or even improve. one more thing, allegheny county in pittsburgh offers a free service/ screening for any child under three. it is called allegheny alliance for infants and toddlers. they are wonderful. my son was evaluated and qualified for speech and for sensory therapy by an occupational therapist once a week. he has been seen by therapy free of charge (does not matter how much money you make). my son started speaking all of the time now. the speech therapist suspects that he is becoming more comfortable with his sensory threshold and he is now more open to speech. maybe there is a similar program in the county you live in. it's worth a shot to check into.

Dec 27, 2011
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Same Issues
by: Rowan's Mommy

Our 4 ½ year was finally diagnosed with SPD this past fall. We’ve been dealing with it since she turned 1 – never wanted to chew food, would gag, vomit, etc. Saw many doctors and they all kept telling us she would “grow out of it”. Finally was referred to an OT and she quickly diagnosed our daughter with SPD. We’ve been in OT now for several months. She is still on baby food and of course, Pediasure twice a day. There are a few foods she will tolerate. It is not only a nutritional issue for us now but becoming a social issue as she interacts more and more in school and she is now realizing she is different.

If you are concerned – go straight to OT. I wish we would have known sooner. Don’t let them tell you your child will “grow out of it”. You know your child better than anyone and you know if something is wrong.

Dec 05, 2011
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16 month old only eats stage 2 baby food
by: JakesMommy

So glad I found this site. Jake was diagnosed with tracheomalacia when he was 8 weeks old. He was very sick until he was one. He's been working with a speech pathologist for the past few months now. He's made some progress but he only eats table food off a spoon - he won't feed himself. Even then he makes horrible faces when he chews it. Sometimes I feel like he'll never eat anything but baby food. He plays with table food or he crumbles it (cookies,crackers) into tiny pieces. He tries to take food off our plates but he just wants to play with it or feed it to our dog! I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Do any of you ever feel envious of other parents when you see their kids eating baby cookies or cheerios (insert other food lol)?

Nov 26, 2011
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My 2 year old: Only eats Gerber Graduates & has not started speaking.
by: Feeling Hopeless,,,

I'm glad I found this page. I thought I was the only mom going through this! I've never met or come across another mom who was in a similar situation, so its nice to know I'm not alone.

My son just turned 2, and he only eats Gerber Graduates, "Lil' Entrees," in two flavors. ('Cheese Ravioli' and 'Pasta Stars in Meat Sauce') He picks out the vegetables and just eats the pasta part. But he doesn't even chew it, he swallows it whole - (which is why I think he only eats slippery pasta.) He won't eat baby crackers or ANYTHING else. If you try to feed him anything else, he panics, throws up and cries.

On top of all this, he has never said one word. Not even, "mama," "dada," or "no."

Some people have said it sounds like he is Autistic - but he has been seen by 2 Pediatricians who said he is definitely not. He just needs to keep up with Speech Therapy, and I should just continue trying to introduce new foods.

It's hard to keep hearing that, "this too shall pass," because what if it doesn't? In the meantime - I feel desperate and hopeless. It's also very frustrating...

I can't imagine how horrible it must be for the mom who's child won't even eat at all. I hope my situation doesn't progress to that :(

Nov 25, 2011
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Not chewing or drinking anything
by: sadnfrustrated

My 3 year old does NOT nor has he ever chewed anything (food wise). He has been seeing an OT and going to speech therapy for the past year. He only eats 3rd stage baby food, yogurt and apple sauce....that's it! He has made improvements since going to therapy, but still no chewing. I also have a 16 month old that eats almost everything. I think my 3yo gets jealous sometimes of what the 16mo is eating, but if I try to give it to him he just turns away and says NO! He licks certain foods, but won't take a bite of them.

He has been off of the bottle since July and since then will not drink milk anymore. As a matter of fact, he hardly drinks ANYTHING at all! He will go 1 or 2 days without drinking a drop. I don't understand! If I offer him a drink of something, he always says no. Once in a while he will take a few sips of someones soda through a straw or a few sips out of a water bottle, but thats it. I see other kids his age guzzling fluids! I am so frustrated and confused by all this. The only way that I think he survives is because he eats 9-12 jars of 3rd stage baby food daily. He wont take his vitamin drops or drink Pediasure. I am hoping that he will grow out of all this.

