My little ones - Eating Problem

My little ones Sierra who is 9 months now, refuses to eat all of sudden, reason unknown. She would just clamp her mouth and turn away as you try to spoon feed her. It's quite frustrating for a mommy, you keep wondering whether your baby is having enough food and nutrients. My feelings has mixed up, I'm worried at the same time I'm angry with all the hard work of food preparation, but I can't show my feelings as I might pass on some negative impact on her. I need to cool down before I attend to my little ones each time.

After a few days of struggled, I've come to a conclusion that don't show Sierra that you're bother, be relaxed and cool, If she doesn't want to eat that's fine, just let her play and explore the food given to her, that way she might get some of the food in her mouth while playing. When she is in the mist of playing, you can try to feed her, and you would be very surprised she eats the food. The amount she takes may be insignificant to you, but it's alright so long as she gets something in. Just trust your baby that 's all what she wants. I know it's hard to remain calm when you see all the mess she makes and it seems nothing much she is getting, but being angry doesn't do any good on her behaviour. Refusal of food should be just temporarily, normally lasts about not more 1 week, over the days the eating problem should be improved.

Sierra 's eating problem has turns my life upside down, from worry to being innovative. I think maybe it's time for her to tell me 'Mommy, I'm bored of eating the same old food, texture and flavor, please do something about it, I'm little people and I want choices!' I've done some of the review of the food that I always prepare for her, it's kind of boring, I wouldn't want to eat either... haha. As you know, Chinese always like to cook everything all in one pot -porridge, it 's so boring.

I'm actually quite impress with myself with all the ideas to make Sierra eats, I started making smoothies for her ever morning, I would blend mixed fresh fruits, soy milk, yogurt and ice cream(optional)and serve it with the straw cup, and so far she drink it quite well, at least that's something for her morning if she doesn't eat much for breakfast. Sometimes I would sneak in her cereal, and that's the carbo I wanted her to take. Self feeding is a milestone that every baby will eventually go through. I know it's hard when a 9 months old baby don't know how to spoon feed herself, therefore by offering finger food helps. Whatever you cook, make sure it's soft enough so that she could feed herself. Sierra eats better and happier by feeding herself even though not a lot, and less stressful for me too. Sometimes my girl would just play with the food or being choosy at certain foods, so I would make rice balls and coated with mashed vege and egg yolk or minced meat, I know it sound funny and very troublesome, but to think about it, you don't really care about all the hard works as all you want is just make sure she eats well.

I think it's working, Sierra begins to eat better now. Sometimes babies in a way telling you that she's trying to be independent by feeding herself, so just be positive and encourage. By your positive response and praise etc, who knows your baby 'll becomes a good eater in future. Just be patient and bear in mind that don't force them to eat, babies are also like us adult, they wants choices and rights...just honour it.

After I've sorted all out, I feel better, Sierra 'eating behaviour gets better, and meal time is fun and relax. Just remember babies won't starve themselves to death, If they're hungry, they 'll clear everything that is offered to them, they're smart creature and sometimes they're just trying to test your limits and boundaries.The more you show them your anxieties and worries, the more they protest until you give in.

So, to all the mommies....Don't worry and be happy!