Out of all the things I didn’t really consider when Liv was a little newborn was having a picky eater. I had read so many blogs about baby’s eating all types of fruits and veggies and baby led weaning. I figured she’d be right there with them.
At the start, we didn’t go baby led weaning route. I just wasn’t comfortable with it. We started out with whole grain oatmeal (Earth’s Best) at 6 months. (Our pediatrician said 5 months, but she HATED it and wasn’t ready…so I tried every couple of days until she liked it.)
Eventually we moved to different purees, whole fat yogurt, sunflower seed butter, avocado, chicken, etc.
Obviously at first she wasn’t taking in much food, but as she got older she ate more. She still isn’t a huge eater, but she does a decent job.
I’ve read many blogs where they talk about what voracious eater’s their kids are and I have to say I’m envious. I really didn’t consider my kid wouldn’t be thrilled with food. I KNOW she’s little and things will change, but I want to let you all know that not every baby is going to love eating.
So far Liv has gone through 2 or 3 food strikes. She literally will barely eat any food during this time. Both times they were basically right around her teeth cutting and lasted about a week. I drive myself nuts during this time trying to get in as much as possible. Smoothies, nut butter mixed in oatmeal or yogurt and avocado toast, etc. When they pass (and I can take a deep breath) I remind myself that it’s just a short stage and it will pass. But during it, when every meal is a fight, it’s extremely draining and frustrating.
I am NO expert on this topic at all. A lot of times, she won’t have anything to do with the dinner that I make Danny and myself and we have to make her something else. I know as she gets older this will improve as we keep offering different foods to her. (Also, when she’s older, I won’t be making multiple meals for multiple kids.)
Liv’s Current Favorite Foods/Meals
- I mix purees and ground flax/chia or hemp into plain whole fat yogurt or oatmeal.
- Pumpkin muffins (I make hers with less sugar than I’d make for us)
- Pouches (obviously not ideal but her favorites are sweet potato/mango/millet & spinach/pea/pear & blueberry/quinoa/oatmeal)
- Avocado spread on ezekial toast drizzled with olive oil <– this is a big one right now
- Quesadillas made on brown rice or whole grain tortillas. I can get a layer of spinach in on these too.
- Eggs & Bacon
- Homemade Pizza
Snacks:
- Cut up apples
- Cut up carrots
- Baked snappeas “chips” (trader joe’s)
- Oat bars I make
- Plum organic fruit snacks (not ideal, but if we’re out she LOVES these)
- Stonyfield yogurt
I can’t wait until she becomes a more varied eater. Every meal time I offer different things, but she’s just not interested in most foods besides staples yet. She used to be obsessed with meat and fish. Now she spits them out. I have to laugh or I’d go crazy.
Can’t wait to see other Munchkin Meals! Thanks to Brittany for putting this together!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
For a “picky eater” she sure eats some really wonderful foods! You’re doing an awesome job mama!!
We’re going through a bit of this right now. My 1 year old has always been a great eater, but lately she isn’t interested in meat. My 3 year old on the other hand has never been a good eater and she still won’t eat anything, but cheese and bread!
Oh that cute face in the last picture! And as Brittany said above, you’re doing a great job with all the varied meals
Sounds like she is getting so many delicious and healthy foods! I know it’s easier to say than to put into motion, but as long as she is maintaining/gaining weight overall, she is likely getting what she needs. Great job mama!
I think she is adorable – the pics – I can’t stand how cute! I know – nothing to do with the post but she is so darn cute!
Does she drink any formula or breastmilk? Or are you offering just solids?