Nov 10, 2011
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ORAL DEFENSIVENESS
by: WORRIED MOM

my son is 19 months old and was diagnosed with a mild spd. i have struggled everyday since his birth with feeding him. we tried every bottle,nipple, breast milk, and every formula. i spent all day every day just trying to get enough nutrition into this little guy. until recently nobody including friends and his pediatrician would/could not understand why i stressed over feeding him. he was growing just fine (thanks to relentless work on my part), so he was not diagnosed with any problems. the doctor finally tried zantac but it did not help.

for his 15 month appt his doctor was out of town and we saw someone new. he sent us to a feeding evaluation and there he was diagnosed with spd. if he likes a food he stuffs way to much into his mouth, if he hates the feel of a food on his hands he throws it onto the floor. he will not tolerate foods that touch each other and he will not try anything chunky such as st 3 baby foods. he has never held his own bottle. he will drink from a sippy but only juice or water. milk must be semi warm and a certain brand. he will refuse any vitamin d milk that is not giant eagle brand. he is now going to therapy but i don't think the therapist is experienced with this age and such mild symptoms. he has reached every milestone at or sooner than expected. any suggestions?

Oct 27, 2011
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2.5 year old not eating ANYTHING
by: No Food Here NY

My son is 2.5 & I wrote back in Feb. how he was eating stage 2 foods & bananas here/there. Well at 2 he stopped accepting baby food totally. Then he'd go on 2-3 day food jags of either vanilla cake or powdered munchkins or veggie straws. Right after he turned 2, he stopped that as well & since June is ONLY drinking Pediasure 3-4 a day & juice....nothing else.

We had him evaluated again at 26 months & again he didn't qualify. We went to a hospital that specializes in feeding disorders & are currently receiving feeding therapy & they recently said he'd benefit greatly from OT. He has so many oral defensiveness issues; but otherwise is a totally well-rounded, outgoing, affectionate kid.

I'd love to start a page on FB to come together. I'll call it the non-eating child. Pls come find me

May 16, 2011
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16 month old eating problems
by: cldothan

I have a 16 month old who had reflux and had to be switched to similac sensitive. At 12 months we switched him to whole milk. From that time until now we have tried to get him to eat table food. He won't eat alot of the stage 3 foods, it appears he doesn't like anything chunky. He eats his gerber finger snacks and certain foods like bread, toast, crackers,some meat and sweets. But he is so picky. Pretty much have to give him one bite at a time. We've also noticed he often stuffs too much food in his mouth and won't swallow it for a long while. What's worse is his ped. wants him on the cup soon but he will not drink unless he is laid down so how can he drink out of a cup.Early intervention is starting soon hopefully they can provide some help.

May 07, 2011
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i have to feed my baby girl through a syringe
by: shekhar agarwal

you all readers won't believe my pity condition as i have to force feed my 2 year old daughter with a syringe as she is never willing to eat anything solid or semi solid.
in the beginning when she used to eat baby food ,,she puked a lot..
now only some heavy liquids,those too not by spoon..

Apr 10, 2011
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21 month old wont eat at all
by: Anonymous

i thought eating only baby food stage two was a problem until recently he is refusing to eat that too, only drinks milk and juice and water. its been like this for a few days now taking him to the docs in two days. doesn't show any sign of being sick, so i am not sure why he wont eat even baby food . i try six different foods everyday, tried forcing him to eat too but will puke it up or cry and i just cant do it.

Mar 17, 2011
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answers about the breat feeding!!
by: Emma Grace's mom

I do not believe that breast feeding has anything to do with your child not eating solid foods. Emma Grace went through the same thing. She was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder.(google it) She hated anything with texture and only ate stage 2 bananas for 2 and half years. With a lot of help with O.T. And feeding clinics she is now eating table foods and no longer baby food. If I was you I would ask you doctor and tell them what is going on and if they seem to blow it off, then call your local Children's hospital and ask them. There is help out there but you have to find it. If you have anymore questions please let me know. I have done and tried everything I have read and been told to get Emma Grace to eat. And what I learned the most is to have patience and a lot faith!! My heart goes out to everyone with a child who has eating issues!!

