Name: Trina
Problem: My 6 1/2 month old does not like baby food or baby cereal. He is always very hungry for the bottle, but not food. Any suggestions as to what I could try? I've tried several things (cereal in the bottle, different kinds of baby food). He stares at us and our food and tries to grab it, so I know he's interested. I'm tired of waking up in the night. Ideas? Thanks!
Solution posted by "Patty": I understand how frustrating it can be to try and get food down a hungry baby. Especially when it determines whether or not they'll sleep through the night. I've been through this twice and it has worked for me both times. Even though my mother-in-law thought I was crazy for doing it. My husband and I make our own baby food with our food processor. It tastes much better than most any baby food you can buy. Regular things like peas, carrots, apples, peaches, sweet potato, squash, spinach (they may like things you don't), etc. we cook them until they are just done then puree them in the food processor, spoon them into ice cube trays, freeze them. Once frozen you can put the cubes into labeled freezer bags. Cereals like rice, oats, etc. we grind up dry then cook them and freeze them the same way or store them ground (dry) add water to a spoonful or two cereal and microwave it in a bowl to cook it. It sounds like a lot of work but a few hours worth of preparation can last a baby a whole month or more.
In addition to putting appealing food in front of the baby we also allow baby to participate in feeding him/herself. I get spoon and you get spoon. Make it a game make it fun and let them feel like they have some control. Sometimes I just set it in front of them, after several failed attempts to try to force the food down, and let them do it all on their own. What they wouldn't have anything to do with before now becomes fun for them and (I know it's messy) in just a few months they can eat with a spoon on their own without making a mess. Even my mother-in-law is impressed.
Best of luck to you. Patty
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