Solid Feeding: How to Get Your Stubborn Baby to EAT!

We've all been there.. right?! Probably! Well, the truth is.. solid feeding is hard. There are soooo many decisions to make and be aware of.

Decision #1 At what age do I start feeding my child solids?!

Well.. in all honestly.. it is up to you! It is recommended that a parent can begin introducing solid between 4-6 months of age. Some parents prefer to wait.. while others do not. A general rules often followed when deciding when to begin solids include: 1) being able to sit upright semi-supported, 2) able to control head, 3) double's birth weight. Please remember that ALL babies achieve milestone's at different points.. none of the "general rules" are set in stone.

Decision #2 Do I jar feed or make my own?!

Again.. this is one of those things that are up to you! There have been many debates on organic vs. non organic.. but when it comes down to it.. intelligent people were both jar fed and homemade fed! I say.. if you have the time and/or energy to make your own babyfood.. go for it! Remember to ask your doctor about which to hold off on and which to give. As far as jar foods go. There are many brands out there, and you now have the option of organic baby food. Gerber, Del Monte, Beechnut, and Earth's Best all provide the same nutrients to your baby.. although there food options very slighty.

Decision #3 How do I get my STUBBORN baby to eat?!

So.. all has been going well.. your baby have enjoyed the solid life. Peaches, squash, applesauce... ahhh the good life! When suddenly one day you can't get them to open their mouth, and their main focus becomes how tasty the high chair straps are. What do you do?! Well... there are options! Please be aware that they are not set in stone for any particular baby. Some may work, while others don't get them to budge.. but I have compiled a list of methods from REAL MOMMIES (including myself) on how they "tricked" their little ones into eating their solids!

1. Airplanes and Choo Choo Trains

• Now if this isn't a classic. While it has not proven successful for me.. it was the top answer in my poll. Lines such as "Choo choo.. the trains coming to the station" and "the airplanes coming in for a landing" tend to be a giggle hit that gets their mouth open long enough to get some food in. Usually they will like it and be willing to take more

2. Mix the Foods Together

• So many your little one is eating.. but won't eat a certain food that they were fine with before. Well.. mix it with another food.. simple enough. It was gathered that the majority of the time this works. P.S. Don't mix fruits and veggies.. no carrots and applesauce! Haha!

3. Do the "Dip" Trick

• This is one of my personal favorites.. haha.. gets them everytime. If you have a  child that is a little older and able to munch on the arrowroot cookies and zwieback toast this may be one to try. As they are munching.. take it away.. dip it in the food of your choice and give it back. You may get strange faces at first.. but after awhile they won't even notice!

4. Babyfood Bottle

• Would your little one take a bottle over the spoon. While this may not be a good long term solution is can be an occasional substitute. There are bottles out there that are specially designed for baby food. As the baby sucks and eats the food.. there is a mechanism that pushes the remaining baby food toward the nipple. I have found them at both Babies 'R Us and Walmart.. but I am sure they may be available other places.

The most important advice I can give.. DO NOT GIVE UP!! In time your little one will come to love.. or just tolerate meal time... but will certainly eat! Goodluck!