Mar 17, 2011
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not eating solids at 21 months, didnot breastfeed!
by: Viktoria

my 21month old will not eat anything but stage two food. he drank from a cup when he was 12months old for about 3months ,then i tried switching his milk to the cup and refused, he wont drink anything now from a cup. he screams when i try feeding him not baby food ,and i f i put it in his mouth he will gag, and puke. my question is: could this b happening because i never breast fed my baby? he only had formula since he was born and i feel so bad about that! (i had a surgery ,but i could have switched back to breastfeeding and i didnt, i feel awful!)
did all of you with this problem breast feed or formula feed your baby , ? thats my question. curious to find a cause for all this!

Feb 22, 2011
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21 month old that refuses table food
by: Anonymous

My son is now 21 months old and the only things that he will eat is gerber stage 3 food and yogurt and nothing else. Also he will only drink milk, no water or juice. Everytime I try to feed him something other than gerber he gags on it, even when it is so tiny. I am concern but the ped doesnt seem to think so. Any suggestions?

Feb 15, 2011
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2 year old that won't eat
by: Anonymous

I just started watching a 2 year old. Feeding this little girl is quite challenging she only eats baby food texture food and junk food. She will not eat any real food. For breakfast most days it is a banana or a yogurt in a sippy cup, lunch is another yogurt and dinner is yogurt and applesauce. I make real food and try to get her to eat those first but she scream and if she does put it in her mouth she just holds it there and won't swallow. She will eat cookies and chips. I don't know what to do with her the other kids I watch tell me its not fair that they have to eat food and she just get yogurt. It can't be healthy. I don't know how to point out to her mom that this is not normal for a 2 year old to only eat baby food. She also only says about 5 words that are understandable, if you were to see the way she behaves you would think that she is about a year old no two. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Feb 08, 2011
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Diana
by: Anonymous

Hello everyone,

I have a 15 mth old child who was diagnosed with oral defensiveness/aversion. We go to a OT & Speech therapist once in a while. Working with my son at home using some of the techniques and info from the the therapist and online forums like this has helped. Currently, my son generally prefers jar food, yogurt and oatmeal cereal. He also LOVES his bottle his weight is normal(thanks to the bottle) otherwise he would be a lot thinner. Recently, our pediatrician told us to cut his milk intake in half. She thinks maybe this will stimulate more of appetite for him so that he can learn to eat more solid foods. Although, it kind of makes sense but my husband and I are worried because our son only seems to be eating about 10-15% more. In the end, he's still getting less nutrition with us not giving him that many ounces. What are your thoughts? How many ounces does your child drink? Also, my son refuses any sippy cup and will not even drink water or juice. Any info, ideas or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Feb 08, 2011
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My 2 yr old & 10 mo old won't eat table food either
by: Sharmila

it's so frustrating to read all of these posts, but also relieving. For a while now, we've been dealing with this feeding problem. My 2 yr old strictly eats stage 2 baby food, and yogurt. He likes to hold "little crunchies" by Graduates, but will never bite them, only lick them. He tries, and it's so hard to see him fail each time he gets the urge to eat something. He has never been able to put a solid piece of food in his mouth without gagging/vomiting immediately. His 10 mo old brother now has the same issues. My pediatrician wasn't concerned, yet every visit I asked about it and was very concerned. We just met with a pediatrics feeding team who suggested O.T., but I am skeptical after reading your posts. Also, my 2 yr old has a hard time with strangers, and loud settings where ppl laugh, and I don't know how he would handle a person coming to our house and working with him. Any advice, plz help!

Feb 08, 2011
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21 month old, only baby food too
by: Confused Mommy

My 21 month old is going through what you all described. No one seems concerned though. The ped said as long as he is eating and gaining weight, he wasn't concerned. He eats ONLY baby food, yogurt, ice cream and veggie sticks and CAKE. (At one point he ate whole bananas for maybe 3 weeks & then got tired of them and now totally refuses them). We had him evaluated at 16 months and it was determined nothing was wrong with swallowing or chewing. They did not even mention sensory; only that's he's fussy. I'm really not sure what to do b/c I'm the only one who seems to think there is an issue (which is beyond frustrating). I'm considering a nutritionist at this point, but not sure if that is the way to go. Just not sure what to do. I'm glad to have found this site though & don't feel so alone.

