Aidin has not really been eating her solids for her dad and I. All she wanted all weekend was whatever we had (table foods) and that is what I mostly gave her. But this morning she ate solids *just fine* for the sitter and was still hungry afterwards and she gave her some bagel. The sitter said she does not do anything different or out of the ordinary. I use the same high chair, I make sure there are not any distractions but after a few bites we get to the point that she will refuse to open her mouth. This has been going on since she started solids. She will finish whole 4oz jars for the sitter, but we are lucky to get her to eat 2oz. But, she will only take between 7-8oz of formula all together in a 8 hour period for the sitter, but at home she will do 10-15oz for me in the same period.

Now I know she eats bottles better for me, by why the heck can her father and I not get her to eat solids like she does for the sitter?

Also, she does not like to be held while eating by anyone?

Oh geesh, I don't know what to tell you. I think it must be a thing with all kids, or at least gerdlings. There are times when dh can't feed Lauren her pm bottle, she'll only take it for me. Don't know why.

Does she like to feed herself? Maybe she doesn't want anyone feeding her either. What kind of solids are you feeding her? Nothing different from the sitter? Maybe have the sitter move in...lol.

Ugh...so frustrating, isn't it?

Is there something different the sitter uses? A diffierent bowl or spoon? Perhaps she prefers that? What about the environment..is it more noiser or more quiet at one place or the other? Just trying to think through the other things....

Maybe have the sitter move in...lol.


LOL, nice. I do not think my place is big enough for her and her kids.. good suggestion though ;-)

Ugh...so frustrating, isn't it?

Is there something different the sitter uses? A diffierent bowl or spoon? Perhaps she prefers that? What about the environment..is it more noiser or more quiet at one place or the other? Just trying to think through the other things....

Um, it is noiser at her house (the other kids that she watches or there) and I supply the food. I even bought the same high chair.

Do the other kids eat at the same time? Maybe she just wants to be like them. But I'd be more willing to be that she just likes to push your buttons. (Sorry -- but kind of like how kids save their meltdowns for their parents.) Also, your sitter is probably less stressed about feeding her.

Do you eat when she eats? You said she wants table food, so maybe she's too focussed on yours to eat her own. Can you lay off the baby food and move on to more table food if that is what she's interested in?

That is a good point. Someone on my preemie list also made a good point that since she drinks more from her bottles for me, that she is just not as hungry for the solids and vice versa.

What do you think?

Do you eat when she eats? You said she wants table food, so maybe she's too focussed on yours to eat her own. Can you lay off the baby food and move on to more table food if that is what she's interested in?

It is a mix. I tend to *snack* through the day (and I wonder where she gets it from..lol) Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't but that does not seem to make a difference if I am or not when I try to feed her.

I am just a first time mommy concerned that I might be giving table foods to early (even though the ped wanted her on them at 9 months) since she was a preemie and does have so many feeding/reflux issues.

Plus, I am worried if she is getting enough or if I am feeding her the right things (for example she LOVES turkey dogs, but are those bad for her).

Can you tell I am a first time mommy...LOL. ;-)

I'm a first time mom too... and I don't think Aidin eating table foods is too early. She's almost a year and I know some on the boards have fed their kiddos table food earlier than that.

And I would think that maybe turkey dogs are better than the regular hot dogs. At least it sounds healthier...lol. Lauren eats whatever we're eating, but I make sure she has a fruit and veg at each meal. I leave the proteins more for dinner and the carbs for lunch.

Monica, I would stick with the Gerber meat sticks. Is that what you're talking about? Even though they also have some preservatives, I believe, they ingredient list is a fraction of the length of regular hot dogs. Now, its not like Noah has ever had these, lol, but I would think that they would taste similar. I've seen other kids inhale them. Also, you are fine with giving her table foods. Just try to stick to plain foods that don't have added sugar or preservatives. At least this has been my motto when we first tried to introduce some finger foods with Noah. There are all kinds of finger food ideas by the baby food. I think those little Gerber Graduate microwave meals look good!

The turkey dogs I get her have the same ingredients as the Gerber meat sticks. Actually, we just started doing the Gerber Stage 3 meals. She is kinda picky with what she likes with those.

Being a preemie she is really only 8 months in terms of size and development and that is why I was concerned.

What about the veggie hot dogs..the no meat things? My sister is a vegetarian now and loves them. Maybe they are a little better? I haven't checked them out for J yet. My nephew just turned 1 and he loves the veggie chicken nuggets too!

Is that like tofu?

I give her organic everything at this point also. At least I try..lol.

Kind of like tofu...they are made of veggies, soy proteins, things like that. Usually very low on sodium and high in protein. Look for brands like Morningstar, Gardenburger, etc. My regular Grocery carries them.

Which section?

In the freezer section. These are actually good "first" real foods as soy protein products are softer than meat or chicken. I might try some "chicken" nuggets on Catherine. I never thought about those for her, and if she won't eat them, I will!

I usually find the veggie dogs near the Produce section, believe it or not..or where ever they have the Tofu. Lesley is right about the nuggets being in the Freezer section.

If your regular store doesn't have them, which would surprise me, then go to a natural food store Whole Foods or Wild Oats. But, I've found all of these things at Walmart lately!

Oh - I got some instant mashed potatoes today after reading this thread. How do your little ones eat them? Just put them on the tray? Sounds like a dumb question, I'm sure. He hasn't quite figured out how to get things off the tray and into his mouth, but will take it from your hand.

My first daughter used to eat tomatoes and apples for my grandmother (her sitter). I have NEVER seen her eat either. In fact, she still refuses and she's three!