Ideas to get child to self feed...

MSUlady said:

Will he eat grown-up food off a fork or spoon if you feed it to him? Or does he only eat mushed up baby food?

If it's the second, I would have him checked out by a certified nutritionist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist. It's possible that he could have a texture aversion, or even have a muscle weakness that doesn't allow him to chew properly. A 2yr old should definitely be able to eat solid foods. If it's a matter of him not wanting to do it, that's one thing, but if it seems like he can't, then I would get him assessed. I hate to sound like a nervous nelly, but if there's something wrong, the earlier you get help for him the better.

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Excellent advice...my 2 yr old would starve himself when we tried to switch from baby to solid foods. My doctor said he wouldn't starve but he would go days with only a few bites of food and then cried all day. His weight began to drop off the chart and was close to being a "failure to thrive". Doctor then order me to supplement his food with pedisure. We also found out he has sensory intergration issues...he just doesn't like certain foods due to shape or color or texture. He is better about eating now but is so picky...we tend to give him alot of the foods he will eat, like those chedder fish crackers, fruit snacks, and of all things Mcdonald french fries. Our Occupational therapist has made us try new foods every day and even if he only plays with it we have made progress.