Feb 03, 2011
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My 21 month old baby only eats baby food
by: Anonymous

Hi, i am so glad to know that i am not the only one who is dealing with this. I have a 21 months old baby who only eats Yogurt, cream of wheat. i tried everything i don't know how to help her. I feel guilty i cry every night i don't know what to do. she is smart, beautiful and growing accordingly the only thing is missing is her way of eating. I want her to chew and eat vegetable and be a regular baby at her age. I am desperate plz share with me if u find any solution.

thank u

Jan 28, 2011
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Update on Emma Grace.
by: Emma Grace's mom

It has been awhile since my last post. And a lot has change since then too. We are going on two weeks of eating and chewing AND swallowing crackers,cookies, and chips. Emma Grace has also tried bread,sausage, and pepperoni. Rewind back one year ago, we were dealing with a 2 year old who could communicate with us. She only ate stage 2 bananas. I was at my wits end with everything. Being told by different doctors every time something different didn't help at all. She's autistic. No she's not autistic she has S.P.D. Then last June a blood test shows she has turner syndrome. But she shows NO outside signs of T.S. We have had her heart check. That was one of the most important appointment. Her heart was totally healthy and normal. We see a genetices doctor at U.A.B. And he's at loss of words on Emma's case. With all of that said. We know we can't change her blood test but we can share our story in hopes of helping others.

Right now Emma Grace is in preschool where she gets speech and O.T. Twice a week and I believe being with her peers has made a different in her eats pray you all keep your faith and know that each child is different and with our willingness to not give up on them and with a lot of LOVE. We can help them over come it. It still and will be a long and hard road for us. But I have learned to have faith in god and trust in him. I hope I have help in sharing Emma Grace's story. Thank you all!! Jessica

Jan 27, 2011
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Reflux and feeding aversion
by: Jen

You might want to check out this website http://childrenandbabiesnoteating.com/ . It has a lot of information on kids who won't eat (including not eating different textures), why they won't eat, and different treatment options. It's a great resource.

Jan 13, 2011
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Not eating table food at all
by: Anonymous

My son is 2 1/2 years old and we have been battling trying to get him to eat table food since 8 or 9 months old. You guys are the only other people I have ever heard of this happening to, wow I actually don't feel as alone anymore. My son still only eats baby food, yogurt, and regular applesauce. An he will drink milk but hates any kind of juice and water. Ever since I have been trying table food he would just throw it on the floor or if I tricked him he would gag on it. He won't even do mashed potatoes.

He has a speech and occupational therapy once a week. He has some sensory issues and I'm wondering if that's why he won't eat textures. He has had an evaluation 2 times for autism and they said he didn't even score close to even being on the spectrum and he was to interactive, so that was ruled out. So I honestly think it is just his sensory issues and the texture bothers him. He has had a swallowing test and they said he was fine. His new speech therapist specializes in feeding issues and he is on a feeding chain program. So far she said to blend a banana with yogurt and add 5 drops orange juice and do that for 3 meals then move up to 10 drops and so on. Also Ive started adding choc or strawberry syrup in his milk and we are up to 10 drops. She said to encourage him to dip a cracker or cookie in his yogurt or applesauce and lick it off. Which he just started doing which is a HUGE step for him:) he will lick ritz crackers and chips but never bite them.

I seriously don't think he understands how to chew food, it is so frustrating and I feel bad for him:( we have a baby on the way in 8 months so I just really hope he is at least eating 1 table food by the time the baby comes:) good luck to all of you!! I completely know what your going through.

Jan 07, 2011
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Dealing with Same Thing
by: Nathan

My son Caleb is 30 months old and still only accepts Pediasure, Whole Milk and baby food. We did finally progress to Stage 3 baby food. Like many of the other children, his weight is normal, probably thanks to the Pediasure. When presented with table food he will always refuse it if the adult attempts to put it in his mouth. If you force it, he will gag himself and vomit. Even something like mashed potatoes. The things he seems to try tend to be sour like he will suck on and chew dill pickle chips but won't swallow and he likes to suck the flavoring off of salt and vinegar potato chips, but he won't chew them; he just takes them out of his mouth once they're soggy.

Dec 17, 2010
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how to get ur 2yr old to eat table food
by: Ruby

My 2yr old would not eat table food and only eat baby food,but what I did was I put a little of the table food mix in with the babyfood making sure that the table food was choped up in very small pieces and as she got use to that small serving I kept adding a lil more until she got used to the table foods texture then thats when I began to add less and less of the baby food.Hope this helps anyone who is going through the same thing:)

Nov 18, 2010
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i am absolutely tired
by: Anonymous

my son is 28 months and only eats blended food. i recently enrolled him in daycare. I m so worried that he will never learn to chem. He will hold food until it gets soft and then he swallows it. I m so tired of this b/c he will occasionally gag/puke. Going out for any trips are always stressful b/c of eating problems. I feel so bad for him and i just dont know how to teach him to chew.i am also worried that once he turns 3 daycare is going to stop feeding him. i just dont know what to do!!!

