Toddler feeding issues
 

I have never met any person with the same problems we have with my son. Maybe someone on here has and can give me some help.

My son is going to be 3 in February and he will not eat solid food!!!! Ever since he was about 9 months old, the only thing he will eat is stage 2 baby foods, and Teddy Grahams. He has a problem with textures (except for the Teddy Grahams) and will refuse anything else. If he gets food in his mouth with any texture, he will gag and vomit.

When he was about a year and a half old, we were having an occupational therapist come out to our house through a government program that helps young kids with all kinds of special needs. They informed us then that there is nothing physically wrong with my son, he was just being stubborn. I had some problems with the therapist, she came out to my house only about 3 times, and was lying to her boss saying that she was showing up when she wasn't. I was in the process of finding a new therapist, when my son was diagnosed at 2 with type 1 diabetes. So that was kind of put on the back burner.

Now that we have got this diabetes thing pretty much figured out, it is really starting to bother me that he won't eat solid food. He won't even eat Teddy Grahams anymore. The program that he was in before doesn't offer services after the age of 3, and his doctor is no help at all.

I really don't know what to do. One of these days, the calories in baby food is not going to be enough for him. And I can't just withhold the baby food, thinking eventually he will get hungry and eat solids, because he is diabetic. Help!!!!! Anyone!!!!

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

Wow, that sounds really frustrating and worrisome! What does his pediatrician say?

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

He is in the 75th percentile for his weight, so they don't really act like they care. They just give us a strange look when we have to remind them he still eats baby food.

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

It is sooo embarassing when we are at the grocery and have about 70 jars of baby food in the cart. People look at the baby food, then at my son. You can see on their faces that they are very confused, lol!!!!

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

So there's no nutritional problem if he doesn't learn to eat & digest solid foods? As long as he gets enough calories, it's fine? For some reason, I thought eating solids was a necessity--not just a dietary preference. Hmmmm....

If your son's doctor seems like he doesn't "care", then change pediatricians. His doctor should be very happy to discuss problems with you, in his office at great length if necessary (the real one with the desk), and if he isn't providing satisfactory answers or interest, I suggest a new doctor.

You need to ask lots of questions at the doctor's office and push your weight around a little. The squeaky wheel (the loudest patient) gets the grease. I like doctors who take the time to dialogue with patients, and answer all my questions, tedious or not! :thumbsup

Don't worry about silly people at the grocery store. Your son is way more important than they are. :)

On a practical note, have you tried making his food in the blender or food processor instead of buying it? Is it the texture he has trouble with? Is it the fact that the baby food is smooth that makes it more palatable? Or the fact that it's bland? Does he eat anything with texture, like crackers or dry cereal?

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

I would suggest processing your own food for him. They have those hand crank baby food grinders with a variety of coarseness. Try gradually using a larger screen till you can mash the carrots and other foods with a fork.

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

I agree with MissB, change doctors.

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

Me too! Change doctors! That doesn't sound like a doctor that is highly concerned about your child's welfare...a pediatrician would be a recommendation as well...

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

I agree...sounds scary to me...please change doctors.

Re: Toddler feeding issues
 

Change doctors is my recommendation, too. You need someone who will take you seriously on this.

He won't eat anything else? Candy, fruit, french fries.... nothing?