Nine month old not self feeding anymore.

Every since my daughter was 6 months she has been able to self feed herself with a spoon. It was messing and I would feed her myself with a seperate spoon to make sure she got something in, but for the most part she did it herself and loved it. She just turned 9 months and refuses to self feed now. I put the spoon on the tray and she will wail until I feed her. As soon I I feed her she stops crying but if I put the spoon on her tray she will agian just cry. I'm unsure of whats cuasing this behavior. Nothing changed- Her schedule, she doesn't seem sick at all. Everything is normal and like it always was except for this. Even if I try to put the spoon in her hand and lead it to her mouth she cries. Any suggestions on how I can get her to feed herself agian. Or at least an idea as to why this is happening?

*Note: Its just with the spoon feeding. She will drink from a sippy cup by her self and pick up a cheerio and feed herself.

posted August 20, 2007 - 3:35pm

Comments

pattireis00 wrote 1 year 13 weeks ago

The fact that this is only happening with a spoon makes me wonder if the spoon could be hurting her mouth. Which makes me think she might be teething. Different teeth cause different types and amounts of pain for babies, so even if she already has some teeth and didn't have this problem last time around I wouldn't rule it out. You might try letting her have a chilled teether a few minutes before mealtime, or try a different type of spoon. Not sure what you're using now, but there are some good soft options out there. Or you can try whatever other teething remedies you're comfortable using if those simple things don't work.

Finally, at 9 months I wouldn't sweat it too much if you have to hand-feed her for awhile. My daughter also started using a spoon on her own quite early like yours did. (She insisted on it, actually. Big smiley ) I can't remember for sure, but I'm fairly certain there were times I had to feed her instead of her feeding herself. It won't last forever, and I know kids who didn't learn to feed themselves until they were well over a year. There's really no hurry; they all figure it out eventually! And you're already ahead of the game, she already knows the basics.

Patti
SAHM in SF Bay Area

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Jessica888 wrote 45 weeks 6 days ago

Hi there!
I have a nine month old and am going through some feeding battles as well. Probably the most common cause teething. Also, At this time babies often are more interested in feeding themselves with their fingers. It is a skill that once they learn they enjoy. I do not necessary think she has lost the skill of a spoon, but just may be less interested for now. The fact that she has learned this skill and is learning new ones shows her learning curve is developmentally right on the money. Just wait a bit, keep trying. I am sure she will show interest again. Good luck! You sound like like you have a bright little pumpkin on you hands though!

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