Nov 18, 2010
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my 3 year old refused table food
by: Candice

my daughter was a preemie and on a feeding tube the first year of her life and we switched to table food and now she is refusing it all together. she will be 3 in January and chooses baby food over table foods. Any advise, suggestions anything please i am willing to try anything at this point

Nov 12, 2010
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food ideas
by: Anonymous

Has anyone tried making a homemade version of the "junk" foods that their child likes? Chips and french fries can be made at home with regular or sweet potatoes. If your child likes chocolate make them zucchini, sweet potato, or squash brownies or cake. If they like crunchy make homemade vegetable crackers using store bought stage 1 or 2 purees so they are smooth. If they like spicy let them dip stuff in spicy dip or put hot pepper on their food. Things like vanilla wafers could be made at home. If they like sausage or chicken nuggets again those can be made at home and you could put veggies in also. Not only would it be easy but healthier than the store bought versions.

Nov 09, 2010
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2yr old that won't eat anything!!!!
by: Anonymous

My little baby cousin is 2 years old, and he had cohlic for about the first 3-5 months of his life. Now that he is older he won't eat anything except baby food. Sometimes he won't even eat that, and he will be very picky and not eat anything. When my aunt puts real food in front of him he screams, crys, and throws uncontrollable tantrums. The only thing he will eat is dry cheerios, and if they are wet he will not eat them and put them to the side. She has tried everything, and nothing works. He was in speech therapy for awhile and he now has an OT. Nothing has been helping. He has been getting thinner, and our family is really worried about him. They live in Missouri while all of us live in Ohio and she has nobody to help her out, except her husband. Now she had another baby that is 3 months, which is a lot more stress. She just took his bottle away and he won't drink out of a sippy cup either, and hasn't had anything to drink for about 3 weeks. They said he has sensory issues, but we don't know what to do. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Jul 26, 2010
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update on Emma Grace
by: Jessica Fillmore

Hello everyone I wanted to up date everyone on Emma Grace and how things are going. Next month she will be 3 and we are now on a 24mth old level with her speech.And we have gotten her to touch some table foods and EVEN SUCK on some chips. We are making great improvement everyday with her. She will start preschool in August I am very worried about her sticking out but she will have some great teachers to watch out and help her. Not only does Emma Grace have SPD but we found out through a blood test that she has turner's syndrome. She's missing her y chromosome. Even though this haven't turned out the way I thought it would, I am thankful for the journey. I have became a stronger person because of this. And I have realize what was really important. My heart goes out to everyone who has a child with special needs. Thank you. Jessica Fillmore

Jul 13, 2010
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2 1/2 year old TWINS!
by: Anonymous

My twins will not eat regular food besides Nilla Wafers, teddy grahams and cherrios. That is the extent of the food my boys eat. We offer them stuff and one of them pushes it away, the other will lick it. I know they can chew, they chew the heck out of those Nilla wafers. I don't know what to do. I spend about $60 a week just in baby food. And now they are getting picky even with the baby food. I know sometimes toddlers just don't want to eat, but I know they have to be hungry. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Please email me at kdouglas_1119@yahoo.com

Jun 02, 2010
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At my wits end!
by: Nicole

Hi I have an 20 month old son who will only eat food that is put threw our baby food grinder. He drinks two strawberry pedisure daily and drinks otherwise whole milk. I feel like I am at my wits end with him- I give him small chopped up table food and he either gags or pushes it on to the floor. I feel responsible like I have enabled him to be this way because I just keep grinding the food, but I can't stand to see him not eat. He is in the 0% percentile for his weight and 85% for his height. He is talking a lot and otherwise seems normal. I am a registered nurse and have spoke to coworkers about this and no one understands- "he will eat, stop grinding his food" is what I constantly hear. It is so nice to hear that my son and I are not the only ones dealing with this. I have spoke to my pediatrician and he does not seem to believe me. I am so frustrated. I just want him to be like the other children he is daycare with. Everyday when I pick him up, his teachers tell me the same thing, "Liam did not eat today" I cry everyday on the way home.

