New to site and my LO wont eat or feed herself :(

[peagirl989]

Hi everyone, Ive been on Ak before, but didnt notice a forum!

My LO is just over 21 months old and since around 8 months it has been a CONSTANT battle with food. I feel so drained from it, i am at my wits end. Every meal she doesnt want to eat, even things she used to like, she wont try new things etc.

She chucks her food and beaker on the floor and she wont feed herself with a spoon. How can i try and get her to do it herself? She can use her fingers fine to pick things up, which if she wasnt so fussy would make it easier, but i cant just put some veg and pots or salad on her plate as she will just chuck them, wont even try them

She will sometimes use a fork to pick up something, but spoon is a no go.

Any tips on how to make her eat and do it herself? I feel like she doesnt want me to feed her, but doesnt want to do it herself. Ive tried leaving her to it and that didnt work, i never offer anything else so nearly every day she goes hungry which i feel awful about.

[dara07]

Have you tried putting food directly on high chair tray or try have an indoor picnic!

[rachaelmae]

Is she in a highchair?

Do you eat together? I would get her up at the table all eat together, if she throws food ignore it and when she does it some lots of praise! just ignore the throwing completely.

Dont worry about how she eats (spoon/fingers etc) stop feeding her and leave her to it.

And try not to stress, i know its hard but the main thing is that meals are fun and stress free, if she doesnt eat just take whats left away with no comment.

and repeat... LOL its a long process but honestly they get there in the end!

[Marthasmummy]

Have you tried reading a story to her at mealtimes? Both of my girls went through this fussy phase but a good picture book had them both opening their mouths like goldfish! When they have lunch at my mums on the day I work she puts nursery rhyme CDs on at mealtimes and says that works just as well- distraction is the answer!!