Apr 20, 2010
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Helps to hear other stories
by: Anonymous

I have a 2 1/2 yr old boy who is absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me. We have been dealing with feeding issues since he was 3 months and started refusing a bottle. We also had to feed him in his sleep. The struggles continued as we tried to progress to baby food and then chewable food.

He was diagnosed with dysphagia at 3 months but at this point we believe there is nothing physically wrong with him, just years of terrible food experience built on top of each other. I have force fed, tried to distract, etc. He shows very little interest in food, except for junk food and even that he only eats a little at a time. As of now he will eat basically only crunchy foods. I had been feeding him 3rd baby foods with lots of pediasure and milk powder but he has started refusing to let me feed him that. I understand he wants to be a big boy but he won't eat anything normal. We try offering him mac and cheese, normal toddler food but he acts like he is terrified of it, crying and screaming.

We've been to feeding therapy several times and he seems to take a step forward but we always go back a few steps. I don't know what to do at this point: let him eat the crunchy foods or offer him real food at mealtimes and if he doesn't eat it, don't give him anything else? He's pretty little around 10-20% in his growth. I think one of the hardest things is just feeling like you wish you could just be "normal" and have had a normal experience with your child in regards to eating. My son is so smart and advanced in every area but eating. I'd love to talk to anyone else with similar stories.

Mar 02, 2010
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Struggling
by: Anonymous

My 21 month old girl has milk and soy allergies as well as severe acid reflux. She is bright with a huge vocabulary and ahead of herself developmentally with the exception of eating. At present she will only eat stage 2 baby foods. She drinks a special infant formula (neocate) and typically consume 20-24 oz. of formula via bottle feedings each day. She will not self feed and prefers I (mom) feed her.

We just started OT with her and our OT feels she only has mild sensory processing issues. For now we are attributing the refusal to eat table foods as a defensive mechanism because she's had such bad reflux as well as allergic collitis. It is so tough for our little girl because it seems she is frustrated and she has begun rejecting baby food. She wants table food but when she tries to eat it she throws up or spits the food out before swallowing it. I try to make meal times fun but unfortunately I am running out of ways to get her to eat even baby food.

My best way to get her to eat baby food is to get her focused on something else like coloring or playing with play dough to take her mind off eating. I could use any advice or help other parents might be able to offer me as I am worried.

Nov 29, 2009
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So hard
by: Anonymous

Thank God for this site. I have a beautiful 2 year old who has severe oral/motor defensiveness. as a baby, he survived on only 12 ounces of formula a day..and that was when he was sleeping. nobody would believe me that my baby would not take a bottle..and forget the baby food..he gagged and puked any time the spoon went into his mouth. It has been a horrible struggle for us both.

Today, he is slowly learning to eat food that has been grinded..but he still needs me to feed it to him as he hates how it feels on his hands.and, we still have alot of gagging and puking. His doctor insisted at 10 months that he was autistic, but at 18 months changed her mind as he is a very social child that engages well with his environment(not to mention his 500+ word vocabulary and his natural talent for singing)that is when spd came in.

It has been sooo hard. he is a tiny little thing and i worry endlessly about his nutrition.He will drink carnation instant breakfast(three a day)and other then that it is a bite here and a bite there.

It is so hard to explain to people..as they think they know better. No matter what i say, everybody insists on shoving food in his mouth..only to discover he will puke(like at thanksgiving)my best friend has a toddler and when ever they come over, she tries to feed my son and I repeatedly tell her jonas does not like to have food shoved in his face..please stop offering it to him..he will eat when and only when he is really hungry.it is sooo frustrating.

Thank you all so much for this website. melissa

Oct 03, 2009
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Picky Eaters
by: Anonymous

We feel your pain and frustration we have been dealing with our 3yr old grandson with his picky eating since he was bout 12mos he was in OT and helped so much but from what we learned he will always have food issues, as you both have pointed out they have to have spicy an or sweets. Its because they are oral hypo sensitive, the spicy food 'wakes' up their senses Jaxson eats sausage patties for every meal.... chicken nuggets and chocolate milk choc pudding apple slices on a good day, sour cream and cheddar chips. When we have meals we make his sausage or chicken but we also offer him what we eat, he may play in it or just push it away but at least we offer it. He is at average weight for his age and very intelligent our greatest fear is what happens when he starts school? Hes been around kids his age and wants so much to eat the things they do but just cant its very sad. Good luck to both of you, let me know if you find something that works for you , we are in this together.

Oct 01, 2009
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I am right there with you-I have a 3 year old girl with the same problem!
by: Carrie

I don't know if you believe me, but I have the same-my daughter didn't even take a bottle. We have been putting formula/now whole milk powder in a baby food entree and fruit jar(1 jar each) and force feeding this since she was 8 months old. I have put her in a feeding program-contact your nearest early intervention specialist or OT and they should know of OT's trained in this or a feeding program-I don't know where you live, but UC Davis hospital in Sacramento Ca has a wonderful feeding program with pediatricians specially trained in this and also Easter Seals-Kinzey Murphy is the speech pathologist who runs their feeding program is wonderful!

My daughter still doesn't eat on her own, but is finally drinking chocolate milk-oh yes, she didn't drink willingly either! She eats some crackers too-we have the same problem with her being attracted to very spicy/sour things! Please feel free to email me, I have exactly the same issue and would love to help you in any way I can. cmiskawi@sbcglobal.net
Good Luck and keep at it, she will make progress!

Jul 14, 2017
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2 year old
by: Toni

My 2 year old is still eating Gerber 3rd Stages. When she didn't move completely over from 2nd to 3rd, I mixed 2nd Stages with a bit of 3rd. Then a week or two later, i.d mixed about half of 2nd Stage with 3rd.

It.s important to note that I slightly mashed the chunky veggies or fruit with the spoon, but not completely. (I even started baking apples with a touch of butter for a chunkier texture but still with a taste she.d love)

Mixing the stages worked out well because although she's not eating nuggets, fries, pasta & sauce, etc., she managed to try alot of combinations and loves everything from zucchini, and pumpkin, to kale and spinach, with SO much more in between!

The problem started when she began choking on the chunky veggies and fruit. I figured we'd move slower instead of creating a reoccurring gag reflex. Before I knew it we were on 3rd Stage without mixing in any 2nd Stage unless it was a flavor combination I wanted to complete.

So in short, I gradually added 3rd Stage to 2nd until 2nd Stage was eliminated. Also, I mashed SOME of the chunky stuff as not overwhelm her. When I knew she was about have a spoonful with a chunk or two, I would say things like chew chew chew and smile, or praise her for being a BIG girl and eating her BIG girl food! She totally dug that!

Since I noticed she was a choker, for safety precautions I fed her breakfast, lunch & dinner, and she would feed herself the snacks in between like fruit and/or veggie pouches, cheeerios, milk & flavored water. All things I knew she could have without choking. She JUST started eating Vanilla Greek Yogurt on her own. Textures grossed her out. If anything gets on her hand she freaks out!! Not with this yogurt though. She loves it sooo much, she overlooks it.

I recently began cubing string cheese and putting it in with her dinner along with chopped baby kale for texture. Sometimes I boil Ramen noodles and add it to dinner and she's taken to it which makes me happy. I just want to get to a place where there is less sauce and more food.

Her speech is slightly behind. I try not to worry about it with hopes that when she's around other children she.ll pick things up quicker due to multiple voices. Plus, she knows her numbers, alphabet, animals, but i.m patiently waiting for her to communicate with ME.

I blame myself for the food thing because maybe if I had let her play around with textures when she was younger things would be different now. To be honest, every drop of food we had we couldn't afford to waste so when it was time to eat that meant in to the mouth and not the floor.

Also, I have back issues so it wasn't feasible for me to have to clean up too much mess because then I would be a total mess when the time came to pick her up, clean up, etc.

I relate to so many of the stories and know firsthand how frustrating it can get but even though we.re not there yet, I know there is light at the end of this tunnel. Like I read somewhere else, it was something like we know our kids won.t eat baby food in college so don't give up!!!!

May 04, 2014
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Five year old who survives off baby formuls
by: Susan

I have a five year old little girl who was diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome at birth. She hardly eats anything, and I mean ANYTHING! She survives off her Pediasure toddler formula, and the only other things she will eat are sweets, like cookies, poptarts, youghurt, and ice cream! I'm not exaggerating. We've tried everything to get her to eat nutritional food. She gets so upset she'll choke and vomit, and sometimes even panic. She is my 11th child (yep, you read that right -- eleven kids), so I can claim to be an experienced mom. But in this case, I am totally helpless! I'm terrified about the cavities she's going to end up with! She also has sensory issues (hairbrushing, etc.) and autism spectrum disorder.

Sep 26, 2012
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FRUSTRATED
by: koko

DOES NOT EAT
MY GRANDSON IS 2YRS 7MOS. ONLY EATS DRY SNACKS PRETZELS, CRACKERS, CHIPS,DRY CEREAL, HE USED TO EAT BABY FOOD WHEN HE WAS 4MOS OUT OF A SPOON AND USE TO EAT MASHED POTATOES ALSO. NOW HE WON'T EAT NOTHING. I MEAN NOTHING

Feb 15, 2011
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19 month old baby ,wont chew.
by: Viktoria

My 19 month old son wont chew at all. wont eat crackers,nothing. he will leak it only. If i cook potato s veggies or smash bananas into purees he wont eat it either, only if i mix it with baby food and only if i put a very small amount so he cant taste the difference. i get frustrated and give up for days and dont try and i hate myself for that. My son was also bottle fed since he was born, which i regret and feel terrible for my decision , i think that may be a problem too why we are having these problems with him... but it was a little out of my control too since he was born i get sick and it took them weeks to figure out that i needed my gallbladder removed and i was on medications. on top of everything my mom blames me too .

Try Try and mix regular food w/ baby food thats what people tell me to do. As long as he is healthy im happy! i think everyone should try more often . and dont give up. dont get lazy ... i know i do. pediatrician said it could be because he is teething too,,,,and just try. try and try every day. couple of times a day. and eat with him same time. !

Jan 12, 2010
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Help please with picky eaters(s)
by: Grace

Hello, I have a 2 year old little boy who suffered very badly from reflux until about six months ago. He vomited violently approximately 10-12 a day. As a result he has oral aversion. We have been seeing a feeding nurse privately for this and he is making very slow progress. He is now at the stage of a 10 month old with his feeding.

I also have a ten month old little girl. Luckily she did not have reflux but she is turning into an incredibly picky eater - I am sick to my stomach every time I try to feed her. She point blank refuses to eat anything textured that she doesn't like. I say "doesn't like" as she will eat biscuits, chocolate etc no problem, but when it comes to giving her mashed carrot/potato etc, she goes hysterical. I have tried everything and now I don't know where to turn. I actually think it must be behavioural as she clearly does not have oral aversion. Does anyone have any advice at all for me? Thanks so much.

Dec 21, 2009
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It doesn't get easier!
by: Lindsay

I have a 3 1/2 year old who is a happy and healthy child. He still only eats a handful of 2nd foods baby food, yogurt and pudding. I give him Pediasure to supplement his diet. He has went through so many tests: MRI, swallow study, ENTs, and has actually had his tonsils out because they thought that may help with his issue. It didn't. He has went to speech therapy and was going to be put in intensive feeding therapy 2 days a week in a hospital that is an hour and a half from our home. Our insurance wouldn't cover it though because he is a healthy weight and height for his age. I believe its because of his supplements he gets. Anyways, I know the frustration that all of you feel.

I agree that it is hard to explain to family and friends what is wrong. Just the other day my brother-in-law shoved an MM in Corbins mouth and he freaked cause he couldn't get it out. I guess he swallowed it whole. I was at work so I did not see it, but if I had, I would have let Brad have it!

It is getting hard for Corbin now because he has a baby brother who is starting to eat baby food. He says that he really wants to eat "big boy" food. He realizes that him and his baby brother are eating the same thing and it makes him feel so sad. I feel like I have tried everything to no avail.

I only wish I would have started therapy when I first realized there was a problem. He was about a year old and showed no interest in table food and everytime I told his doctor he assured me he would grow out of it. At every appt until he was 2 I would mention it and he finally took me seriously. Maybe if he would have referred me sooner, it would have been easier on Corbin. Who knows? Now it is so much of a struggle everyday to try something new. And I feel like I don't have adequate time to work with him. I am a full time nursing student and also work part time. And we have a 4month old. I just wish it was easy.

Apr 29, 2012
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My son is 22 months old
by: Anonymous

My sons is 22 months old and he is very picky about what he likes so I seen a nutrion specialist and she told me to let him add different things to his food to get him to eat it, sometimes it works, other times he wont touch it. And when he does really like something he doesn't chew it he takes big bites and swallows it whole im afraid he will choke on it.

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